英语文摘:Oscar-nominee Lynn Redgrave dies of cancer at 67

BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Lynn Redgrave, a member of the distinguished British family of actors, died Sunday night at the age of 67 after battling with breast cancer for eight years, the Associated Press reported.

Her publicist Rick Miramontez, speaking on behalf of her children, said the actress died peacefully Sunday night at her home in Kent, Conn.

"Our beloved mother Lynn Rachel passed away peacefully after a seven year journey with breast cancer," Redgrave's children said in a statement 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. Our entire family asks for privacy through this difficult time."

Redgrave was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2002, had a mastectomy in January 2003 and underwent chemotherapy.

Born in London to thespians Rachel Kemspon and Michael Redgrave, Redgrave made her stage debut in 1962 at the Royal Court Theatre in London.

Like her siblings, she appeared in plays and films, working under Noel Coward and Laurence Olivier as a member of the National Theater and under director/brother-in-law Tony Richardson in the 1963 screen hit "Tom Jones."

She received Oscar nominations for 1966's "Georgy Girl" and 1998's "Gods and Monsters," and Tony nominations for "Mrs. Warren's Profession," "Shakespeare for My Father" and "The Constant Wife."

In recent years, she also made appearances on TV in "Ugly Betty," "Law & Order" and "Desperate Housewives."

She last appeared on stage in the "Nightingale" at off-Broadway's Manhattan Theatre Club last year in New York.

She was also the first of many celebrities who served as the spokesperson for the Weight Watchers program.

Her death came a year after her niece Natasha Richardson died from head injuries sustained in a skiing accident and just a month after the death of her older brother, Corin Redgrave.

Redgrave is survived by her ex-husband, actor-director John Clark, six grandchildren, her sister Vanessa and four nieces and nephews.