Liam Neeson’s Son Daniel Neeson Opens Up About Undergoing Surgery for Congenital Heart Defect

"Nothing is more empowering than understanding your health," Neeson wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday, March 3

NEED TO KNOW

• Liam Neeson’s son Daniel Neeson underwent surgery for a rare congenital heart defect
• Neeson was born with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV)
• Neeson shared photos from the hospital alongside his fiancée, Natalie Ackerman, in an Instagram post on Tuesday, March 3

Daniel Neeson, the son of Liam Neeson and the late Natasha Richardson, is opening about undergoing surgery for a rare congenital heart defect.

In an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, March 3, Neeson, 29, wrote about his recent surgery for a Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV), "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," Neeson explained in the caption, alongside photos of himself with his fiancée Natalie Ackerman at the hospital for the surgery. "It can stay dormant for years before it begins causing valve failure or enlargement of the aorta."

Neeson shared that he underwent biannual cardiology check-ups for "most of my life" to monitor his heart."

"Eventually, I started to experience severe left ventricle dilation and aortic enlargement. I knew it was heading toward medical intervention," he continued. "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," Neeson wrote, noting that the experience "required surrender."

Neeson also thanked his medical team for performing the surgery.

"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," he wrote.

"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 added.

Neeson also thanked his family for his support, especially Ackerman, whom he called his "rock."

"The recovery trail is beautiful, patient, and rewarding. Always advocate for yourself and listen to your body. Everyone should have their hearts checked by a cardiologist, even if they don’t have any known 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.

Many chimed in with words of support for Neeson amid the major heart surgery in the comments. Laura Linney commented three red heart emojis, while Andy Cohen wrote "Your heart is just tooooo big for a normal human being to handle!! 🙌❤️"

The Mayo Clinic defines BAV as "a heart condition present at birth."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"That means it is a congenital heart defect. The aortic valve is between the left lower heart chamber and the body's main artery, called the aorta. Flaps of tissue on the valve open and close with each heartbeat. The flaps are called cusps. They make sure blood flows in the correct direction. Usually the aortic valve has three cusps. A bicuspid valve has only two cusps," per Mayo Clinic.

Neeson and Ackerman got engaged in September 2025 after eight years of dating. Neeson has an older brother, Micheál Neeson, 30, who acted alongside their father in the movies Cold Pursuit and Made in Italy.

Read the full article here