Oscar-nominated actress Lynn Redgrave has died after a long battle against breast cancer, her children said on Monday in a new blow to one of Britain's most famous acting dynasties.
Redgrave, 67, "passed away late last night at her home," her spokesman Rick Miramontez said.
Her death took place just over three weeks after her brother, Corin, also a well-known actor, died from an illness at the age of 70.
Seven-year battle
"Our beloved mother Lynn Rachel passed away peacefully after a seven-year journey with breast cancer," her family said in a statement posted on her official website on Monday.
"She lived, loved and worked harder than ever before. The endless memories she created as a mother, grandmother, writer, actor and friend will sustain us for the rest of our lives."
The children, son Ben and daughters Pema and Annabel, said in their statement they were with Redgrave when she passed away at her US home after a career spanning some 48 years.
Tributes flow
"Our entire family asks for privacy through this difficult time," her children added in their statement.
Sir Michael Parkinson expressed his sadness at the news.
"She was maybe the jolliest and most likeable of all the family," he said.
"She was a lovely, funny, open character, she was very easy to get on with.
"She was a good actress, but being a Redgrave I suppose she couldn't help it - it's in their blood, in their marrow.
'Comedic talent'
"She had a great comedic talent."
The family's acting ties span several generations and have produced some of the UK's finest stage and screen talent.
Lynn and Corin are survived by their sister, Vanessa Redgrave, 73, and were the third generation of one of Britain's most famous acting dynasties which has starred in screen and in theatres for more than seven decades.
Lynn Redgrave, the daughter of actors Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson, was also the aunt of television and film stars Joely and Natasha Richardson.
Her niece Natasha Richardson, who was married to actor Liam Neeson, died after a skiing accident in Canada last year.
Redgrave 'a joy'
Director Michael Winner, who cast Redgrave in one of her first movies, said she had been "a joy".
"This is terrible news, I've known her for more than 50 years," he said.
"She was a phenomenal actress, she could do comedy, tragedy - anything really - with absolute ease.
"She was a wonderful person and a brave woman involved in many causes.
Fame 'not important'
"She wasn't facile - she didn't only care about fame."
Redgrave was born in London on March 8 1943 and enjoyed a career spanning four decades, and was nominated for two Oscars, three Tony awards, two Emmys and a Grammy.
Her Oscar nominations were for Georgy Girl and Gods And Monsters.
Theatrical background
She was a founding member of the Royal National Theatre and wrote four plays, including Shakespeare For My Father, which examined her relationship with Sir Michael Redgrave.
She also wrote Journal: A Mother And Daughter's Recovery From Breast Cancer, in 2005, featuring photographs by her daughter, Annabel Clark.
Recent film credits have included The Jane Austen Book Club and the Merchant/Ivory production The White Countess, acting alongside sister Vanessa and her niece, the late Natasha Richardson.
Recent television credits have included Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty.
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