The love story between Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson began on the Broadway stage in 1993, when they starred opposite each other in Anna Christie. Though Richardson was married at the time, the chemistry between them was undeniable. Soon after, her marriage came to an end, and by 1994, she and Neeson had tied the knot.
Their bond was electric from the start—audiences felt it in their performances, and even Richardson later acknowledged it. Reflecting on Neeson’s charm and reputation as a ladies’ man, she once said, “I’m pleased that women fall in love with him because I know why,” as reported by Country Living.
Their love only deepened after marriage. They embraced family life with joy, welcoming their first son, Micheál, in 1995, followed by a second son just 18 months later.
But in 2009, tragedy struck. While skiing, Natasha took a seemingly minor fall that led to a devastating brain injury. At first, she felt fine and even declined medical help—but her condition quickly worsened. Doctors soon confirmed she was brain dead.
Liam Neeson, honoring a pact they had made, made the heartbreaking decision to take her off life support—only after giving her loved ones time to say goodbye.
Years later, their eldest son Micheál chose to honor his mother in a deeply personal way: by changing his last name to Richardson.
“It was mainly like a homage to my mother, a way to carry her with me,” he told The Times.
His father was moved by the tribute. “It was a lovely gesture,” Neeson said. “Natasha’s family—her mother and sisters—were very touched by it. I’m proud of it.”
Now known as Micheál Richardson, the young actor is steadily building his career, appearing in films and TV series such as Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Vox Lux, Big Dogs, Broken Symphony, and Paradise. He has also worked alongside his father in Cold Pursuit and Made in Italy—a poignant film about grief, echoing their real-life journey.
Through his name and performances, Micheál keeps his mother’s spirit alive. One can’t help but believe Natasha Richardson would be immensely proud of the man—and actor—her son has become.