Kate Winslet Praised for Rescuing Richard Branson's Mother From House Fire

Kate Winslet has received praise for her recent heroic act off screen. The leading lady of "Mildred Pierce" was among the 20 guests who were forced to flee from a blaze that broke out at Richard Branson's Caribbean home early Monday morning, August 22, and it turned out she deserved credit for saving the Virgin Group boss' mother from the fire.

After his eight-bedroom Great House on Necker Island was burned down, Richard took to his blog to recount what happened. Assuring that everyone who stayed in the house managed to escape unscathed, he wrote, "many thanks to Kate Winslet for helping to carry my 90 year mum out of the main house to safety - she was wondering when a Director was going to shout CUT!"

In the posting, the business mogul also noted that the fire was likely to be caused by lightning as Tropical Storm Irene hit Necker Island. "We had a tropical storm with winds up to 90mph. A big lightning storm came around 4 A.M. and hit the house," he detailed. "My son Sam and nephew Jack rushed to the house and helped get everyone out."

"The main house is destroyed and the fire is not yet completely out," Richard continued on. "My office was based in the house and I have lost thousands of photographs and my note books which is very sad. But all family and friends are well - which in the end is all that really matters."

Oscar winner Kate was staying at Richard's Great House with her boyfriend, Louis Dowler, and her two children, 10-year-old Mia and 7-year-old Joe. Her representative confirmed that the "Revolutionary Road" star has managed to evacuate the house without injury. 

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