Dame Helen Mirren breaks silence on heartbreaking family death in emotional statement

hellomagazine.com:

Dame Helen Mirren and her husband Taylor Hackford are still trying to come to terms with the untimely death of his son, Rio Hackford.MORE: Helen Mirren's home with husband Taylor is basically a nature reserve – photosThe couple, who have been married since 1997, released a statement to People in which they said they remain "both inspired by the life of our son and stepson… and heartbroken by his loss".

WATCH: Helen Mirren's terrifying visitor at Nevada home"His life showed us how to live in generosity and community," they 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."READ: Helen Mirren unveils drastic transformation for new movie - and you will not recognise herMORE: When actors who have played royals met the actual royal familyActor Rio, whose credits include The Mandalorian and American Crime Story, passed away on 14 April at the age of 51, his brother Alex confirmed.

Helen is mourning the untimely death of her stepson, Rio Hackford"Rio died of uveal melanoma, a very aggressive and rare form of cancer," Helen and Taylor confirmed 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."READ: Yellowstone's Kevin Costner mourns sad death of co-star and close friendMORE: Glee star Darren Criss confirms death of brother Charles aged 36Rio was born in 1970 to Academy Award-winning director Taylor Hackford and his first wife Georgie Lowres.

He started his acting career with an appearance in Pretty Woman as an uncredited street junkie, before taking roles in 1995's Safe, the Ralph Fiennes film Strange Days and 1996's Swingers, in which he played.