On Thursday, March 19 at about 8 p.m., the marquees of Broadway theaters in New York were dimmed.It was a silent tribute to actress Natasha Richardson, who passed away Wednesday evening after a skiing accident on March 16 that left her in a coma. Her husband, actor Liam Neeson, rushed to her side from Toronto, where he was filming his new movie, Chloe, before she was transported to a New York hospital. On Tuesday, TMZ learned that Richardson had been classified as "brain dead." Her family made the decision to remove her from life support on Wednesday afternoon, and a representative made the following statement Wednesday night: "Liam Neeson, his sons and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha. They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."

Richardson's career credits spanned both film and stage, including a Tony award-winning performance in Cabaret and a role in the much-loved family film The Parent Trap. Stars of both Hollywood and Broadway expressed their grief and condolences to her family, recalling fond memories of the actress.

"She was a brilliant actress. I will never forget her Blanche Dubois [in A Streetcar Named Desire]. It was almost too much, too real and raw. Liam and the boys and her whole family have lost an amazing woman. We all have. Goodbye, darling," wrote Alan Cumming, Richardson's Cabaret co-star.

A loving wife, devoted mother, active humanitarian and talented actress, Richardson was what some would call the "perfect celebrity," contributing to numerous charities and relief efforts. She was actively involved in the American Foundation for AIDS Research, becoming a board of trustees member in 2006 and participated in many other AIDS charities including Bailey House, God's Love We Deliver, Mothers' Voices, AIDS Crisis Trust and National AIDS Trust. Richardson received amfAR's Award of Courage in November 2000.

Richardson leaves behind her husband, Liam Neeson, and two children, Michael, 13, and Daniel, 12, as well as hundreds of friends and millions of fans. As an actress, a humanitarian and a mother, she will be missed.