Liam Neeson’s son has opened up about his recent surgery while revealing that he has a rare congenital heart defect.
The son of the Schindler's List star and the late Natasha Richardson — who tragically died in 2009 after a skiing accident at the age of 45 — Daniel Neeson, 29, shared an Instagram post showing various photos of himself in a hospital bed from before and after the surgery. He shared in the caption that he was born with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV).
A BAV is “a condition where the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the normal three,” Neeson explained.
“About 2 percent of the human population has it, and most people don’t even know,” his caption continued. “It can stay dormant for years before it begins causing valve failure or enlargement of the aorta.”
With his condition, Neeson explained his heart was regularly being monitored, but after experiencing “severe left ventricle dilation and aortic enlargement,” he decided that further medical intervention might be needed.
“Some people with BAV are operated on later in life, but I drew the early-bird straw,” his caption continued. “Nothing is more empowering than understanding your health, staying on top of your game, and planning ahead. Health is about being proactive, not reactive. There’s something surreal about realizing that one of your biggest challenges was quietly developing inside you your entire life.”
The caption concluded as he expressed his gratitude to everyone involved, including his fiancée Natalie Ackerman, whom he called his “rock.”
“I am forever grateful to Dr. Leonard Girardi and his remarkable team at Weill Cornell / NewYork-Presbyterian for taking unbelievable care of me. To the ICU team and nurses - truly some of the greatest people on the planet - thank you. They deserve all the praise in the world,” Neeson wrote.
The Taken actor’s son also urged others to make sure their hearts are checked by a cardiologist, regardless of having any known heart defects.
“Most importantly, surrender to the present moment. Don’t live in fear. The universe has your back when you learn to dance with it,” the post concluded.
The Independent has reached out to Liam’s representatives for comment.
In contrast to his parents and older brother, Micheál, 30, Daniel has carved out a career in the spirits industry. He co-founded De Nada Tequila in 2021 with business partner Adam Millman, whom he met at Tulane University. The sustainable tequila brand was inspired by his late mother’s love of margaritas.
