I remember when I was six years old, and The Parent Trap was released. I remember that I liked Hallie and Annie, I liked their dad, the butler, the nanny, the grandpa, but I LOVED their mother, Elizabeth. She was so elegant and beautiful, and had a knockout smile. Little six year old me found out the name of this woman, and decided she wanted to see everything Natasha had ever been in. I did see some, but of course, at six years old, some of her films weren't quite suitable, and I gave up. Until I saw Maid In Manhattan, and very excitedly told my mother that "IT'S NATASHA!!" She told me to be quiet, and when I got home, I googled Natasha Richardson. However, once again (as I so often tend to do), I moved on. I saw her again in Wild Child last year, and got quite excited that she was back in my head, but again, it didn't last.
That was, until Wednesday, when I was walking through the supermarket, and saw on the front of a newspaper, "Neeson's wife in critical condition after ski fall." I can't even describe how I felt in that moment, all I remember is I prayed (which is not something I do, ever), and repeatedly told my mother how I hoped she'd be okay. But the next morning, when my mum came into my room and said "bad news", I knew that she had died.
I had no connection to her, I didn't know her, and I never met her. I can't even say I've seen that many of her films or performances, but I feel so deeply saddened by this. She was so young, and it is such a tragic and sudden loss. I think the reason I have been so affected is that the thought of somebody being there one day, and gone the next, is terrifying.
She was beautiful, talented, and sweet. Her smile glowed off the screen, and she had an energy you could feel as you watched her. As many people are saying, "she was the greatest actress of her generation". That is not something I would argue with.
Natasha Jane Richardson
11th May 1963 - 18th March 2009
Rest In Peace.
Rest In Peace.
