Liam Neeson explains sudden weight loss

Actor Liam Neeson. Photo / Getty Images

Actor Liam Neeson says he lost nine kilos in order to look gaunt for his role in Martin Scorsese's new film Silence.

The Taken star sparked fears for his health after he was photographed looking noticeably thinner while out and about in New York City in July.

At the time, his representative insisted the 63-year-old was in fine health.

Fans are concerned for Liam Neeson's health after he was photographed in New York. Photo / Getty Images

Now Neeson has explained his troubling weight loss, saying he was required to lose the kilos for the movie, about 17th-century Jesuit priests who are violently persecuted in Japan.

Girls actor Adam Drive and Andrew Garfield also star in the film.

"Martin wanted us all to look a bit more gaunt...," Neeson told Collider.com.

"I know Adam went to the extreme. He's an ex-Marine and when he's given an order, he follows it through. He was like something out of Auschwitz. Martin requires this level of (dedication) and I think it pays off."

Neeson also had to adjust to Scorsese's strict way of directing.

"Martin is intimidating," he said. "He's legendary - so as a performer you have to get over that. I had to get over that ... He requires absolute silence on set, like, everybody has to stop work when he's giving a direction or explaining a scene. I mean everybody - the guy that's painting 400 yards away has to stop. If he hears one tiny sound, it's shattered for him so he commands that respect. He commands that silence and especially for this film, it was necessary."

- WENN