LIAM Neeson has been voted America’s favourite Irish celebrity – beating out 007's Pierce Brosnan and Bono.
Fellow Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan also made the top 10 – while Hollywood-based actress Fionnula Flannagan was named above Game of Thrones star Aidan Gillen.
The poll was conducted by E-Poll Market Research, which collects data on almost 9,000 celebrities and surveys how well American citizens know and like them.
When it came to the ‘e-score’ – a celebrity appeal ranking which utilises 46 separate personality attributes – only Liam Neeson scored a perfect 100.
Those surveyed praised Neeson as “a man of quiet intensity” as well as one of the best actors Hollywood history.
Co. Antrim native Neeson is best known for roles such a Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List – for which he was nominated for an Oscar – and Bryan Mills in the iconic Taken series.
The 65-year-old is also renowned for his portrayal of Michael Collins in 1996 – for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe.
Neeson was granted the Freedom of Ballymena in 2013 – an honour shared with the late DUP leader Ian Paisley.
Male actors made up nine of the top 10 Irish stars who appeal to Americans, but Fionnula Flanagan nevertheless ranked highly on the list, being described as the “life of the party”.
