LIAM NEESON - NEESON PICKS FAMILY OVER FAME

Actor LIAM NEESON is turning his back on big Hollywood roles - because spending time with his family is far more important.

The SCHINDLER'S LIST star most recently turned down a role in OLIVER STONE's forthcoming ALEXANDER after deciding being around his two sons with actress NATASHA RICHARDSON - MICHAEL, eight, and seven-year-old DANIEL - is more important than making blockbusters.

He explains, "Oliver wanted me for Alexander but as much as I admire him and wanted to do it, I didn't want to be stuck in Morocco for months without my family, so I turned it down.

"That was an easy decision. Every cliche about kids is true - they grow up so quickly, you blink and they're gone, and you have to spend time with them now.

"If I have to go away on location and I don't see my kids for more than two weeks, I just can't take it. It's like missing the love of your life. And it's the same with my wife."