Last week, news broke that actress Helen Mirren's stepson, Rio Hackford, had died. Now we're hearing from Helen about what took the 51-year-old's life.
“Rio died of uveal melanoma, a very aggressive and rare form of cancer,” the actress and her husband, Taylor Hackford, shared in a joint statement to People.
“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 statement continued.
The statement also said that Helen and her husband were “inspired” by the life Rio lived and that they are completely “heartbroken by his loss.”
“His life showed us how to live in generosity and community,” they explained. “He shared his life’s journey with so many who now mourn him, and at the same time, celebrate their fortune in knowing him.”
Helen also posted an Instagram tribute. She shared a photo of her late stepson. She captioned the image simply, "El Rio."
Rio was an actor best known for roles in The Mandalorian, Treme, and American Crime Story. But his first on-screen appearance was in 1990's Pretty Woman. He also appeared in films like Swingers, Deja Vu, and Fred Claus.
The actor's most recent project was in Hulu's Pam & Tommy series.
In the days since Rio's passing, celebrities have been sharing loving words about the late actor. Vince Vaughn, who starred with Rio in several films, including Fred Claus and Swingers, wrote that he was "as loyal and funny as anyone could be." Adds Vaughn, 52, "Rio was the best ever. Truly one of a kind."
Actor Josh Homme got a tattoo in honor of Rio. "Rio just knew things. Esoteric things. Off-the-map things. Secret things. Wonderful things," he said. "He knew these things because of his charm, wit, honesty, character and tough personality. He was a real man in a sea of poseurs."
