Liam Neeson Returns

It might be a small step, but at least it's a step in the right direction. Oscar-nominated actor Liam Neeson walked the red carpet this week at a screening for his new film "Five Minutes of Heaven." This was the Irish actor's first public appearance since the death of his wife, Natasha Richardson, from a skiing accident last March.

Naturally, the press were asked not to question Neeson about the tragedy. Asked what his version of heaven was, however, he said being with his two boys and living in the moment. The loss was tough for Neeson, but the "Heaven" screening provided an opportunity for him to start taking steps toward returning to the public spotlight and continuing the craft at which he's so excelled.

Last seen in the action-thriller "Taken," Neeson has a long list of credits that include "Michael Collins," "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," the "Narnia" series, "Batman Begins," "Rob Roy" and "Darkman" Of course, the Irish actor recieved his Best Actor Oscar nomination for the namesake role in "Schinder's List."

Neeson's new film, about an Irish paramilitary fighter tortured by memories of death, opens Aug. 21.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.