Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson’s love story began on Broadway in 1993 during the production of “Anna Christie,” leading to their marriage in 1994. Despite Richardson being married to theater producer Robert Fox at the time, the chemistry between her and Neeson was evident. After ending her marriage to Fox, Richardson and Neeson got married in 1994, sharing a farmhouse in New York.
Tragedy struck the family when Richardson suffered a traumatic brain injury from a skiing accident in Quebec, Canada. Despite initially thinking the fall was minor, Richardson’s condition worsened, leading to her being taken to the hospital. Doctors discovered she had a lucid interval, indicating internal bleeding in her brain, making it a fatal brain injury.
Neeson rushed to the hospital, where he received the devastating news that his wife was brain dead. In an emotional farewell, Neeson told her that she wouldn’t recover from the injury, and they would be flying back home to New York, where friends and family could say their goodbyes. Following their prior agreement, Neeson made the heart-wrenching decision to “pull the plug.” In addition to this, he donated Richardson’s heart, kidney, and liver.
In a “60 Minutes” interview, Neeson shared his ongoing grieving process, expressing that he visits Richardson’s grave regularly and feels her absence daily. He acknowledged the support he received from loved ones, especially thanking his mother-in-law, Vanessa Redgrave, for helping him raise their sons.
Despite the tragedy, Neeson raised two successful sons. Micheál, 28, has followed in his father’s footsteps, with acting credits including “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,” “Vox Lux,” and “Cold Pursuit.” In 2018, Micheál changed his last name to Richardson in honor of his late mother.
Daniel, the youngest of the Neeson boys, studied Acting and Digital Media at Tulane University. He later launched an eco-friendly clothing line, Pine Outfitters, in 2017. Both sons have allowed their passions to guide their careers, building successful paths for themselves.
Neeson, known for his diverse acting roles, often emphasizing the importance of family in his work, remains a dedicated father. He admitted that work served as an escape from grief, providing structure during a challenging time. Neeson recognized that grieving wasn’t a linear process, and he couldn’t plan when it would conclude.