Natasha Richardson Passes Away at the Age of 45
Filed under: Celebrities and Controversy, Obits
One simple, regular fall on a ski slope has led to the unfortunate death of Tony-award winning actress Natasha Richardson. As we posted yesterday, Richardson was on a beginner's slope when she had what seemed to be a minor fall. However, an hour later, she began complaining of headaches and was rushed to the hospital. In just two days, this fall became fatal as she worsened and was finally taken off life support. As E! Online reports, she was pronounced dead earlier today, and will receive a small and private funeral soon.
A rep for Richardson's husband, Liam Neeson, says: "Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha. They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."
Ms. Richardson began her screen career in an uncredited role of "Flower girl at wedding" in the 1968 film, The Charge of the Light Brigade, with mother Vanessa Redgrave. As the years progressed, she made a name for herself with her role as Patricia Hearst in Patty Hearst, and followed it up with challenging dramas like The Handmaid's Tale, lighter family fare like The Parent Trap remake, and indie art with Chelsea Walls. And, of course, she won a Tony award for the 1998 revival of Cabaret, where she played Sally Bowles.
But beyond her roster of films and projects, Richardson had a true talent and power to her. As Paul Schrader once said (via Washington Post), she "had an essential quality of mystery about her. You can watch her for the better part of two hours, and still think that she'll show you something new."
It's a terribly tragedy that we'll no longer experience this mystery, and we wish her family all the best in this trying time.
Rest in peace, Ms. Richardson. We'll miss you!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-19-2009 @ 12:19AM
Heidi said...
I can't believe it. Liam is an all time favorite actor of mine. When I saw Nell, I fell in love with Natasha as well. I really feel horrible for the family. My heart goes out to them and hopes that all will respect their grieving time and privacy.
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3-19-2009 @ 12:48AM
Heidi Gibbons said...
She was one of my favorite actresses - I'm so sad. Handmaid's Tale was the first movie I saw her in and she made such an inpact on me - I've been telling the younger generation about that movie all week since Natasha's been in the news. I"m absolutely shocked and very sorry for her family - she will be so missed. May peace be with her family.
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3-19-2009 @ 9:53AM
Cincinnati Mike said...
Good call Heidi. I was sooo into the novel that I must have been especially receptive to the film, because I fell in love with her then and there.
I'm bummed about Ron Silver, too. But this has REALLY affected me for some reason.
3-19-2009 @ 5:00PM
Connie Caldwell said...
What a wonderful actress, mother, and human being. We will miss her dearly.
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3-19-2009 @ 1:06AM
marge said...
I feel terrible about this tragic death of Natasha Richardson. I have viewed many 'news' articles about the accident and the diagnosis of brain dead. As a former transplant coordinator, nowhere in the media did anyone report if organ donation was requested. What a beautiful legacy this would have been if the family had requested her organs be donated to save other lives. This for most families who donated their loved one's organs made such a tragedy become a precious gift of life.
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3-19-2009 @ 3:37PM
Judith said...
Thank you for mentioning the miracle of organ and tissue donation Marge. There have been no reports if her family was asked, or if she was even a candidate, or is she did in fact give the "gift of life". What I feel is important is that every one of us take the time to express to our loved ones our own wishes....that if something like this were to befall us, if we desire so, and I certainly do, that our organs are donated. If Ms. Richardson felt this way but never had the conversation while she was living, this may not have occured. So if something positive comes from this tragedy, my hope is that conversations take place about this between family members.
3-19-2009 @ 1:17AM
Wendy said...
Oh dear, dear, dear, I thought all the comments about her being taken off life support was just speculation until now. This is horrible!
In memory of her life and work, I'd like to say that I enjoyed her very much in Blow Dry, as silly as the movie seems, she really gave it heart.
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3-19-2009 @ 5:57AM
patrick said...
The Lasting Tribute website has updated its memorial pages to include Natasha Richardson.
http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/richardson/3042550
It's a respectful memorial to Natasha and somewhere to pay tribute to the family's fortitude at this difficult time.
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3-19-2009 @ 7:44PM
jj999 said...
Oh the humanity ! Another rich, spoiled, wacko, liberal actor, on vacation (while the rest of us are losing our jobs) bumps her head and croaks. Soooo what, how many good hardworking people died today? What a tragedy, good riddance ! As the world economy collapses and we slide into anarchy you sheeple have nothing better to do than fawn over some useless bag of skin who never cared about any of you, in fact I would wager she and her family despised the "common people" that's you you fools, wake up and stop idolizing these scumbags who don't care if you and yours lives or dies !
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3-20-2009 @ 3:48PM
Sandy said...
I will pray that you fine relief from the hate that obviously is consuming you. Don't waste your life with negative thoughts and feelings. God Bless You.