Iconic Actor Gets ‘Applauded’ During Jury Duty

While performing his civic duty on jury duty in New York, actor Liam Neeson was once again reminded of his iconic role in the Taken series. Fans couldn’t resist reciting his character’s famous dialogue, making for a memorable moment.

Liam Neeson, a Northern Irish actor, portrayed former CIA operative Bryan Mills in the Taken trilogy, which debuted in 2008. The films were a massive hit, leading to a TV adaptation in 2017, where Clive Standen took over the role. Neeson’s portrayal of Mills, known for his “particular set of skills,” has since become a pop culture staple.

Neeson recently shared a humorous story with People magazine about his experience during jury selection. When his name was called by the courthouse clerk, fans nearby couldn’t help but recall Mills’ legendary monologue from the first Taken film.

“He’s calling, I don’t know, 55, 60 of us. He gets to me, but all I’m hearing is, ‘I have a particular set of skills. Skills that would make me…’ And I thought, ‘Oh f*** no,’” Neeson joked. “It was actually really sweet and flattering.”

As Neeson left the courthouse, people began to applaud. He reflected on the lasting impact of the Taken films, saying, “It just seemed to have touched something in the psychic nerve of moviegoing audiences.”

The first Taken movie featured Neeson’s character delivering one of the most iconic lines in action movie history. Speaking to his daughter’s kidnappers, Bryan Mills warns: “I don’t know who you are. I don’t know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you, I don’t have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you.”

The film’s success took even Neeson by surprise. In an interview with IndieWire, the Schindler’s List star admitted he had low expectations for Taken. “A short little European thriller… It might play OK for a couple of weeks in France and then it will go straight to video.” But thanks to a clever marketing campaign by 20th Century Fox, including trailers during sporting events, the movie became a global hit.

“I remember the first weekend it came in at No. 3, and then it came up to No. 2 and then No. 1. It just had this extraordinary cycle,” Neeson recalled.

Despite his initial doubts, Taken went on to become a cultural phenomenon, cementing Neeson’s status as one of the top action stars of the 21st century.