Helen Mirren breaks silence following death of stepson Rio Hackford: 'His life showed us how to live'

Helen Mirren has broken her silence days after the death of her stepson, actor Rio Hackford.

The British actress and her director husband, Rio's father Taylor Hackford, released a heartfelt statement to People expressing their heartbreak over losing the 52-year-old.

"We are both inspired by the life of our son and stepson, Rio Hackford, and heartbroken by his loss," they said in the statement. "His life showed us how to live in generosity and community. He shared his life's journey with so many who now mourn him, and at the same time, celebrate their fortune in knowing him."

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Helen, 76, and Taylor, 77 – who have been married since 1997 – revealed that "Rio died of uveal melanoma, a very aggressive and rare form of cancer".

"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," they concluded.

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Despite his famous father and stepmother, Rio paved his own path in Hollywood, starring in movies such as The Mandalorian and in the TV series American Crime Story. 

When news of his April 14 passing made headlines this week, his Hollywood counterparts were quick to pay tribute.

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"Rio … a titan of kindness, love, class, courage. And cool. A legend," his friend Renée Zellweger wrote on social media, while Vince Vaughn – who starred with Rio in films including Fred Claus and Swingers – said Rio was "as loyal and funny as anyone could be. Rio was the best ever. Truly one of a kind."