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Stars pay tribute to Natasha Richardson

By Lucy Hutchings on Thursday 19 March 2009

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Natasha Richardson-Celebrity News-Marie Claire

Stars from the worlds of stage and screen have paid tribute to Natasha Richardson today, following her tragic death last night in New York.

Sam Mendes, who directed the actress on Broadway, said, 'It defies belief that this gifted, brave, tenacious, wonderful woman is gone. Natasha combined the best of Redgrave and Richardson: the enormous depth and emotional force of a great actor on the one hand, and the intelligence and objectivity of a great director on the other.

He added, 'She was one of a kind, a magnificent actress. She was also an amazing mother, a loyal friend, and the greatest and most generous host you could ever hope to meet.'

Speaking to the BBC, Dame Judi Dench commented, 'She had an incredibly luminous quality, that you seldom see, and a great sense of humour. I thought she was a really great actress.

'It's just so shocking, really shocking, and I hope that everybody leaves the family quietly to somehow pick up the pieces.'

Lindsay Lohan, who starred with the actress in 1998's The Parent Trap, added a few words of remembrance. 'She was a wonderful woman and actress and treated me like I was her own,' Lohan recalled.

'I didn't see much of her over the years but I will miss her… My heart goes out to her family. This is a tragic loss.'

Referring to Liam Neeson, Richardson's husband, chat show host Michael Parkinson said, 'Liam is one of the nicest guys I’ve met in the business, and so was she. They were very unshowy people. They did a job, got on with their lives, enjoyed their lives."

The mother-of-two fell during a private ski lesson in Canada three days ago, but initially laughed off the fall, and returned to her hotel.

An hour later, she was taken to a local hospital after complaining of a headache. She was flown home to New York for her family to pay its last respects, but passed away late last night.

In a brief statement, the family confirmed the sad news, saying: 'Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by thetragic 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.'

NATASHA RICHARDSON: A LIFE IN PICTURES

Thursday 19 March 2009

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I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of the beautiful and talented Natasha Richardson. My thoughts are with all her family who must be devastated by their sudden loss. A reminder to us all to hold fast to those we love and tell them every day. May she rest in peace.
Comment by claire dingley on March 19 15:56

I can empathise with her family losing somone so talented and wonderful suddenly is devastating. My thoughts go out to her careing family who are going to need each a lot during these sad days. I hope the press leave them to grieve in peace and give tehm time to come to turns whith such a tragic loss of a talented, caring mother, wife and friend to all who knew her. She is going ot be greatly missed not only by direct family but by everyone who knew her. May she rest in peace
Comment by Pet on March 19 17:11

i am deeply sad at the loss of a fantastic actress and my heart goes out to her family and all her friends i hope this tragic thing makes other people to try to think about wearing proper head protection whilst taking part in any activities .sport etc .rest in peace natasha you was a great actress .
Comment by sue walker on March 19 21:09