Liam Neeson, the acclaimed Northern Irish actor, has captivated audiences for decades with his versatile performances. However, as he approaches his 70s, the veteran star has decided to bid farewell to the action genre that has defined the second half of his illustrious career. In a candid interview with People magazine, Neeson reflects on his journey, the impact of his iconic role in "Taken," and his plans for the future.

Bidding Adieu to the Action Realm: Neeson's Retirement Announcement

The Twilight of an Action-Packed Era

Liam Neeson's decision to retire from action movies comes as a bittersweet moment for his legions of fans. The actor, who is now 72 years old, acknowledges that the physical demands of the genre have become increasingly challenging. "I'm 72—it has to stop at some stage," Neeson tells People, recognizing the need to step away from the high-octane roles that have defined his career in recent years.Neeson's transition from dramatic roles to action-oriented films began in 2008 with the release of "Taken," a thriller that unexpectedly struck a chord with moviegoers. The film's success, Neeson says, "seemed to have touched something in the psychic nerve of moviegoing audiences." This unexpected turn of events propelled the actor into a new phase of his career, one that has seen him star in a dozen or more action-packed movies over the past 16 years.

Passing the Torch: Acknowledging the Stunt Doubles' Contributions

As Neeson contemplates his retirement, he is mindful of the toll that these physically demanding roles have taken on his body and the contributions of his longtime stunt double, Mark Vanselow. "You can't fool audiences," Neeson says, acknowledging that he no longer wants his stunt double to be "fighting my fight scenes for me." This recognition of the essential role played by stunt performers in action movies underscores Neeson's commitment to maintaining the integrity of his performances.

Timing the Transition: Neeson's Projected Retirement Timeline

Neeson has provided a clear timeline for his retirement from the action genre, stating that he plans to step away from these roles by the end of 2025 or possibly even sooner, by the end of next year. "Maybe the end of next year. I think that's it," he tells People, signaling the imminent conclusion of this chapter in his illustrious career.

A Versatile Performer: Exploring New Horizons

While Neeson's action-oriented roles have captivated audiences in recent years, the actor's career has been marked by a remarkable versatility. People magazine notes that comedy might be the "third act" of Neeson's career, as he has recently wrapped filming for a reboot of the classic comedy "The Naked Gun," in which he portrays the iconic character of Lt. Frank Drebin.This shift towards comedic roles suggests that Neeson is eager to explore new creative avenues and challenge himself as an actor. His willingness to embrace different genres and take on diverse characters is a testament to his enduring talent and his desire to continuously evolve as a performer.

A Lasting Legacy: Neeson's Indelible Mark on the Action Genre

Liam Neeson's retirement from action movies will undoubtedly leave a significant void in the genre. The actor's portrayal of complex, gritty characters with a penchant for taking down adversaries has become a hallmark of his later career. From the relentless pursuit of his daughter's kidnappers in "Taken" to his role as a former CIA operative in the "Taken" franchise, Neeson has left an indelible mark on the action genre.As he prepares to bid farewell to these high-octane roles, Neeson's legacy will continue to inspire and influence a new generation of action stars. His ability to seamlessly blend physical prowess with emotional depth has set a new standard for the genre, and his contributions will be long-remembered by fans and industry peers alike.