Liam Neeson Steps Out With New Woman
Liam Neeson seems to be dating for first time since Natasha Richardson's death.
Sept. 7, 2010 — -- More than a year and a half after losing his wife, Natasha Richardson, in a skiing accident, Liam Neeson seems to be dipping his toe into the dating pool again.
Last week, the 58-year-old Irish actor was seen leaving London's high-end Nobu restaurant with businesswoman Freya St. Johnston. Tall and blond, she bears a striking resemblance to Neeson's late wife. The two were photographed holding hands as they made their way from Nobu to the equally stylish Dorchester Hotel, she in a flowing coral dress and a tan jacket, he in jeans, a blazer and a baseball cap.
Click here to see Neeson and Johnston together.
According to Britain's Daily Mail, Neeson met Johnston, 36, through Hollywood friends. The Daily Mail reported that he has visited her modest apartment in northwest London, which has been receiving bouquets of flowers. The paper also said that Johnston is believed to have two children by former partner Matthew Winton, 37.
Asked to respond to the Daily Mail's report that Neeson and Johnston are dating, his representative told ABCNews.com, "no comment."
Freya St. Johnston First Woman Seen at Liam Neeson's Side Since Natasha Richardson
Neeson's outing with Johnston marks the first time he's been romantically connected to a woman since Richardson's death. Richardson died in March 2009 at the age of 45 after suffering what initially seemed like a minor head injury while skiing.
Neeson and Richardson met in 1984 while working together on the TV miniseries "Ellis Island." They reconnected in the early 1990s while working together again in the Broadway production of "Anna Christie." They married in 1994 and had two sons together.
Richardson memorably coaxed Neeson back to health after a 2000 motorcycle crash left him with a fractured pelvis. Similarly, he rushed to her side following her 2009 skiing accident.
Neeson and Richardson's Marriage One of Hollywood's Strongest
Their relationship was one of Hollywood's strongest. Neeson constantly affirmed his affection for Richardson in interviews.
"Never take it for granted," he told OK! magazine in January 2009 about the secret to a happy marriage. "That's what I constantly do. Work at it."