Oscar-nominated actress Lynn Redgrave lost her seven-year battle with breast cancer on Sunday and has passed away at age 67. Lynn's death is another blow to the legendary Redgrave family, a formidable presence in the acting world, following the deaths of her elder brother Corin a little less than a month ago and her niece Natasha Richardson after a skiing accident.

The 'Georgy Girl' star's latest public venture before her death was attending Corin's funeral in London in a wheelchair. She shocked many friends with her appearance with one bystander even saying that "she only looks like she has only weeks to live".

One long-time friend who was clearly stunned by her deteriorating health was Sir Ian McKellen. "It was a shock to see her in a wheelchair. She was the first to speak and as she got up, helped by friends, she stumbled and knocked over a candle and in a wonderful theatrical gesture, she included that bit of clumsiness and said, 'Things happen'," he said. "I thought she was also drawing her friends' attention to what was happening to her... that she was dying. But her voice was strong and she was getting her laughs."

The 'X-Men' actor also praised Lynn for her strong character and acting ability which was often overshadowed by the rest of her family's acting capabilities. "She stood up for all sorts of things. It's not easy to be the youngest child in a great acting dynasty. Her parents were both wonderful actors and so was her elder sister (Vanessa) who became the star. Lynn was the plodding worker."