Irish actor Liam Neeson has become a U.S. citizen, inspired by the outpouring of good will he received in America after the death of his wife, Natasha Richardson.

The actress died in March, following a ski accident in Quebec, Canada.

In the wake of that horrific event, the 57-year-old actor says he received a steady, extraordinary and continuing, stream of condolence letters from Americans.

“That is partly the reason why I’ve recently become an American citizen,” Neeson said. “I’m still a proud Irishman, of course,” he added, “but I’ve become an American citizen – I’m very proud of that.”

[Source] NYDailyNews