Natasha Richardson To Be Honored At AmfAR Gala

Natasha Richardson is set to be honored posthumously at the amfAR gala on February 10.

On March 18, 2009 shock spread around the globe when 45-year-old actress Natasha Richardson died after what seemed to be a minor skiing accident. She left behind two sons and her husband, Liam Neeson, along with grieving family and scores of fans. But Richardson's death also triggered public interest in skiing safety and better urgent medical care.

Richardson made her feature film debut as Mary Shelley in Ken Russell's "Gothic" (1986). Her performance caught the attention of director Paul Schrader, who cast her in the title role in "Patty Hearst" (1988), In 1995 she co-starred with Jodie Foster and Liam Neeson in "Nell" (1994) and, in 1998, in "The Parent Trap" (1998) with Dennis Quaid. Her recent films include "Blow Dry" (2001) released in 2001, and Ethan Hawke's "Chelsea Walls" (2001).

Natasha Richardson won the 1998 Tony Award for her celebrated performance in the Roundabout Theater Company revival of Cabaret and was also Tony-nominated for her starring role in the revival of Anna Christie. Other Broadway credits include Closer and A Streetcar Named Desire.

The tribute will be co-chaired by Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson with Meryl Streep and amfAR founder Mathilde Krim taking part in the event.

Photo credit: Walter McBride