Helen Mirren’s Family Honors Her Late Stepson Rio Hackford in This Special Way (Exclusive)

Helen Mirren’s Touching Tribute to Late Stepson Rio Hackford​

Hollywood icon Helen Mirren, renowned for her illustrious career in film and theatre, recently opened up about how her family honours the memory of her late stepson, Rio Hackford. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the award-winning actress shared insights into how they pay tribute to Rio following his tragic passing in 2022 from uveal melanoma at the age of 51.

Mirren, who has been married to director Taylor Hackford for nearly 28 years, revealed that they celebrate Rio’s love for the ocean by visiting the Pacific Ocean in Los Angeles, where he cherished spending time. The family commemorates Rio’s spirit by immersing themselves in the water, a poignant gesture that keeps his memory alive. The screen icon also mentioned that she keeps a picture of Rio as the screensaver on her phone, allowing her to connect with him daily.

The bond between Mirren’s family and Rio’s friends remains strong, with the actress expressing gratitude for the enduring friendships Rio cultivated during his lifetime. Despite the profound loss they experienced, Mirren emphasises the importance of regular health check-ups, particularly for conditions like uveal melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer that can progress without noticeable symptoms. She urges everyone to prioritise their health and undergo eye examinations at least twice a year to detect any potential issues early on.

Following Rio’s untimely death, Mirren and Taylor Hackford shared a heartfelt statement expressing their devastation over the loss of a beloved family member. They highlighted Rio’s legacy of generosity and community spirit, which continues to resonate with those who knew and loved him. The couple’s message acknowledged the impact Rio had on numerous lives, fostering a sense of mourning tinged with gratitude for having known him.

Rio Hackford, a multifaceted talent who graced both the big and small screens with his appearances in iconic productions like “Pretty Woman,” “Swingers,” “True Detective,” and “The Mandalorian,” left behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. Mirren fondly recalls his vibrant personality and artistic contributions, underscoring his enduring presence in their lives through cherished memories and shared experiences.

As Mirren reflects on Rio’s life and the lessons learned from his tragic diagnosis, she remains committed to raising awareness about the importance of proactive healthcare. The profound impact of losing a loved one to a rare and aggressive form of cancer has instilled in her a sense of advocacy for early detection and preventive measures. Through her advocacy, Mirren endeavours to inspire others to take charge of their health and prioritise regular screenings for potentially life-threatening conditions.

In light of their shared loss, the Hackford-Mirren family stands as a testament to resilience, love, and remembrance. Their enduring bond and commitment to honouring Rio’s memory serve as a poignant reminder of the power of love and connection in navigating grief and finding solace in cherished memories. Mirren’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the profound impact of loss and the resilience that sustains families through life’s most challenging moments.

In conclusion, Helen Mirren’s poignant tribute to her late stepson Rio Hackford stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, remembrance, and resilience in the face of profound loss. Through her advocacy for proactive healthcare and heartfelt reflections on Rio’s life, Mirren invites us to honour the memory of loved ones, cherish the moments shared, and embrace the healing power of connection in times of grief.