Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Natasha Richardson

When I read about Natasha Richardson's skiing accident yesterday, I felt just hearstick. Natasha Richardson is one of my favorite actresses. She looks as if she is as fabulous in real life as the parts she plays on the screen. She is married to the equally wonderful Liam Neeson, and they have two sons, aged 12 and 13. There has been no official word yet on her condition, but it looks critical. According to the reports, even in the best case scenario, it is doubtful she would ever be the same, should she recover. I hope the reports are not true, but if they are, I cannot imagine how this could happen. It can, in fact, happen -- to anyone; a day of enjoyment on the ski slopes can end in tragedy. It's just one of those awful accidents that happens, and who knows why. One moment you're having fun, enjoying yourself, the next moment your whole world has changed -- forever.

If you’re not familiar with Natasha Richardson's work, I would recommend you check out some of her movies. My favorite role of hers is as the needy and conniving Caroline Lane in “Maid in Manhattan”, an otherwise forgettable movie. Natasha Richardson was charming and funny, and easily outshone the star of the movie, Jennifer Lopez. And her performance was wonderful as Offred in the prescient “The Handmaid’s Tale”, the story of the Republic of Gilead, the country run by Evangelical zealots.

My heart goes out to her family -- her mother, Vanessa Redgrave and her sister, Joely Richardson, and of course her husband and children. I believe in the power of prayer, and perhaps everyone could say a little prayer for Natasha Richardson, and for all of the people in her life who love her. What they are going through right now must be just awful.

Addendum: Natasha Richardson has died. My condolences to her family and friends. It's just too sad. Such a lovely and talented woman.

26 comments:

Leilani Tresise said...

I so agree Jo!!! LIAMS new movie TAKEN is a good good piece of work about a subject few of us think can happen but does every day ... God Bless this family !!

Avril Fleur said...

I have loved her in so many movies. The Handmaid's Tale was one of my favourites. I had read the book beforehand and the movie was a decent interpretation of the book.

I am praying for her full recovery. But you're right, skiing accidents can happen quickly and to anyone, even the most experienced of skiers. Recently a high school girl from Ontario was killed in a tragic skiing accident in Quebec. Very sad.

My heart goes out to the families.

Stephen Leach said...

Yeah, I'm not familiar with her, but I understand how you feel. I don't get skiing at all: so dangerous, what's the point? So easy to get hurt.
In response to your comment on my last post, I haven't had a good chocolate binge in ages. Thanks for reminding me, I might do that tomorrow.

Deb said...

it is so sad, I just read on AOL that she maybe brain dead the reason for moving her to New York, I hope they have it wrong, she is a wonderful actress...prayers work miracles every day

Patsy said...

When they mentioned this on the radio yesterday I thought of Sonny Bono; he died on the ski slopes when he hit a tree.

What Greenpanda said makes sense to me: It is such a dangerous sport. Rocks that are barely covered by snow, crevasses that seem like solid snow, trees, cliffs, and just the simple act of falling while going so fast.... and no armor of metal to protect you as you go hurtling......

Oh Jo.... sorry to be focused on the wrong thing here. I know that your concern is with Natasha Richardson. Sorry!!!!! 8-(

I hope that she recovers against the odds. Things like that do happen, you know. It is possible.
~Lorna

A Woman Of No Importance said...

Natasha is a wonderful actress, Jo, and the fact that people might not have heard of her of late is because she has taken time out while her boys were growing up, and she's also been more focused on the stage.

I have watched her career with such interest - We are the same age - and she was splendid in Maid In Manhattan, you are so right. I really want her to be able to pull through this bizarre acccident, as I am sure we all do. Thank you so for posting this, and I am sending positive wishes and energies x

Mark and Patty of Crystal Pyramid Productions in San Diego said...

I hope she does pull out of it, too. Very sad. I am also feeling sad for the family who live across the street. Their 19-year-old son died in his sleep two nights ago; he was one of three triplets. It's astounding that this has happened. The grief is palpable. What can we do for them? We feel so helpless.

Faithful said...

I am praying for her recovery and for God mercy. Blessings to her family.

Paula Slade said...

Very sad indeed.

Leslie: said...

I was shocked upon hearing the news and do join in you with prayer and good wishes for her and all her family, especially her two sons. This was indeed a simple accident that has turned into something horrific. Please God may there be a miracle and that she will recover.

Country Girl said...

I was upset to hear this earlier today. I liked her performance in Parent Trap, too. My heart goes out to their family.

Ashok "Internet" Sharma said...

"I cannot imagine how this could happen" is also my reaction to the great actress. Her sons have to face the injured mom, I am very confused about mixed report but your words pacified, waiting to hear about her condition. God must provide strenth to poor sons to bear.

Writer J said...

I forgot that Natasha Richardson was in Maid in Manhattan, but I do remember that she was in The Parent Trap, and I loved her in it. I hope the best for her and her family.

roxanne s. sukhan said...

Oh! A brain injury is a terrible thing ... not just for the injured one but for their family. I had no idea she was Vanessa Redgrave's dtr. Yes, skiiing is dangerous. This just reinforces for me how precious each moment is ... and how quickly and easily life can change ... irrevocably.

Charles Gramlich said...

I'm very sorry to hear that. Her poor family. I do recognize her and thought she was a pretty good actress.

roxanne s. sukhan said...

I just read an article on BBC site that said she died from her injury. How awful!

Deedee said...

So terrible! By the Grace of God, I hope she will be okay. I'm a wimp and don't like to risk injury. I tried skiing once when I was a teenager. I spend the entire day on my butt. I was so appalling bad at it, I never tried it again.

Kimberly said...

It is an awfully tragic thing. My thoughts and prayers to her family.

Susan English Mason said...

My thoughts and prayers are with her family through their tragic loss.

Avril Fleur said...

Awww...I just heard that she passed away today in a New York hospital. I feel so badly for her family, especially her boys who are just entering the teens. This will be very hard on them.

A.M. said...

Wow! I can't believe she has passed away. God bless, and forever remembered.

Thank you for posting this.

Nancy said...

A few years ago I pushed off a lift with three other women (a quad) and hit my head really hard on the ice that accumulates underneath the lift. It was at that point that I realized I simply was not a good enough skier to continue skiing. I was not only an accident waiting to happen, I was very dangerous to myself and possibly others. (That was my last day.) We forget how dangerous skiing can be - especially when you are learning as Natasha was doing. But you have to wonder - when does just a really nasty fall and hit on the head turn into the last thing you ever do?

kimber said...

I am so sad to hear this, and more than a little shocked. When I read the reports this morning, it sounded so hopeful, as if it had all been blown out of proportion and she was going to be fine.

Yet another stark reminder to live every day as fully as possible.

introspection said...

Sending prayers for her soul to rest in peace.aamen. My heart goes out to the boys, and her entire family.
How uncertain is life, indeed. One moment you are having fun and then something happens and in a minute you are gone.
Every equation has changed for ever.
God give her family strength to bear the loss....!

Mona said...

yeah i think this world is a sadder place without her...i too thought she was a beautiful, graceful person...

Pat R said...

She was good in the Parent Trap and a few others... RIP Natasha