Helen Mirren has spoken out for the first time since the death of her stepson Rio Hackford.
Hackford was the son of film director Taylor Hackford, who has been married to Mirren since 1997. The news of Rio's death was shared by his brother Alex, who revealed to Variety that he died Thursday in Huntington Beach, California.
Per PEOPLE, Mirren and her husband Taylor Hackford shared a joint statement about their devastating loss and revealed Rio died from a rare form of cancer.
"Rio died of uveal melanoma, a very aggressive and rare form of cancer," Taylor, 77, and Mirren, 76, revealed in their statement. "We would beg everyone reading this to get their eyes tested at least once a year, which might save their loved ones from this cancer."
The couple said that they were "inspired" by the life Rio lived and "heartbroken" for their loss.
"His life showed us how to live in generosity and community," the pair added. "He shared his life's journey with so many who now mourn him, and at the same time, celebrate their fortune in knowing him."
Rio Hackford was known for roles in Treme, The Mandalorian, and American Crime Story. He made his first on-screen appearance in 1990 in Pretty Woman and recently starred in Hulu's Pam and Tommy.
In addition to his acting career, Hackford was also an owner of clubs in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and San Francisco.
Following the news of his death, Helen paid tribute to her stepson on Instagram with the caption, "El Rio."
Hackford's family also received tributes from fellow stars Vince Vaughn and Renée Zellweger on social media.
"Rio … a titan of kindness, love, class, courage. And cool. A legend," says Renée Zellweger.
“As loyal and funny as anyone could be. Rio was the best ever. Truly one of a kind," Vaughn said.
Rio's friend and screenwriter DeVincentis described him as "the star, the center of gravitational pull and balance, also the system’s source of light" in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
"Rio was more attuned to experience than anyone I’ve ever known. He would stop what was happening to point it out, compel you to pay attention," DeVincentis added.
Rio Hackford is survived by his wife Libby Grace, two children Waylon and Buck, his brother, his father, and stepmother.
Our thoughts go out to Hackford's family, friends, and fans at this time.
