Stars pay tribute to Richardson

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Richardson - Stars pay tribute to the actress

Natasha Richardson remembered in Pictures, click here

Actor Kevin Spacey, who is the Artistic Director of the Old Vic in London, said: "There are no words to express how tragic Natasha Richardson's untimely passing is for the theatre community.

"Her passion, devotion and talent will forever be etched on those who saw her work on the stage. The bloodlines of greatness were always there and she committed herself to every role she tackled.

"All of us at the Old Vic Theatre Company mourn her loss and send our heartfelt wishes to Liam [Neeson, husband] and her family.

"We hope that the warmth we all feel about her will bring some comfort to those closest to her, who shared her life, her wit, her style and know that she will never be forgotten."

Oscar winner Judi Dench told the BBC: "She had an incredibly luminous quality, that you seldom see, and a great sense of humour. I thought she was a really great actress."

Ken Russell, who directed Natasha Richardson in 'Gothic', wrote in the London Times: "Her beauty was golden. That's the word that keeps coming to mind. She was one of the few modern actresses who was as smart as she was pretty, and as gentle as she was fierce."

Actress Demi Moore wrote online: "I am sending out prayers for Natasha Richardson and her family. A real reminder of how precious life is and how quickly it can be gone."

According to the Press Association, Michael Parkinson paid tribute to 45-year-old Natasha Richardson, 46-year-old Neeson and their two sons, Michael, 13, and Daniel, 12.

Parkinson said: "I met her a couple of times, I know Liam quite well, I've interviewed him two or three times. My thoughts are with him, it's a terrible, awful tragedy.

"They are a close-knit family, they will be able to share their grief together, that is the only consolation.

"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 - it's very sad."

Director Michael Winner said: "It's a terrible, terrible thing. It's always tragic when people of such buoyancy and life are taken away on what appears to be utterly trivial events.

"She was a wonderful actress, the whole family is incredible, and she had not yet fulfilled her possibilities.

"Whenever you met her, it was like a joy. It's a twinkle and a sparkle that has left the world."

American lifestyle guru Martha Stewart commented on her website: "Just heard the tragic news about poor Natasha Richardson. Her family must be devastated. My sincerest condolences to all."

Lindsay Lohan, who co-starred with Natasha Richardson in the 1998 film 'The Parent Trap', told Access Hollywood: "She was a wonderful woman and actress and treated me like I was her own.

"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."

Alan Nierob, Neeson's publicist, said: "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."

Born in May 1963 to director Tony Richardson (who died in 1991) and Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave, 72, Natasha Richardson had one sister, actress Joely Richardson.

In 1986 she won the London Drama Critics' most promising newcomer award for her performance as Nina in 'The Seagull' alongside her mother. She married 'Schindler's List' star Neeson in 1994 after the pair met on the set of the film 'Nell'.

She won a Tony award for best actress in a musical for her performance as Sally Bowles in Sam Mendes' production of 'Cabaret' on Broadway in 1998.

Natasha Richardson died in a New York hospital after sustaining a head injury in a skiing accident in Canada earlier in the week. Her husband, sons and mother were at her bedside.