Amateur Boxing Kept Liam Neeson Out Of Harm’s Way During The Troubles In Northern Ireland

Liam Neeson grew up during a turbulent and violent time in Northern Ireland, and he credits a local priest for keeping him out of trouble by starting a boxing league for the young people of his town. Watch Liam on the big screen in his latest film, “In The Land of Saints and Sinners,” opening this Friday.
#Colbert #LiamNeeson #InTheLandOfSaintsAndSinners
Subscribe To "The Late Show" Channel: bit.ly/ColbertY...
Watch full episodes of "The Late Show": bit.ly/1Puei40
Listen to "The Late Show Pod Show" podcast: link.chtbl.com...
Like "The Late Show" on Facebook: on. 1df139Y
Follow "The Late Show" on X: bit.ly/1dMzZzG
Follow "The Late Show" on Instagram: bit.ly/29wfREj
Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS.
---
Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@medianix]

I live in Ballymena only a few minutes from where Liam grew up and the boxing club. Glad to say the town is much better now, and I'm raising my family here.

[@sharonpeterson896]

@medianix The only thing on my 'bucket list' is a trip to Ireland!

[@LindaC616]

​@@sharonpeterson896it's wonderful! Don't spend all of your time in Dub when you go

[@akryeguy]

I wish guys like Liam could transport a moving song into a movie, and I know of just the one that's already been well done that was written by Ron Kavana, and interpreted even more beautifully by Scotsman, Dickie Gaughan. It's "Reconciliation". It seems like a song one spouse sings to another after being tired of fighting, but it translates ultimately to the partition of Ireland by politics...(really old and embittered politics). I know he's done an action movie that was about one Republican seeking revenge upon an Ulster Nationalist, so perhaps he's had enough. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Minutes_of_Heaven So, I don't know. But the concept of two embittered enemies quitting hate, or revenge makes a lot of us hopeful in our humanity, and maybe Christianity well-employed for a change. We could use that in America, itself. I'm not one to preach. The Irish version seems more potent, and seems to have more, lets say "inescapable charm ". I kind of envision Tommy Tiernan - the comedian - being involved because of his fine acting in "Derry Girls".

[@philradbourne]

An amazing actor.

[@diembepoet]

Looove Ireland/N. Ireland! Spent several weeks there last year, including the area around Ballymena,Belfast, Derry. Beautiful area, wonderful people!

[@mev202]

Stephen Colbert showing why he's one of the best there, as Liam got very serious, Colbert let's him talk, no interruptions, but had a light hearted joke to bring It back to a middle road chat show. That takes skill.

[@mandcbruce]

I really enjoyed hearing Neeson's personal experiences from that time. FANTASTIC interview. It ranged from light and playful to deep and soulful. Colbert is one of the best interviewers out there. Howard Stern gives him a run for his money.

[@cheyennebrennan966]

I cannot BELIEVE that this beautiful man is 72 years old!!!! ❤❤

[@jessicatsao92]

He definitely aged well...72 years old! 😳🧐🫨

[@marytompkins-bv2iw]

Technically I believe he will not be 72 until the month of June 2024. However he sure does a lot for a pair of jeans though doesn’t he? 😂

[@adriantrusca1245]

I can.

[@adriantrusca1245]

​@@jessicatsao92 "Aged well" is not a compliment. Just means "your body is degrading slower than it should".

[@sparkythancztwise]

@@adriantrusca1245 "Aged well" *is* a compliment, when it's intended to be and said in the context of a compliment. Your phrase is only one of numerous arguable meanings of the phrase "aged well"- not *the* meaning. Moreover, some people actually become better looking as they age (with zero surgeries or cosmetic "interventions"). Not everyone peaks at the same age. Some peak at 19 - 22 (or even younger), some at 26, some at 38, some at 47, 53 etc. And some simply do not look to have aged the same number of years as many others tend to look by any certain age. Your quoted so called "meaning/definition" is only *your own emphasis* on a negative and morbid take on how the words could be construed to mean something (and certain something that is less recognized as an emphasis, in common use).

[@nanalove1211]

Mr Neeson is my favorite actor. My sisters and friends have been binge watching all of his movies...he is simply the best!❤❤❤

[@roc7880]

I wish he had more movies about Irish history, Michael Collins was amazing.

[@victorocallaghan6791]

He nailed the West Cork wit and accent in that movie

[@NicolaMulholland]

Not as good as The Treaty with Brendan Gleeson playing Collins, he nailed it!

[@colonelweird]

This new one isn't about Irish history. It distorts everything to fit into a standard thriller formula.

[@DublinDan]

​@@NicolaMulholland The Treaty is not as well known but it's brilliant 🇮🇪

[@DNTXPCTMCH]

I could listen to Liam speak forever. I love his point of view ❤ Thank you for this conversation. Please take the Colbert Questionert 😂

[@0HARE]

I sure like this guy. It would be very interesting to hear more about his growing up in Northern Ireland during The Troubles. I think he would have made an iconic James Bond.

[@CK-dd7eq]

While they were doing drugs and partying he educated himself. The more you read up about the troubles the more you will hear stories like that 👍🏻

[@classactsexpertiseandinspi4815]

For Liam - a Republican Catholic who endured the troubles , to play James Bond an assassin of the British crown forces , that would NEVER happen. He might play with Barbera Broccoli out of respect for her- but he would never represent / promote a British colonial character like that.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

One of the best interviews Stephen’s done. Just let Liam talk and go with the flow.

[@michaeljohn1978]

Imagining Liam Neeson's voice saying "Nice beaver". I'm sold

[@HEllis-qu5nn]

😅

[@michaeljohn1978]

Colbert's first words coming back after the break: "Takes the piss out of me". We need the back story to this

[@6kat103]

That is one big beautiful Irishman.❤

[@user-ir8im2kb1b]

Great interview for Liam as usual. Humble, kind and genuine all contributing to his appeal.

[@charlotteillustration5778]

He had a cameo in the Irish comedy Derry Girls and was absolutely hilarious, (playing it straight) so he can definitely do comedy.

[@scottldcp]

Best television show.

[@RosieYogi40]

What was it we asked him? I can’t remember sir.

[@markhammer643]

The real audition for filling Leslie Neilsen's role was Neeson's gutbustingly funny appearance in the Gervais/Merchant show "Life's Too Short", where he tells them, as agents, that he wants to get into comedy, sketch comedy, improv, and the like. It's posted around, and will have you chuckling to yourself constantly. It's his ability to keep a straight face *in spite of* what his lines are that makes him such a potentially great comic actor. The same was true of Leslie Neilsen.

[@TheAureliac]

His role as the detective in "Derry Girls" was also great practice. Keeping a straight face through that took some concentration.

[@markhammer643]

@@TheAureliac Thanks. I know of the existence of the show, but have never seen it. I enjoy Irish comedy shows like Father Ted, and Bridget & Eamon. I'll have to keep an eye out for Derry Girls.

[@TheAureliac]

And I'll check out Father Ted and Bridget & Eamon. Thanks.

[@markhammer643]

@@TheAureliac There is a segment in one of the Bridget & Eamon episodes that is a line-by-line duplicate of the "Hitler rant" parodies one sees on KZbin, except in this instance Bridget (who is NEVER without a cigarette in her hand) is reacting to her husband (Eamon) and neighbours being unable to find any more smokes in the house. It is a brilliant recreation. Not likely to be funny to anyone unfamiliar with the Hitler rant videos, but sure to bring a big smile to the face of anyone who is familiar with them.

[@drive-incinemapictures1554]

"Were you a fan of the Naked Gun movies?" "Oh yeah, I loved them" *quotes Airplane!*

[@loomspace]

Yeah that one hurt.

[@777wb]

He said airplane as they went to Stephen

[@TheJasonbking]

@@777wb And it's the same guys that did Airplane! that did the Naked Gun Movies.

[@modee176]

😂 ouch!

[@JadeValour]

I adore Liam🥰💖 He’s such a beautiful man.

[@catherinetelford8449]

Liam is a beautiful man ❤

[@JZsBFF]

And those hands...

[@marykarle3997]

Liam looks super for his age! My favorite actor!

[@catherinerobson5482]

Big fan of Liam Neeson here :)

[@karinwolf3645]

Me, too!!! 💋💖💋💖🎉🎉🎉

[@yurielcundangan9090]

Gotta love Neeson. he's got guts

[@user-qg8qg2sp7i]

I'm a huge fan of Liam and his rough-as-nails charisma in action movies including two historical films, Schindler's List and Michael Collins

[@michelegagnon5618]

The rabbit skit was great.

[@mpulleyscott]

Anything Liam says is TV show gold.

[@jeswilde6188]

I LOVE watching Stephen be with his Irish brothers as an Irish woman seeing him get boyish in his interest and charm for Ireland just bursts me to lovely pieces!!

[@Boomer_Johnson]

HE DID COMEDY IN HIGH SPIRITS!!!! Darryl Hannah, Steve Guttenberg, PETER O'TOOLE!!!!!! He played a farting ghost.

[@SharpCinema]

Thank you for having wholesome and interesting guests on your program. You have great bookers.

[@roberthevern6169]

His lovely wife, Evie may be less friendly if Stephen booked guests like ... oh say Craig Ferguson. If you've heard of him....

[@sparkythancztwise]

@@roberthevern6169 wtf are you on about? why would Evie give a crap if Craig were on?

[@sparkythancztwise]

It is a great show and the vast majority of guests are easy to celebrate for their talents and character or personality and skills. But the people booked tend (almost exclusively) to be selected from a small pool of people who currently have promotional junkets they are obligated to run, for films, or books, or shows, etcetera, which are very soon being released.

[@sparkythancztwise]

@@roberthevern6169 p.s. and do you really think Evie gets a say in who is booked? Really? Sure, is she were the type of personality as to concern herself over who guests are, and also the type to then voice opinions and concerns to her husband, that would be their prerogative within the personal dynamics of their private relationship and marriage. That isn't going to bleed into the production of the show. It's not as if the late night machine is going to ever have any interest or motive to book anyone that would be objectionable enough to be found offensive or threatening by a healthy adult spouse in a strong long-standing happy marriage.

[@DaylanTheAngrySauerkraut]

Big question is, why do so many comments on here speak as is if they know Evie, or make a call on what she would or would not do and say... or slobber and make saccharine comments over the marriage/relationship of both Stephan and Evie? Get a f*king life.

[@HEllis-qu5nn]

What a charming guy!

[@LightInnDmountain]

Humble people…. With humble bringing…… even on top of the world, still humble true to family and life….

[@dewimatthews6037]

I like his can't-help-himself Clint voice 😅

[@HelHathNoFury1111]

I've been wondering about Liam. So good to see him on Colbert. 🤗

[@cuisineundercover]

I love this guy. I used to work with his cousin in Newry x

[@EmmetCromie]

my mum was frineds with him and dated him and dated one of his cousins

[@bossmare1480]

I love Liam Neeson's work. 😍 And absolutely love his deadpan sense of humour. Can't wait to see him in the remake of Naked Gun.😉 💖😎🇨🇦

[@colwilliamnoydb4134]

If none of you understand, the Irish Catholics were big into boxing. This fact was incorporated into the TV show MASH, with Father Mulcahy teaching kids to box and boxing himself.

[@alfagenevra]

Liam is my icon of a true man since I first saw him. Once and forever. ❤

[@Ganiscol]

Nothing specifically about his new film, but its always fun to see and hear him - His Clint Eastwood impression really isnt bad at all 😅

[@pirobot668beta]

"How long do you wanna do this?" checks his watch... We found Frank Drebin...

[@jonstone2466]

Liam Neeson deadpanning through a Naked Gun remake will be epic! Cant think of a better actor to continue The legacy. Many will remember that until the Naked Gun, Leslie Neilson was never considered a comedic actor. Then he transformed the genre.

[@rolandeboisvert1003]

That movie was finihsnovember

[@organicwest]

Leslie Nielson had some pretty big shoes.

[@JonnyDIY]

I love Liam so much! 💕 I'd go and see him in a Bond movie today! And PS your childhood about the boxing club taught by the priests would be a great movie with you playing priest 👍

[@dianeblumenthal5951]

Liam did a Candy Crush sketch with Stephen that still makes me laugh !!

[@MiniUsyk]

Liam: Its between Belfast and Derry. Colbert:.....which galaxy?

[@Jason-o1k]

The clock watch at the end was great 😂

[@jjj1951]

I remember the awful way his wife, Natasha Richardson, died in a skiing accident. He was so devastated.

[@MiTmite9]

Watching him closely as he mentioned her. I was a tiny bit surprised he didn't say her name ----- but, then, I can relate to that. Grief often goes so deep, you don't ever want to even say the person's name out loud. It's like a form of self-protection: you keep the sorrow within and don't want to hear what others may say, as they try to sympathize. (If that makes sense.)

[@jpjordan90]

Like you know him!

[@ThecrazyJH96]

We definitely need a real interviewer to talk to him about his days growing up and give him more time

[@gypzs9]

Liam Neeson, what a varied, interesting career he’s had and seems to be the kind of man you’d enjoy having a talk with over a pint. Much luck to him as we continue to enjoy his work. Could listen to his charming accent eternally.

[@yurielcundangan9090]

Gotta love Neeson man

[@roberthevern6169]

Yes, it's true, he is a 'man'....

[@lazyperfectionist1]

I remain skeptical. When Leslie Nielsen was deadpan, it could be _hilarious._ When Liam Neeson is deadpan, it's pretty consistently _terrifying._

[@sparkythancztwise]

😂 good point, and .... apparently,

[@sparkythancztwise]

you've still got to see him going for comedic deadpan then The point of the joke within the EB costumed "audition" was that he was to come off as scary af. Being actually terrifying was what made that set-up work as a funny sketch. But being absurdly deadpan ridiculously silly is something in Neeson's wheelhouse. I've seen it.

[@TheAureliac]

Watch his appearance in "Derry Girls": he's hilarious. And he's the one who's terrified.

[@Plantbliss]

Haha, I love Liam Neeson. Him in Derry Girls!!!!

[@Plantbliss]

Wait! Did Liam imply Naked Gun would be his last film? Never I’d say!

[@pauldockree9915]

Leslie Nielsen - didn't know it for years but my first leading man in a first film seen in the cinema. Tammy and The Bachelor. 1957/58? Wow. RIP Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher

[@yungijefferson7584]

Would have been a perfect time to say, 'Don't snap your carrot' 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sobu9961]

What a refreshing interview! So genuine, and unforced.

[@mpulleyscott]

Kids and grandkids look up at the flyover when I whip out, "Don't call me Shirley!"

[@elizabethmcleod246]

Liam, the movie, ‘ Nell’ is one of my very favourite films. I’m sure it holds a special place in your heart. ❤

[@dannyburleigh1]

The Movies (Airplane) and (The Naked Gun) were the funniest movies in the 1980's!!

[@bvandyke10]

I love when he talks about Natasha.

[@musicmastermind6165]

I was born in belfast lived in carrick as a 1 year old then moved to lisburn for the 23 till this day i love how close we are to the sea

[@CassieRaybould]

Liam Neeson I’m in love

[@DNTXPCTMCH]

I ❤ Liam. Lego movie is popular in my house. I love silly Liam. He is my fav. Cameo in "Life's Too Short".

[@roberthevern6169]

I think he will do a fantastic job in Leslie Nielsen's role! Can't wait to see that! Frank Drebin!!!

[@sharonpeterson896]

Can't wait to see the Naked Gun movie with Liam! Was one of my favorite movies and since Liam Nelson is my favorite actor, it will be great! Did you see him in Love Actually?!!

[@ttf4now]

I enjoyed Liam’s performance In Kingdom of Heaven.

[@Katalyste]

The first movie I ever saw him in was "High Spirits" I oved that movie!

[@rameshmaharaj8671]

Very good actor.Gimme sum more

[@suzibouch-xm9yr]

Congratulations Stephen Colbert for being chosen to MC 3 Presidents!

[@ktime2037]

Was just watching Police Squad last week. Will be a perfect match.

[@albertorkenbjorken]

"don't call me shirley" hahah he got the completely wrong movie series.. good lord.. this is gonna bomb..

[@donnscopman8102]

Love Liam 💋💋💋

[@kimturco1324]

I loved him in A Million Ways to Die in the West ❤

[@TheAureliac]

Definitely nailed the sexy bad man persona in that one.

[@stanmagill8288]

I grew up in Northern Ireland near Ballymena. In 1969 I was 13. It was never as bad as the media made it out to be and the country and the troubles made me what I am today. It would've made Liam Neeson too. I felt he was overplaying it a bit when he talks about " post trauma ". Look at society today with mental health problems and psych medications, etc We had to toughen up and we're the better for it.

[@NPC1173]

Love Liam Neeson great actor.

[@Jan-zv7ze]

OMG! Can't wait to see this new "Naked Gun!"

[@CodeGrayHere]

At the end when he checked his watch before answering how long he planned to keep acting--I feel you, Liam! Go for it, retire and enjoy life!

[@laughingoutloud5742]

Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin should be hilarious 😂 at 2:03

[@fiona8781]

I wish he still had his lovely wife.

[@karenwhite4461]

Yes, she was wonderful and a lovely actor as well.

[@bwenluck9812]

I'm sure he feels the same way....

[@CassieRaybould]

I Wish I Was his wife

[@matthewfarmer2520]

He was good in Rob Roy i saw it on Netflix, it came out in the theaters about 1995. That year i graduated highschool.

[@peacefulisland67]

Delightful human.

[@andrejongh]

It’s impossible NOT to like the guy, tremendous character

[@classactsexpertiseandinspi4815]

Its not just Irish men who are into boxing, the most groundbreaking of all the Women boxers is Irish - look up the story of Katie Taylor still a professional boxer, olympic gold medallist with skills to rival the most skilled male boxer but her humility and faith mean she will never trash talk an opponent. She treats everyone with respect and works harder than anyone else with no celeb nonsense. Respect.

[@johnm5186]

great interview

[@steveconn]

Liam filming Nell, almost became James Bond! Who knew? Boxing fun exercise sometimes. The Dead Pool was his Clint movie! Should be great as new Frank Drebin 🎉

[@wednesdaymac]

He didn't mention his role in the comedy, High Spirits. It's more than worth a watch.

[@amydavis955]

I love him 😍 can’t wait for the reboot of naked gun ❤

[@peacefulisland67]

Love that cross peekin' through...

[@user-lr4wc2sg9x]

Es suficiente oírles la voz y es una melodía 🎼 🩵buena en Películas y comedia 🎭 ☘️irlandes❤

[@korygurman6638]

That was years ago….. (Last week) *bond theme and finger gun*

[@dannyburleigh1]

I would love to be 1 of the Comedy Writers for any up coming (Naked Gun Movie's)! 😃

[@kerryomalley3943]

Loved him since Krull! He had a role in High Spirits which was a comedy-worth a watch!

[@bregancool980]

The boxing anecdote! 😕💚

[@roberthevern6169]

I, too, went to Catholic schools, and we had 'Smokers' which were boxing tournaments in full headgear! Unfortunately, I chose to engage in fights located elsewhere....

[@Katseye102]

I have watched everything he’s acted in, love him! I believe the first was Rob Roy! Love at first sight!! ❤❤❤

[@lindaknight5864]

Excalibur, 1981 with Helen Mirren.

[@TrevorHerbert-dj1jl]

Hes great ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@antigaia1817]

He is so crazy . Love him

[@TheLiamMurphy]

Seventy Two!

[@dannyburleigh1]

The number 1 Actor of all time that could act steaming mad and make it appear totally reall != JACKIE GLEASON!!

[@kevinfelton689]

For those of you who might be curious, the movie is called "The Deadpool." It actually has nothing to do with comic books.

[@freddb1975]

Great interview.

[@NewMessage]

Well, if shaking martinis is one of his particular set of skills...

[@LindaC616]

James always had his martinis done for him....

[@LindaC616]

Jane's always had his martinis done for him

[@ChristyKSweet]

Liam did a great Irish movie in his 20's about boxing, I think it was called THE BIG MAN

[@zilda_bah]

Liam Neeson has a light and refined humor. Love The other day I liked his fan page and just this week 09 fakes Instagram profiles came to my direct trying that are Liam. I"m talking until they ask for private contact. So , I reported it and blocked the contacts. One of then even offered to teach me English. It was atually fun pretending to believe them.

[@MiTmite9]

What a thrill, watching Liam turn on the angry, don't you mess with me, persona. Just for a few seconds. Dear Liam. I so admire you. Now PLEASE get your teeth whitened. You don't have to get them snow white ---- just have the dentist lighten them up a bit. Having discolored teeth really makes one look older.

[@EmmetCromie]

you think he read that?

[@lindachurchyard1439]

Thank you!