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How did Helen Mirren's stepson Rio Hackford die? Fans mourn 'Treme' actor's death at 52

Hackford began his career in 1990, first appearing in the film 'Pretty Woman'

Actor Rio Del Valle Hackford has died aged 52. The star, who appeared in 'Star Wars' spin-off show 'The Mandalorian', reportedly died after an illness on Thursday, April 14, in California, his brother Alex Hackford confirmed.

Late Hackford's friend, screenwriter D.V. DeVincentis, paid tribute to the actor on Instagram. "Life is experience. Time and sensation folding together, framing each other. Rio was more attuned to experience than anyone I’ve ever known. He would stop what was happening to point it out, compel you to pay attention. He would order you a must-have experience from a beloved menu and hold your eye as you paid attention to what was happening in your mouth. “Right, Guy? I mean… right?” He would put an experience for you on the stereo, then start it over and play it again for you because we were talking over it the first time and “Pal, you really have to listen to it"," he wrote on the social media platform.

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"Not simply obsessed with movies and how they mirrored and compelled, he was something more: a superfan of enumerable scenes, of particular gestures of unsung actors, weird career turns, roaring comebacks, cinema swan songs — all real experiences for you, when beheld consciously. During phone calls from one traveling cell phone to another, he would keep track of where you were and let you know what incredible meal or bar was in your vicinity, a gourmand GPS thrumming at all times, for you. And those long long calls went by so quickly, his gift of gab so paradoxical as set in his Gary Cooper laconic mien. Worthy experience isn’t everywhere. But Rio knew the closest to you at any given moment, and keeping track of these precious possibilities for you was his most fluent language of love. Rio was the apex curator of experience, it was his oxygen, his life," he added.

Rio Hackford was a son of 'An Officer and a Gentleman' director Taylor Hackford, and stepson of British actress Helen Mirren. He was known for playing the recurring role of Toby in the American drama television series 'Treme'. Born in Los Angeles County, California, Hackford began his career in 1990, first appearing in the film 'Pretty Woman', followed by several others like ' Déjà Vu', 'I Love Your Work', 'Treasure Island', 'Sherrybaby' and 'Strange Days'. 

Fans mourned Hackford's death on Twitter soon after the news of his demise surfaced. "This is an anonymous account, and I’ve lost someone I love. Mr. Rio Hackford, you’ve shaped my life. I love you my friend. My Pal. You can tickle my palm anytime. We shall meet again," one user wrote. "So many of my favorite memories of New Orleans nightlife and some great movie moments are courtesy #RioHackford. LA cool met New Orleans heart. One Eyed Jacks. Pal’s Lounge. El Matador. RIP, Rio," said another.

"I feel like we need to organize a second line for Rio Hackford in NOLA. We should celebrate his life and all he did for NOLA. He will be missed by many," one user wrote, while another said, "RIP Rio Hackford - you played the best ‘nurse droid’ a small green baby and his Mandalorian dad could have asked for! Sincere condolences to your family, friends and colleagues. May the Force be with you … always." "Bummed to hear of the passing of Rio Hackford. With a legacy of El Matador and One Eyed Jacks, he gave locals a reason to go back to the Quarter for great rock music and atmosphere. Legendary nights in both joints. Rest easy sir," one user said.