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Still boxing at sixteen, he had been Youth Heavyweight Champion of Ireland for three consecutive years, aided by his height.
Since July 3, 1994, Neeson has been married to actress Natasha Richardson, with whom he co-starred in Nell. She is a daughter of the late director Tony Richardson and screen legend Vanessa Redgrave and thus a member of the theatrical Redgrave family; her sister is Joely Richardson. They have two sons, Micheál Richard Antonio (born June 22, 1995) and Daniel Jack (born August 28, 1996). The family home is in exurban Millbrook, New York. Neeson turned down the 'Freedom of the town of Ballymena' offered to him by Ballymena Borough Council, because of objections made by members of the Democratic Unionist Party about his comments that he had felt like a 'second-class citizen' growing up as a Roman Catholic in the town. Neeson continues to practise the Roman Catholic religion and has raised his children Roman Catholic.
Neeson was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in her 1999 New Year's Honours List.
Quick Info
Born William John Neeson
June 7, 1952 (1952-06-07), Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Spouse(s) Natasha Richardson (1994-)
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