BIO: Liam NEESON, born circa 1942, is a native of Ballymena, Co. Armagh. Standing at 6 ft. 4 in., his physical stature mirrors a career of greatness with his acting excellence. Neeson originally came to Hollywood on a whirlwind tour, spending the first few weeks on a couch at his agent's home, vowing that if he didn't make it before his money ran out, it was back to his old haunts in London. Neeson got enough work to stretch both his dollar and his stay - playing a mute street urchin accused of murder in "Suspect" (1987), and as the disfigured scientist bent on revenge in "Darkman" (1990). By the time the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences nominated him for best actor in the haunting "Schindler's List," Neeson's financial worries were squarely behind him. Since playing Oscar Schindler, Neeson has had his pick of film roles and has continued to work behind the scenes for peace in Ireland, which has been extremely important to him. Among those roles closest ! to his heart was "Michael COLLINS," Neil Jordan's 1996 historical account of the Irish revolutionary and IRA founder. Current projects in 1998 were to include playing Oscar WILDE in "The Judas Kiss" on Broadway, and a coveted role in George Lucas's "Star Wars" sequel. One of Neeson's latest movies was the film adaptation of Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables." In 1998, Neeson was a resident of Manhattan with his actress-wife Natasha Richardson. The handsome actor has been active in Irish charity circles, notably as a spokesman for the events of the American Ireland Fund. -- Excerpt, "The World of Hibernia" Summer 1998