Liam Neeson Struggles to Heal from Natasha Richardson’s Death, Friends Concerned

Widower Liam Neeson hasn’t had a public romance in a dozen years – and friends fear the Taken hero is imprisoned by inconsolable grief from the tragic 2009 death of his beloved wife, Natasha Richardson!

“Natasha was a hard act to follow. He was never happier than when she was at his side,” spills an insider. “Without her, he’s never felt whole again!”

The dashing Irish hunk, 72, was devastated when his spouse of 15 years was left brain dead at age 45 after a ski accident in Quebec, and he made the difficult decision to take her off life support after being told she was not expected to recover.

“Liam was beside himself with grief,” confides a pal.

A year after Neeson lost his soul mate, rumors flew when he was spotted looking cozy with Aussie beauty Laura Brent, his castmate in the Chronicles of Narnia franchise. Next, he dated U.K.-based public relations exec Freya St. Johnston — but their two-year romance fizzled in 2012.

Now, sources say lonely Liam hasn’t been coupled up with anyone since — even after he claimed to be “madly in love” with his Naked Gun costar Pamela Anderson in a platonic way.

Sources squeal that concerned friends have offered to play matchmaker — but mopey Neeson hasn’t bit.

Instead, the Memory actor, who still owns a home in upstate New York near Natasha’s burial site, often visits his late wife’s grave.

The insider says Neeson “loves his work” and enjoys spending time with his and Natasha’s sons — Micheál, 29, and Daniel, 28 — but remains surrounded by a “cloud” of sorrow.

“We all wish he would find someone new to share his life with, but he’s not interested,” confides the mole. “We fear that his continuing sadness over the loss will reunite him with Natasha by sending him to an early grave!”