Liam Neeson thinks his acting career has been helped by his early boxing training.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson

Neeson- who started sparring when he was nine years old - thinks he gets his strong work ethic from his fighting days.

Asked if there is a parallel between the blood sport and acting, he said: "I think there is. There was a period, about a year or two ago, when I was doing one film after the other.

"Some people were saying: 'Look buddy, you should slow down', and I said: 'Why? I keep fit, I feel great, I've been blessed and given the chance to do these films.'"

The 'Taken' star also thinks his Northern Irish roots and his parents influence had something to do with it.

He told Metro newspaper: "I think I got that work ethic from being from Northern Ireland and the ethic instilled in me by my mum and dad and certainly my boxing training.

"The harder I trained the more victorious I became in the ring. It was a simple equation."

Meanwhile, Liam also said his role in the Oscar-winning movie 'Schindler's List' transformed his career.

He explained: "I guess 'Schindler's List' gave my standing in Hollywood a boost.

"I started getting offered more leading roles after that.

But doing that film also reminded me of the power of cinema.

"I think it surprised us all - Steven Spielberg and the cast. Spielberg made an extraordinary film that touched people, not just the Jewish community or survivors.

"It was fascinating to see the impact these images had on audiences."


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