Over nearly five decades in Hollywood, Liam Neeson has played some of the screen’s most memorable characters—from a wise Jedi Master to a compassionate hero in dark times, a grieving widower, and, most famously, a relentless father in Taken that propelled him to action stardom.
Now, at 72, Neeson is contemplating retirement from action films, admitting he’s unsure if he can keep up with the intense physical demands. “It has to end at some point,” he shared, hinting that his days of throwing punches may be winding down.
Liam Neeson’s illustrious career has spanned a variety of genres, highlighting his versatility. The Irish actor first rose to fame in the early 1990s with his acclaimed portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List, earning him widespread recognition and award nominations.
Through the following years, Neeson built a diverse portfolio, from romantic dramas to his turn as a Jedi Master in Star Wars. But in 2008, he reinvented himself as an action hero with Taken, where his character’s “very special set of skills” became instantly iconic. This shift surprised fans of Love Actually, who saw him transition into high-stakes thrillers in his mid-50s, proving his appeal across film genres.
Taken became a blockbuster, and Neeson’s portrayal of Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent determined to save his kidnapped daughter, deeply resonated with audiences. “It just seemed to have touched something in the psychic nerve of moviegoing audiences,” he told People in an October 2024 interview.
The character of Mills became an iconic action role, with Neeson’s famous phone threat solidifying him as an unlikely but compelling action hero. The success of Taken led to two sequels and a host of other action roles, making Neeson a trusted name in the genre.
Hans Petter Moland, who directed Neeson in Cold Pursuit (2019) and the upcoming Thug, noted Neeson’s unique intensity. “When he’s deeply in character, you can see the hurt and pain. He really becomes that person,” Moland said.
Despite his successful action career, Neeson has shared that he’s considering stepping back due to his age. Even at 72, he continues to do many of his own stunts, working closely with his longtime stunt double, Mark Vanselow, who has coordinated his stunts since Taken. Neeson has maintained, “You can’t fool audiences. I don’t want Mark to be doing my fight scenes.”
The Oscar-nominated actor reflected, “Maybe by the end of next year. I think that’s it.” But Neeson isn’t saying goodbye to acting altogether—he’s simply changing lanes.
In a surprising turn, he’s ready to take on comedy. Neeson recently wrapped filming on The Naked Gun, a remake of the 1988 comedic crime classic. In the 2025 film, Neeson will play the beloved detective Frank Drebin, originally portrayed by Leslie Nielsen, with Baywatch star Pamela Anderson as his co-star.
“I’m totally smitten with her. I can’t say enough good things. She’s incredibly funny,” Neeson said, while admitting he’s nervous about comedy, saying, “I really don’t know if I can pull it off.” However, Anderson assured fans that he’s simply being modest. “It was hard to keep a straight face during our scenes together,” she told People.
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Benefits of Placing Your Mobile Face Down on a Table
The Benefits of Placing Your Mobile Phone Face Down
The orientation of your mobile phone when placed on a table may seem trivial, but it can significantly impact both the device and the user. Opting to position your phone face down when not in use offers several advantages:
1. Prevents Dust and Liquid from Damaging the Screen
Placing your phone with the screen facing up increases the likelihood of dust accumulating and adhering to the display. When cleaning, coarse dust particles may inadvertently scratch the screen or tempered glass.
Additionally, accidental spills or food particles can come into contact with the screen, potentially affecting its clarity and responsiveness. By keeping the phone face down, you reduce exposure to these risks and help maintain the display’s longevity.
2. Protects the Camera Lens from Scratches
Many modern smartphones feature protruding rear camera lenses, such as those on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Placing the phone face up exposes the camera lenses to direct contact with the surface, increasing the risk of scratches. Scratched lenses can significantly degrade photo and video quality, affecting the overall user experience.
Some may worry about potential screen scratches when placing the phone face down. However, most smartphones today are equipped with anti-scratch coatings or tempered glass protection, minimizing this concern. In case of minor scratches, replacing the screen protector is relatively simple, whereas repairing a damaged camera lens can be more complex and costly.
To further protect your device, ensure that the table surface is clean and free from rough particles before placing your phone face down.
3. Enhances Privacy and Security
Leaving your phone face up can expose personal notifications and messages to anyone nearby. This may lead to unintended privacy breaches, especially when receiving sensitive information, such as financial alerts or confidential messages.
By placing the phone face down, you prevent others from seeing incoming notifications, thereby maintaining your privacy and security.
4. Reduces Distractions and Enhances Focus
A constantly lit screen with incoming notifications can be highly distracting, especially during work or study sessions. While notifications are useful, they can disrupt concentration and productivity.
Positioning the phone face down helps reduce distractions, allowing for better focus on tasks at hand. Alternatively, enabling Do Not Disturb mode or silencing notifications can further enhance concentration.
5. Minimizes Screen Damage in Your Pocket
When carrying your phone in a pocket, placing it face down can help prevent accidental screen damage caused by contact with keys, coins, or rough surfaces. Additionally, it reduces direct exposure to battery heat, which may cause discomfort or skin irritation.
Conclusion
Keeping your phone face down when not in use provides multiple benefits, from protecting the screen and camera to enhancing privacy and focus. Next time you set your phone down, consider flipping it over—it’s a simple habit that can make a significant difference.
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