Source:CNN.com

March 19, 2009

Less than two days after reports of a minor skiing accident in Montreal which put actress Natasha Richardson in critical condition with a head injury and 24 hours of conflicting reports about her condition, the British actress has passed away after being taken off life support early on Wednesday. Richardson was 45 years old.

The daughter of legendary screen actress Vanessa Redgrave and director Tony Richardson, the actress has been a staple of the stage and screen for over 20 years, although her film output had slowed down in recent years as she raised two sons with actor Liam Neeson. In 1998, Richardson won a Tony for her performance in the Sam Mendes-Rob Marshall revival of "Cabaret" and had been a regular staple of the New York and London stages. Richardson's powerful presence in recent films such as The White Countess and Asylum was undeniable.

Alan Nierob, the Los Angeles-based publicist for Neeson, confirmed her death in a written statement.

"Liam Neeson, his sons (Micheal and Daniel), 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."

It's even more tragic that Richardson's untimely death should happen during a time that Neeson is having one of his biggest hits as an actor with the revenge thriller Taken. Our heart and best wishes go out to Neeson and their two sons in these hard times, as well as to both their families.