Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson had two sons before her tragic death. Since then, the family has honored her legacy with son Daniel’s most recent tribute to his mother on the 15th anniversary of her passing.
Daniel Neeson was 12 years old when an accident left him and his one-year-older brother Michael without a mother. While he looks “forward to reuniting one day,” he chooses to embrace the “greatest life force” – love.
Daniel Neeson and Liam Neeson attend Ottawa Senators vs New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden on January 20, 2015, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Taking to social media on March 19, 2024, Daniel posted a heartfelt tribute alongside a black and white throwback image of his mother.
Natasha Richardson during 4th Annual Tribeca Film Festival – “Asylum” Premiere – Arrivals at Stuyvesant High School in New York City, New York, United States, in 2005 | Source: Getty Images
“15 years since you’ve left this plane onto forever more. I look forward to reuniting one day but for now I take solace in knowing you’re beside me every step of the way. Hopefully, I’m making you proud. I think you would definitely be proud of my margarita skills. She was the OG margarita mama!” he wrote.
Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson during “Seraphim Falls” New York Screening at Tribeca Grand Hotel, Grand Screening Room at 2 Avenue of the Ame in New York City, New York, in 2007
Daniel’s margarita skills is not a reference of casual interest as he co-founded DNA Spirits in 2017, where he now produces a crucial ingredient to their beloved drink.
Natasha Richardson during Cartier’s Collection Delices de Cartier Party at Cartier Soho in New York City, New York, in 2001 | Source: Getty Images
“Little did she know I would one day start my own tequila brand and have way too many margaritas at my fingertips,” Daniel added.
Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson during “Asylum” New York Premiere – Arrivals at MGM Screening Room in New York City, New York | Source: Getty Images
His tribute took a reflective turn, as he shared being reminded that life and love goes on no matter what changes may come our way.
Natasha Richardson during The New York Premiere Of Ethan Hawke’s Directorial Debut, “Chelsea Walls” at Clearview’s Chelsea West in New York City, New York | Source: Getty Images
“Change is inevitable, and we must embrace it with open arms. If you’re a believer or not in quantum physics, the past, future and present coexist. We’re all interconnected here and over there through love. The greatest life force. choose it above all else,” Daniel concluded the tribute to his mom.
Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson during “Chanel” Costume Institute Gala Opening at the Metropolitan Museum of Art – Arrivals at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, New York, United States | Source: Getty Images
An outpour of supportive and heartwarming comments showed that even after all these years, Natasha Richardson still lives on in the hearts of many.
Natasha Richardson during The 30th Annual Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards – Arrivals at The St. Regis Hotel in Century City, California | Source: Getty Images
Radio and television talk show host, Andy Cohen wrote, “Love you so much Danny. And so proud of you. Your mom would LOVE your margaritas, and she was the supreme connoisseur!”
One netizen’s comment echoed a similar sentiment, “Beautiful words!! She must be very proud of you.”
“I can not believe it’s been 15 years. I remember how our hearts ached for you and your family during that time. She was an amazing woman who inspired her sons to do great things. Her spirit lives on in your hearts and in so many other ways,” a fan’s heartwarming words read.
“She was a beautiful, talented, graceful woman; a great example of a life lived well! Gone too soon but she will always be with you,” added another.
Natasha Richardson and her sons Micheal Neeson (L) and Daniel Neeson (R) attend the “Billy Elliot The Musical” opening night on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on November 13, 2008, in New York City | Source: Getty Images.
Shortly before Daniel posted the tribute to his mom, his dad, Liam Neeson was spotted strolling around New York. The 71-year-old actor looked solemn during the outing, dressed in a blue three-piece suit and a navy shirt featuring the name of Daniel’s tequila brand DE-NADA.
Daniel had also previously taken to social media to commemorate his mom. In 2018, Daniel, who earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theater and Digital Media, wrote, “9 years stronger. No one’s ever gone, they become more alive.”
Micheal, Daniel’s brother, chose a unique way to honor his mom in 2018 – he took her last name. During an interview, Michael, who chose a Hollywood career like his parents, shared the reason behind the decision.
Liam Neeson and his sons, Daniel Neeson and Micheal Neeson attend New York Rangers Vs. Boston Bruins game at Madison Square Garden on March 23, 2016, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
“It was a way to honor her and her side of the family and carry on the name,” he said.
Liam Neeson (L) and son Micheal Neeson attend the Maison Mais Non launch party as Micheal Neeson launches fashion gallery in Soho on June 2, 2015, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Natasha Richardson had a profound impact on the lives of those around her and was only 45 when she died after a skiing accident in March 2009 at the Mont Tremblant ski resort in Quebec.
Natasha Richardson attends a special screening of “Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton” hosted by The Cinema Society and W at the Tribeca Grand Screening Room on January 31, 2007, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Initially, Natasha thought she was fine and even joked about the fall. However, soon after declining to see a doctor, her condition quickly deteriorated.
Actress Natasha Richardson arrives at “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” New York Premiere at the Ziegfeld Theater on May 7, 2008, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Roughly 2 hours after leaving the infirmary, a second call for help was received. Exactly ten minutes later, an ambulance arrived at the hotel. Although Natasha was conscious, paramedics picked up signs that made them call the hematology department of the hospital where they were taking her.
Michael Neeson, Natasha Richardson and Daniel Neeson attend BILLY ELLIOT the MUSICAL, Opening Night on Broadway at Imperial Theatre on November 13, 2008, in New York City | Source: Getty Images.
Natasha was then transferred to another hospital in Montreal before being flown to Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. By then, the family had rushed to her side and stayed with her until she passed the following day.
Liam Neeson (waving) with (L-R) screenwriter Carlo Gabriel Nero, son Daniel Neeson, son Micheal Neeson, sister Joely Richardson, and niece Daisy Bevan arrive for the funeral of actress Natasha Richardson at St. Peter’s Lithgow Episcopal Church on March 22, 2009, in New York | Source: Getty Images
The cause of her death was attributed to an epidural hematoma sustained during the fall when she had a blunt impact to her head, leaving behind her husband and two sons. However, Natasha’s death was not straightforward and caused the family great distress.
The couple had already spoken about what would be done if one of them was on life support and agreed that they would “pull the plug” on one another.
Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson in New York in 2008 | Source: Getty Images
Although the decision seemed evident for Neeson, it was still heartbreaking to say goodbye to his wife so unexpectedly. But the actor did more than pull the plug; he also donated Richardson’s heart, kidney, and liver and reckoned that his wife would be happy to know she was keeping three people alive.
During his “60 Minutes” interview, the “Memory” star spoke about his grieving process. He confessed he felt his wife’s absence daily, “I mourn for her… I visit her grave on a very regular basis,” he added.
Fortunately, Neeson had the support of his loved ones during the difficult time. He especially thanked his mother-in-law, Vanessa Redgrave, for stepping in and helping him raise his sons.
Neeson has shown his range throughout his long-standing career. The actor proved to be a rom-com star, with films like “Love Actually,” and swiftly transitioned into being an action legend with his roles in the iconic “Taken” franchise.
Most of his acting roles have one theme: the importance of family, so it is no surprise that the actor is a doting father willing to do anything to keep his family together.
Despite the tragedy of losing his wife, Neeson raised two successful sons. His eldest, Micheal, 28, has followed in his footsteps. The 28-year-old started acting at a young age but made his film debut in “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.”
Some of his films include, “Vox Lux,” “Broken Symphony,” “Big Dogs” and “Paradise.” Micheál also got to act alongside his father in the 2019 film, “Cold Pursuit” and the 2020 movie “Made in Italy.”
Micheál is growing in his career and is determined to make a name for himself. In 2018, the actor decided to change his last name to Richardson in honor of his late mother. Neeson supported his son’s decision, “I think he did the right thing; I’d hate for him to be constantly asked: ‘Oh are you Liam Neeson’s son?'” he said.
Liam Neeson and his son Micheál in London in 2015 | Source: Getty Images
The “Paradise” star also opened up about losing his mother. He expressed that it was particularly difficult to accept the loss because of how unexpected her death was. But Micheál does his best to hold on to his memories of Richardson. He is even more grateful to have some of her films to look back on.
Daniel, the youngest of the Neeson boys, also followed in his father’s footsteps. He studied Acting and Digital Media at Tulane University.
Daniel landed behind-the-scenes jobs on films but eventually launched his eco-friendly clothing line, Pine Outfitters, in 2017. The 26-year-old said he never thought he would be a business owner. He always believed he would become a producer or an athlete since he grew up loving sports.
Liam Neeson in New York in 2005 | Source: Getty Images
However, Daniel and Micheál have allowed their passions to lead them and have both built successful careers. Neeson also used his work as an escape from pain and grief. He admitted that he survived by “running away to work.”
Liam Neeson found structure in his job. He said it was easy to plan his work, but it was never easy to plan when he would be done grieving because it was not as easy as crying it out and the pain going away.
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