Daniel Neeson, the son of actor Liam Neeson and the late Natasha Richardson, is speaking out about undergoing surgery to treat a rare congenital heart condition.
In an Instagram post shared Tuesday, March 3, the 29-year-old revealed that he recently had surgery for Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) — a condition in which the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the normal three.
“I was born with BAV (Bicuspid Aortic Valve) a condition where the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the normal three. About 2% of the human population has it, and most people don’t even know. It can stay dormant for years before it begins causing valve failure or enlargement of the aorta.
For me, I had biannual cardiology checkups for most of my life, monitoring my heart. Eventually, I started to experience severe left ventricle dilation and aortic enlargement. I knew it was heading toward medical intervention. Some people with BAV are operated on later in life, but I drew the early-bird straw.
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. No dramatic warning. Just science, genetics, and timing.
I’ve always prided myself on pushing through battles and working to control my environment.
This was different.
This required surrender. Presence. Letting go. Trusting world-class surgeons and unbelievable nurses. Trusting the universe.
Trusting that even if I couldn’t control the outcome, I could control my mindset and my deeper consciousness.
Overcoming this wasn’t about being fearless. It was about leaning into the healing energy and being as present as possible. I looked at this operation as a ceremony, not a procedure.”
Daniel Neeson is an American entrepreneur and environmental advocate best known as the son of actor Liam Neeson and the late actress Natasha Richardson. He was born on Aug. 27, 1996, and grew up between New York City and upstate New York alongside his older brother, Micheál Neeson.
Unlike his father and brother, who pursued acting careers, Daniel built a path in business and sustainability. In 2017, he founded Pine Outfitters, a sustainable clothing brand focused on eco-friendly materials and environmentally conscious production. The company was created with the goal of promoting conservation and responsible fashion practices.
According to People, Neeson and Ackerman became engaged in September 2025 after dating for eight years. He also has an older brother, Micheál Neeson, 30, who has appeared alongside their father in the films Cold Pursuit and Made in Italy.
Liam Neeson is an acclaimed Northern Irish actor known for his powerful performances in both dramatic and action films. Born June 7, 1952, in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, he began his career on stage before gaining international recognition with Schindler’s List (1993), which earned him an Academy Award nomination. Neeson later became a major action star with the Taken franchise. His other notable films include Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and Love Actually. He was married to actress Natasha Richardson until her death in 2009 and has two sons.