Liam Neeson is having a full-fledged comeback. The actor, known for his dramatic roles and action-packed films, is starring in "The Naked Gun," a comedy that's being hailed as one of the year's best. The film has brought many joys for him, with sources claiming he's found love with his fellow co-star, Pamela Anderson.
16 years ago, Neeson's life was tragically derailed by the death of his wife, Natasha Richardson, with whom he shared two sons. For years, Neeson, 73, has steered clear of public romances, with his relationship with Anderson representing a new leaf.
Neeson and Richardson's love story
Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson met in 1993, while making the Broadway production "Anna Christie." The pair is said to have fallen in love instantly, with them getting married the following year. Through their 16-year partnership, the pair welcomed sons Daniel and Michael.
Richardson is the daughter of one of the biggest entertainment families in Hollywood. She's the granddaughter of the filmmaker Sir Michael Redgrave and the actress Rachel Kempson. She's the niece of actors Corin and Lynn Redgrave. Most notably, she's the daughter of the revered actress Vanessa Redgrave (who's won an Oscar, a Tony, a Primetime Emmy, and an Olivier Award) and the filmmaker and producer Tony Richardson. Her sister Joely Richardson is also an actress, starring in films like "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "101 Dalmatians."
Through her career, she's starred in films like "The Parent Trap," "Maid in Manhattan," alongside Ralph Fiennes and Jennifer Lopez, and more. She also performed in the theater, taking a Tony for Best Actress in "Cabaret."
Her tragic death
Natasha Richardson died when she was 45 years old in 2009. The death was caused by a tragic accident, occurring after she hit her head skiing in Quebec, Canada.
Richardson and Neeson were both in Canada, with her vacationing with her sons while Neeson was in Toronto, working on a film. According to a statement from the ski lodge, Richardson slipped while taking a skiing lesson, receiving immediate attention. While she was not bleeding, she was immobilized. An hour later, she began feeling sick, having acquired a brain hemorrhage.
Her condition worsened, with Neeson picking her up and taking her to a hospital in New York, where she was pronounced dead a day later, accompanied by her family.
“It was a horrible thing to happen,” said Neeson to PEOPLE, recalling that his whole family pulled together to support eachother.
"I think Natasha would be proud,” said Neeson of the kids he shares with Richardson. “I hope so.”