Actress Lynn Redgrave has died in New York aged 67.

She starred in the 1960s hit film Georgy Girl and had many other successes on stage and screen.

Her publicist, Rick Miramontez, speaking on behalf of her children, said she died last night at her flat in Manhattan.

"Our beloved mother Lynn Rachel passed away peacefully after a seven-year journey with breast cancer," they said in a joint statement.

"She lived, loved and worked harder than ever before.

"The endless memories she created as a mother, grandmother, writer, actor and friend will sustain us for the rest of our lives.

"Our entire family asks for privacy through this difficult time."

A member of the famous acting dynasty, Redgrave was sister to Vanessa and Corin and the daughter of actor and director Michael Redgrave.

She was aunt to film and TV star Joely Richardson and to Natasha Richardson, who died last year following a skiing accident.

Her brother Corin, an actor and political activist, died on April 6.

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000.

In 2001 Redgrave was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Director Michael Winner, who cast Redgrave in one of her first movies, said: "This is terrible news, I've known her for more than 50 years.

"She was a phenomenal actress, she could do comedy, tragedy - anything really - with absolute ease."

He added: "She was a wonderful person and a brave woman involved in many causes.

"She wasn't facile - she didn't only care about fame."