Lynn Redgrave dies at 67 after breast cancer battle

Actress Lynn Redgrave died Sunday night at her Connecticut home with her three children and other friends present, her rep tells the Associated Press. The younger sister of Vanessa Redgrave had battled breast cancer for years after finding a lump in 2002.

"She lived, loved and worked harder than ever before," her children said in a statement. "The endless memories she created as a mother, grandmother, writer, actor and friend will sustain us for the rest of our lives."

The 67-year-old actress -- nominated for a best actress Oscar for 1966's "Georgy Girl" -- had released a book, "Journal: A Mother and Daughter's Recovery from Breast Cancer," with daughter Annabel Clark in 2004

"I thought I was living very fully before this happened," Lynn Redgrave told CNN while she and Clark promoted the book in February 2005. "But in comparison, no, I really wasn't. I wasn't taking the time to notice things. I didn't see things as brightly or as sharply or as memorably as I do now.

"I really don't let a moment slide by, I just don't," she continued. "It's a big price to pay, isn't it -- to have to have cancer to learn that? But it is, in the end, I have to say, a price worth paying."

The native of Britain and naturalized U.S. citizen was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2001. She was also nominated for a supporting actress Oscar for "Gods and Monsters" in 1999. She most recently appeared in episodes of "Law & Order" and "Ugly Betty."

Redgrave's niece, Natasha Richardson, died a little more than a year ago after hitting her head in a fall on the ski slopes. Lynn's older brother, Corin Redgrave, died on April 7 in London. 

In 1999, Redgrave split with John Clark, her husband of 32 years, after learning of a scandal involving an out-of-wedlock child. She is survived by her sister Vanessa; children Ben, Pema and Annabel; six grandchildren and four nephews and nieces, including "Nip/Tuck" actress Joely Richardson. 

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Upper photo: Lynn Redgrave attends the Manhattan Theatre Club's Spring Gala on May 18, 2009, in New York City. Credit: Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

Lower photo: In a year when both sisters were Oscar nominees, Vanessa Redgrave, left, and Lynn attend an Academy Awards post-party on April 10, 1967. Credit: Associated Press

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Comments

[Queenie]

RIP Georgie Girl. You will be missed.

[G Holleran]

A sad loss

[Ironman Carmichael]

For her sake, I'm glad: her suffering is over, her place in posterity assured. The one I'm truly sorry for is Vanessa Redgrave. Imagine losing a daughter, a brother, and now a sister within the space of little more than a year.

[Pierre]

RIP, Lynn Redgrave. The family has really had it rough over the past year.