Liam Neeson’s son changes last name to honour late mother, Natasha Richardson

LIAM Neeson’s son Micheál has honoured his late mum, Natasha Richardson, with a touching tribute.

Liam Neeson and his wife Natasha Richardson in 2008. Picture: AP Photo/Akira Suemori

LIAM Neeson’s son, Micheál, is honouring his late mother, Natasha Richardson, in a very meaningful way.

Micheál officially has changed his last name from Neeson to Richardson, Page Six has confirmed.

The Parent Trap star died in 2009, aged 45, after a freak skiing accident left her with a traumatic brain injury. Neeson and Richardson’s sons, Micheál and Daniel, were 13 and 12 respectively at the time of her death.

Liam Neeson and son Micheál in 2015. Picture: David M. Benett/Getty Images

Micheál’s maternal grandmother, actor Vanessa Redgrave, told the Daily Mail the 23-year-old’s decision wasn’t meant as disrespect to his father.

“That wasn’t because he wanted to avoid his father’s fame, which is enormous,” she shared. “He wanted to hold his mother close to him — because she was a remarkable actress. Absolutely remarkable.”

Micheál opened up to the Sunday Times in 2015 about the effect his mother’s death had on his life, admitting at first he “pushed it out”. Eventually, not dealing with it caused him to make poor decisions.

“Things just started going downhill. The people I was with, we were partying a lot. It was dark. I hit rock bottom,” he said. “Everybody said, ‘This kid has lost his mum, that’s where the problem comes from.’ And I was like, ‘No, it isn’t, I just like to party.’ But looking back, I realise it was a delayed reaction.”

Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson in 2006.

This article was originally published on the New York Post and is reproduced with permission.