- Rarely seen famous actor Liam Neeson turns 72 today (June 7) and a picture of him appearing with messy gray hair, last year, sparked commentary from social media users.
- The “Schindler’s List” actor raised his two sons alone after becoming a widower.
- His younger son Daniel doesn’t follow in his dad’s footsteps, yet Liam still supports him.
Hollywood star Liam Neeson, 72, and his late wife, Natasha Richardson, had a beautiful marriage and welcomed two sons into the world before tragedy struck their family. What was meant to be a fun occasion turned into the family’s last moments with Natasha, who sadly died.
Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson during the “Chanel” Costume Institute Gala Opening at the Metropolitan Museum of Art – Departures at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Liam raised his sons alone after Natasha passed away with the guidance of his mother-in-law. At 72, he is still a loving and supportive father to his two boys and has never remarried, despite his sons finding love.
Liam Neeson and one of his sons at the premiere of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” in New York City in 2002. | Source: Getty Images
Liam Neeson and Natasha were raising their sons, Micheál Richardson and Daniel Neeson, together when she passed away at 45. Her demise happened in March 2009 when she and her son, Michael, were on a ski trip in Quebec, Canada.
Natasha Richardson with her sons, Micheál Richardson and Daniel Neeson, at the Broadway opening of “Billy Elliot The Musical” in New York City on November 13, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
The actress fell and hit her head on the beginner’s slope at Mont Tremblant. Although Natasha was not wearing a helmet when she fell, she didn’t think anything had gone seriously wrong and even refused medical attention when an ambulance arrived on the scene.
Natasha Richardson at “The White Countess” in New York City in 2005. | Source: Getty Images
The ski patrol and her ski instructor escorted Natasha back to her hotel room. Meanwhile, Liam was in Toronto filming a movie, and she called him to let him know what had happened, simply saying, “Oh, darling, I’ve taken a tumble in the snow.”
Natasha Richardson and actor Liam Neeson attend the American Ireland Fund’s 33rd Annual New York Gala Fundraiser at The Tent at Lincoln Center in New York City on May 8, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
While she seemed healthy, doctors later said Natasha had experienced a “lucid interval,” which means someone with a severe brain injury can appear normal for a while. Still, there is bleeding in the brain, causing fatal pressure. Her condition was called an “epidural hematoma.”
Three hours after the fall, another ambulance was called, and Natasha’s assistant called Liam to tell him he had better come to see her. He did so immediately and was told she was brain-dead when he arrived.
Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson at the premiere of “Schindler’s List” in 1993. | Source: Getty Images
Doctors showed the actor her brain scan so he could see the extent of her injury and understand her position. The “Taken” actor went into his wife’s hospital room and told her he loved her but that she would not recover from this injury.
Liam revealed that he and Natasha had made a pact that they would like to be taken off life support if either of them were ever in this position. Even though it broke his heart, Liam knew it was what he had to do.
Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson at the premiere of “Dreamgirls” in New York City in 2006. | Source: Getty Images
While Natasha lost her life, Liam said she saved three other people’s lives as they had donated her lungs, heart, and kidneys. The actor said he thought his wife would think it was beautiful that she could help others, but her death still doesn’t feel real to him.
Liam Neeson arriving with family for Natasha Richardson’s funeral service in Lithgow, New York on March 22, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
As for how Natasha and Liam’s sons turned out, their eldest son followed in his father’s footsteps and became an actor. However, his younger brother decided to pursue a different path in life, and it all started with something he learned in school.
Who Neeson’s Son Daniel Became After Finding Love With A Girl Who Has A Similar Name to His Late Mom?
Daniel was just 12 years old when his mother passed away and said that she had been his inspiration for everything he has done in his life because she always told him to follow his passions. Speaking to this, he disclosed: “She was one of my biggest role models.”
The now 27-year-old decided not to follow in his mother and father’s acting footsteps but rather to become an eco-friendly fashion designer despite studying theatre in college. His love of eco-friendly fashion began way back in fifth grade.
He said he was in a lesson where he learned about global warming and was so struck by it that he felt he was having a panic attack. He mentioned, “It really struck me, and I’ve always been in tune with the environmental crisis.”
Because of his deep-seated need to do something to contribute toward changing the reality of global warming, Daniel launched his company in his freshman year of college. His company is a clothing line called Pine Outfitters.
Pine Outfitters sells unisex long and short-sleeve shirts as well as hats and beanies. For each sale the company makes, a tree is planted with the help of the National Forest Foundation. While his company keeps him busy, he has found time for love in between.
His girlfriend, Natalie Ackerman, is also not in show business and instead works in marketing. The pair met in their sophomore year at Tulane and discovered when they exchanged numbers that their numbers were just one digit apart.
When it comes to his business, Daniel plans to grow it while never losing sight of the main goal, environmental safety. Daniel said, “I don’t want this business to be about my money.” Instead, he wants it to be about giving back to the community.
Concerning what his doting dad thinks about his endeavors, Liam is supportive and proud of his son’s business, with Daniel saying that because his dad loves his privacy, he enjoys wearing hats and often wears the hats that Daniel’s company manufactures.
How Did Liam Appear Messy-Haired with Daniel and Natalie?
Liam and his sons spend a lot of time together, and now Daniel’s girlfriend, Natalie, often joins in the fun, too. Last year, Daniel posted a photo of himself, his girlfriend, his father, and ice hockey player Henrik Lundqvist on Instagram.
The foursome linked arms and smiled at the camera as Liam appeared with messy hair and glasses on. He wore an all-black ensemble, while Daniel and Natasha wore more colorful outfits.
Natalie also posted a photo of the match they went to on her Instagram story. When social media users saw Daniel’s family picture, many flooded the Instagram comment section, with some praising Liam and others pointing out his gray hair.
Daniel Neeson, Micheál Richardson and Liam Neeson at a New York Rangers Vs. Boston Bruins game in New York City on March 23, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
“Just saw this. You are all super gorgeous but the blond (gray???) daddy with the cool retro eyeglasses and tea thermos is something else! ????” swooned a fan. Another gushed, “Oh my God…Liam ❤️ ti amo.”
“Liam looks tired and skinny. Just saying,” expressed a Facebooker, juxtaposing the praise others gave. Diverting the focus to Liam’s hair, someone else added, “What grey hair? [He] dyes it I think,” while another person noted, “Maybe it’s windy inside the stadium. Lol.”
Micheál Richardson and Liam Neeson at a New York Rangers Vs. Boston Bruins game in New York City on March 23, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Other fans who had seen the photo when Daniel had first posted it on Instagram expressed how great Liam and his loved ones were looking and that they were glad the family got to spend some time together. One fan even thanked Daniel for sharing the photo.
Another cohort of admirers commented on Liam’s appearance, saying he looked good despite his messy hair. Additional followers simply said they were a beautiful family and wished them health and happiness.
