Daniel Neeson, the 29‑year‑old son of actor Liam Neeson and the late Natasha Richardson, announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend Natalie Ackerman over the weekend, sharing photos of the proposal and an engagement celebration in New York.
According to an Instagram post shared by Daniel and coverage by U.K. outlet Daily Mail, he proposed during a boat trip on the Hudson River, kneeling to present Ackerman, 28, with a diamond ring. He captioned one image "Life is beautiful." The couple later marked the occasion with a party at an Irish pub in Manhattan, where friends reportedly toasted with cocktails made from De Nada Tequila, the spirits brand Daniel co‑founded.
Daniel and Ackerman met as students at Tulane University in New Orleans and have been together for about eight years, according to the report. The couple live in New York; Daniel runs the tequila brand with a business partner, and Ackerman works in fashion marketing. Social media posts and video clips shared from the party showed the couple cutting a white cake and celebrating with friends as Ackerman displayed her ring.
Daniel is the younger son of Neeson and Richardson. His mother, an actress from a prominent theatrical family, died in 2009 after sustaining a head injury in a skiing accident. Daniel was 12 at the time. He has previously written emotional tributes to Richardson on anniversaries of her death. His older brother, Micheál Richardson, is an actor.
The engagement announcement comes as Liam Neeson, 73, has attracted public attention for a reported relationship with actress Pamela Anderson, 58, following their work together on a reboot of the Naked Gun franchise. The pair were seen together while promoting the film and have spoken warmly of one another during press appearances. Neeson has been quoted as saying he is "madly in love" and praising Anderson's work and personality; Anderson rejected suggestions the relationship was a publicity stunt when she accepted the Deauville 2025 Talent Award and said she keeps her private life guarded.
Reports have varied on public reaction to the stars’ connection. Some observers and fans questioned whether the couple’s visibility during the film’s promotional tour could be a public relations strategy. Media coverage has also included comments from unnamed insiders who described the relationship as genuine, while Anderson has emphasized a desire for privacy and authenticity in her personal life.
The Neeson family has navigated public attention for several years. Natasha Richardson, who appeared in films including The Parent Trap, was the daughter of Oscar‑winner Vanessa Redgrave and director Tony Richardson and the sister of actress Joely Richardson. Her death in 2009 prompted widespread media coverage and remains a noted part of the family’s public history. Daniel and his brother have continued to appear at public events with their father, including recent promotional appearances connected to the Naked Gun film.
Daniel Neeson’s engagement post drew congratulatory responses from friends and followers on social media. Coverage of the announcement emphasized the private‑to‑public nature of the proposal — a personal celebration shared through owned social channels — while the family’s broader romantic headlines continue to stir media interest. Daniel and Ackerman’s next publicly announced plans have not been disclosed.
All information about the proposal, the engagement celebration and the family’s recent headlines was reported in social media posts and published accounts by Daily Mail.