Goodbye, Ms Richardson

Natasha Richardson, Actress. Born 11 May 1963; Died 18 March 2009

Five days ago, the acting and entertainment industry was stripped of a member of its aristocracy. Natasha Richardson, member of the legendary Redgrave acting dynasty (daughter of Oscar-winner Vanessa Redgrave and Tony Richardson, granddaughter of patriarch Michael Redgrave), died from injuries caused by a skiing accident, a few days previously.

Her family history - with stage and screen performance coursing through her veins - and documentary evidence in the shape of several films and reviews of her performances in the West End and on Broadway had enabled Richardson to prove her mettle and escape the cynism surrounding her priviledge as a Redgrave. Younger audience-members may recognise her as Lindsey Lohan's mother from the 1995 Disney remake of The Parent Trap and Jennifer Lopez' bitchy rival for Ralph Fiennes' love in 2002's Maid in Manhattan, but it is to be noted she won a Tony Award in 1998 for her portrayal of Sally Bowles in the then Broadway production of Kander and Ebb's classic Weimar Era musical Cabaret. Indeed, despite her constant work on screen, the stage was Ms Richardson's spiritual home, and she continually worked in plays throughout the world.

You can read The Guardian's obituary here, and the BBC's report of her death here.

Ms Richardson, you will be greatly missed...