Natasha Richardson thought she was fine after a fall while skiing. Then the unthinkable happened.

It's been 16 years since the world lost Natasha Richardson, a talented actress whose presence on screen left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

For many, she will forever be remembered as Elizabeth James in the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap, where she brought warmth and depth to the role of a loving mother.

Her ability to illuminate the screen with her presence was a gift she shared across numerous roles, from film to theatre.

However, beyond her professional accomplishments, Natasha's personal life was filled with love and joy, particularly in her relationship with actor Liam Neeson. Their romance was a testament to the power of true love, and it continues to inspire those who knew them.

As we reflect on her life and legacy, we delve into the story of Natasha Richardson, both on and off the screen.

Watch the trailer for The Parent Trap. Post continues below.

Who was Natasha Richardson?

Natasha Richardson was a British actress born into the renowned Redgrave family, the daughter of Vanessa Redgrave and Tony Richardson. Her career spanned both film and theatre, showcasing her versatility and talent.

She began her acting journey with uncredited roles in films like The Charge of the Light Brigade and gradually moved on to more significant parts in movies such as Gothic, Patty Hearst and The Handmaid's Tale.

Her performances were often marked by a unique blend of elegance and emotional depth. Richardson's most notable roles include her portrayal of Sally Bowles in the Broadway production of Cabaret, for which she won a Tony Award, and her memorable performance in The Parent Trap. Her legacy as an actress is a testament to her dedication and passion for her craft.

How did she meet Liam Neeson?

Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson first met in 1993 when they starred together in the Broadway revival of Anna Christie. Richardson, who was already an accomplished actress, sought out Neeson for the role of the Irish sailor opposite her character. Their professional collaboration blossomed into a romance, despite Richardson being married at the time.

Following her divorce, they began dating and eventually married in 1994. Their relationship was marked by a deep connection and mutual respect, which was evident in their performances together on stage and screen.

Natasha Richardson in The Parent Trap. Image: Walt Disney.

Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson's relationship.

Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson's relationship was a beautiful blend of love, respect, and mutual support.

They married in 1994 and had two sons, Micheál and Daniel.

Their bond was strong, and they often spoke about how much they valued their family life. Richardson was known for her warmth and kindness, qualities that Neeson cherished deeply.

Together, they balanced their careers with family life, often seeking roles that allowed them to spend more time together. Their love story is a reminder of the importance of finding a partner who supports and loves you unconditionally.

Natasha and Liam met on Broadway and fell in love. Image: Getty.

What happened to Natasha Richardson?

Natasha Richardson's life was tragically cut short in a skiing accident on March 16, 2009, at Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada. While skiing without a helmet on a beginner's slope, she fell and hit her head.

Initially, she seemed fine and refused medical attention, but her condition worsened over the next few hours. She developed severe headaches and confusion, leading to her hospitalisation.

Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced brain dead and passed away on March 18, 2009, surrounded by her family.

What sort of brain injury did Natasha Richardson have?

Natasha Richardson suffered from an epidural haematoma, a type of brain injury caused by bleeding between the brain and the skull. This condition often results from a fracture of the temporal bone, which can damage the middle meningeal artery, leading to severe bleeding.

The injury can present with a lucid interval, where the person appears fine initially but then deteriorates as the bleeding increases pressure on the brain.

Prompt medical attention is crucial in treating epidural haematomas, as it can significantly improve outcomes if caught early.

Natasha suffered a brain injury in a skiing accident. Image: Getty.

What did celebrities say about her death?

The news of Natasha Richardson's death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.

Celebrities like Judi Dench, Oprah Winfrey, and Ralph Fiennes expressed their grief and admiration for her talent and kindness. Dench remembered her as having "an incredibly luminous quality," while Winfrey noted her "wit, love, mischief, and great talent."

Richardson's The Parent Trap co-star Dennis Quaid said she was "sorely missed".

"What a beautiful, beautiful woman, great person," he told E! News in 2010.

The outpouring of tributes highlighted the impact Richardson had on those who knew her, both personally and professionally.

Liam said he still speaks to Natasha every day. Image: Getty.

What has Liam Neeson said in the years since Natasha Richardson's death?

In the years following Natasha Richardson's tragic death, Liam Neeson has spoken candidly about his grief and the impact of her passing on his life.

In a 2014 interview with Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes, Neeson shared his emotional experience of losing his wife, stating, "It still kind of isn't [real]. You just get this profound feeling of instability. You feel like a three-legged table. Just suddenly... the Earth isn't stable anymore. And then it passes and becomes more infrequent, but I still get it sometimes".

Neeson also revealed how he coped with his grief by throwing himself into his work, noting, "I'm not good without work... I just don't wallow too much. And I just didn't want to — especially for my boys — seem to be wallowing in sadness or depression".

He spoke about the difficulty of raising their sons alone, saying, "My boys are teenagers. They're experimenting. They're flexing muscles and sometimes dangerous avenues, and you think, 'If Tasha was here, someone could share this'."

In more recent years, Neeson has continued to honour Richardson's memory. In a 2020 interview, he shared that he visits her grave regularly, stating, "I speak to her every day at her grave, which is about a mile and a half down the road. I go down there quite often, so I do speak to her as if she's here. Not that she answers me".

Neeson has also encouraged his sons to remember their mother fondly, as seen when their eldest son, Micheál, changed his last name to Richardson in 2018 to honour her legacy.

As for his love life, Neeson has said he's happy being single. The 72-year-old confirmed last year he was not dating after losing his wife.

"No, in a word. I'm past all that," he told People.

Feature image: Getty.