Who Is Natasha Richardson, Liam Neeson's Late Wife? Cause of Death and More

Natasha Richardson was a renowned British-born actress celebrated for her work in both theatre and film. She gained critical acclaim for her performances on stage, notably in plays like 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'Anna Christie.' Richardson also appeared in films such as 'The Handmaid's Tale' and 'The Parent Trap,' showcasing her versatility as an actress. She is perhaps best known internationally for her tragic death.

A tragic skiing accident in 2009 ended the life of Natasha Richardson, who left behind her sons and husband, Liam Neeson. It has been 16 years since she passed, but recent news have seen Neeson's name in headlines amidst dating rumours. As they pair his name with Pamela Anderson's, many online are asking; who was Natasha Richardson?

Who Was Natasha Richardson?

Born on 11 May 1963, Natasha Richardson was part of the renowned Redgrave acting family. Her mother was Vanessa Redgrave, and her father was Tony Richardson, a film director and producer. Her grandfather, Michael Redgrave, and grandmother, Rachel Kempson, were also celebrated actors. Natasha built her career with notable roles in both theatre and screen, earning critical acclaim early on.

Richardson's acting debut included playing Mary Shelley in Ken Russell's Gothic (1986). She also portrayed Patty Hearst in the 1988 biopic of the same name. Her performance on Broadway in 1993, in the revival of Anna Christie, earned her a Theatre World Award. Other significant film roles included parts in The Handmaid's Tale (1990), Nell (1994), The Parent Trap (1998), Maid in Manhattan (2002), and The White Countess (2005).

Her portrayal of Sally Bowles in the 1998 Broadway revival of Cabaret earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, along with other theatre awards. Throughout her career, she was known for her versatility and dedication to her craft.

Marriage and Family

In 1994, Natasha married actor and second husband Liam Neeson, whom she met during a Broadway production of Anna Christie. The couple shared two sons, Micheál and Daniel. They lived in Millbrook, New York, and became a well-known Hollywood family.

The Day of the Accident

On 16 March 2009, Natasha Richardson was at the Mont Tremblant ski resort in Quebec, Canada, with her family. She was taking a beginner's lesson when she fell on a trail and hit her head. Initially, she did not believe her injury was serious and refused further medical help. She signed a waiver after being examined at the ski resort and returned to her hotel.
However, her condition worsened over the next few hours.

She developed a severe headache, prompting her to call for medical assistance. An ambulance was called at 2:43pm, and she was taken to a local clinic. She was later transferred to a larger hospital in Montreal, where she was diagnosed with an epidural hematoma—a brain bleed caused by the head injury.

Despite receiving initial treatment, her condition deteriorated, and she was flown to Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City on 17 March. The injury caused bleeding under the skull's temporal bone, damaging an artery beneath it. The pressure from the bleeding compressed her brain, leading to further complications. She was placed on life support but was declared brain-dead on 18 March.

Her family issued a statement expressing their shock and grief. Liam Neeson, deeply affected, donated her organs, and her death prompted widespread mourning. Broadway and the West End dimmed their lights in her honour, and private funerals were held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Millbrook.

Legacy and Remembrance

Natasha Richardson's death marked a significant moment in entertainment history. Her family has since honoured her memory through their ongoing work and the achievements of her children.

Liam Neeson, who had only dated once after Natasha's death, made headlines in recent days amid rumours of a romance with Pamela Anderson. However, he has publicly spoken about feeling that moving on is difficult, especially after such a profound loss. He has expressed hope that Natasha would be proud of how their family continues to grow and persevere.