What happened to Natasha Richardson? Dennis Quaid brings up co-star's tragic death while talking about Parent Trap sequel

Actor Dennis Quaid spoke to Entertainment Tonight on August 20, 2024, and discussed the possibility of a sequel to his 1998 film, The Parent Trap. The actor was speaking to the publication at the premiere of his latest film, Reagan, when he talked about the classic film that became a career milestone for him.

The 70-year-old actor seemed to have deep reservations, citing the absence of his The Parent Trap co-star, Natasha Richardson, who died in a skiing accident in 2009. Richardson’s death left a lasting impact on Quaid, who stated that the idea of a sequel without her "still breaks my heart."

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Dennis Quaid reflects on the legacy of The Parent Trap and the loss of Natasha Richardson

"The Parent Trap" Los Angeles Premiere - Source: Getty

The 1998 classic film The Parent Trap featured Dennis Quaid and Natasha Richardson as parents to twin girls, Hallie and Annie Parker, who have separated from each other. Lindsay Lohan played the role of both the twins, who accidentally meet at a summer camp, and upon realizing that they are twins, they decide to try and get their parents back together.

The first version of the picture was made in 1961, while the one featuring Quaid, Richardson, and Lohan, was made 37 years later, in 1998. While the film was a success at the time of its release, it has since become a cult classic.

In his latest interview, Dennis Quaid claimed that he loved his experience on the set while referring to it as a "beautiful movie." He also said that the movie will remain popular for several more years, but that doesn't mean that the movie will have a sequel, mostly because Natasha Richardson will not be there.

"The Parent Trap was like, a whole new career for me. It's so in my heart. It's such a beautiful movie. And I think people will be watching that 100 years from now, I really do," he told Entertainment Tonight.

As he spoke about a sequel to The Parent Trap, Dennis Quaid stated that it was tough to conceive that Richardson may not be a part of the sequel. He added that they had considered the storyline, including his character giving his daughters a vineyard. However, he said that the idea of shooting without Richardson was "too painful" for him.

54th Golden Globe Awards - Source: Getty

Natasha Richardson died on March 18, 2009, after she suffered blunt-force trauma to the head during a skiing accident at the Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec. Initially, it was believed that the then-45-year-old actress was not injured in the accident and declined the offered medical treatment.

However, she was later hospitalized at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan in critical condition and passed away two days after the accident. An autopsy showed that Richardson had an epidural hematoma, which is treatable if diagnosed in time.

Dennis Quaid's latest project, Reagan, is set to be released on August 30, 2024, and will see the actor portray the role of the former US President. The film will also star Penelope Ann Miller as Nancy Reagan, Scott Stapp as Frank Sinatra, and Jon Voight as Viktor Petrovich.