Kate Beckinsale's stepfather Roy Battersby has died aged 87.
On Wednesday morning, the actress shared a black square without a caption on her Instagram account, her friends and fans expressed their condolences in the comments.
Roy was hospitalized in Los Angeles last month after suffering a “severe stroke” while battling two types of cancer, which he was diagnosed with in the summer of 2023.
On Monday, Kate confirmed her stepfather's death with a video montage in his honor, which included a brief announcement that he died on the same day as her Black post.
The 50-year-old British actress is quietly caring for her beloved mother and stepfather as they struggle with a number of serious health issues, previously revealed.
Kate's mother, actress Judy Loe, married Roy in 1997 – 18 years after the death of Kate's father, Porridge star Richard Beckinsale.
Kate Beckinsale's stepfather Roy Battersby died on Wednesday, January 10, aged 87. The 50-year-old British actress has been quietly caring for Roy and her mother Judy Loe in recent months (pictured in 2021).
Roy was hospitalized in Los Angeles last month after suffering a “severe stroke” while battling two types of cancer, which he was diagnosed with in the summer of 2023
Kate's actress mother Judy Loe married Roy in 1997, 18 years after the death of Kate's father, Porridge star Richard Beckinsale; seen in 1986
Roy enjoyed his own successful career as a director, working on major British screen hits such as Inspector Morse and Cracker. He most recently directed a 2006 episode of A Touch of Frost.
Kate's Instagram post on Monday included an announcement about her stepfather's death on Wednesday.
It indicated that his funeral would take place in London; Details will be announced later.
“I'm still at a loss for words,” Kate captioned the video, before thanking a fan account for editing it. “Oh Roy, I'm so sorry I lost.”
The clip began with a moving shot of Roy recalling how he was forced to hide in a bunker as Nazi bombs rained down during the Blitz at the start of World War II.
He called the eventual announcement of Victory Day in Europe a “wonderful thing” because it meant there would no longer be a need to hide in shelters and young men would no longer have to leave their families to fight across the continent.
The video also included several sweet photos of Kate with her stepfather and mother, including a hilarious photo of her and Roy beaming at each other while playfully holding offensive teacups.
Kate rushed to the hospital from the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday night and shared photos of herself on the red carpet and at Roy's bedside with the caption: “The 2024 Golden Globes start to finish.”
For the hospital visit, she still wore her glamorous Atelier Zuhra dress as she ate a burger and chatted with her friends and family in Roy's room.
Her friends and followers were quick to get in touch with the star, with one commenting: “I don't know how you got through last night with everything going on.” You're strong and a total professional.
“Having to leave your beautiful Roy's side to fulfill this commitment at the Globes was overwhelming.” Sending you and your family love and prayers. I'm so glad you made it back to the hospital. ❤️'
Kate replied: “Thank you so much and thank you for your supportive texts.” That was so nice xx'
Kate's mother Judy Loe has been fighting her own private health battle. The 76-year-old was diagnosed with a long-term illness six years ago – which Kate alluded to in several emotional Instagram posts last year.
Kate rushed to the hospital from the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday night and shared photos of herself on the red carpet and at Roy's bedside
Kate shared a video montage on Instagram on Monday that included an announcement about her stepfather's death on Wednesday. It was noted that his funeral would take place in London
The tribute video began with Roy recalling his struggles while hiding in shelters during the Blitz in World War II and his elation after the proclamation of VE Day
The video also included several sweet photos of Kate with her stepfather and mother, including a hilarious photo of her and Roy beaming at each other while playfully holding offensive teacups
In another sweet, unguarded photo, Kate appeared to be having fun harassing her stepdad
Judy Loe, the actress and mother of Roy and Kate, quickly dressed up as a noblewoman from centuries ago, highlighting the fun they had as a family in his final years
Her friends and followers were quick to get in touch with the star, with one commenting: “I don't know how you got through last night.”
For the hospital visit, she still wore her glamorous Atelier Zuhra dress as she ate a burger and chatted with her friends and family in Roy's room
The Underworld actress flew Judy and Roy from their home in the UK to the US so she could look after them full-time at their home in Los Angeles.
“Kate has spent most of the year caring for her parents, who are both seriously ill,” a source exclusively told late last year. “She brought them to her home in LA and their care is her top priority.”
The insider revealed that the Snow Angels star – whose biological father Richard Beckinsale died of a heart attack in his sleep in 1979 at the age of 31 – has felt the emotional toll in recent months.
“She was seen crying in the hallways of UCLA Hospital several times this week,” the source added. “Her friends are very concerned that she has been under constant stress for months and is barely sleeping or eating.”
“Kate seems very strong, but this has been incredibly hard and affecting her greatly, considering she lost her father so young.” “Her friends are concerned for her own health.”
A second source explained that her mother Judy has decided to keep her health battle a secret: “She's extraordinary, you wouldn't even know it by looking at her.” “She's kept a very positive attitude through everything .”
Kate's biological father Richard Beckinsale was best known for his roles as Lennie Godber in the BBC sitcom Porridge and Alan Moore in the ITV sitcom Rising Damp.
He also had a daughter – Samantha, 55 – who is his only child from his marriage to Margaret Bradley.
Kate has highlighted her parents' poor health online in recent months, sharing pictures of her mother receiving treatment in hospital.
In August, she encouraged her fans to do what makes them happy, writing on Instagram: “Embrace the joy.” Accept sadness. Wear feathers. To sing. Do what makes you happy, even for a moment. Combine grief, illness and fear with as much life, laughter and celebration as possible.
“That doesn’t mean you’re in crisis. It means you are making a decisive decision to live. Be brave, and if you don't feel brave, listen. “Laugh a lot, dance a lot, cry a lot, love a lot with those you trust.”
Kate has alluded to recent struggles in emotional Instagram posts about her parents last year; pictured in November 2023
Kate previously shared a snap of Roy undergoing treatment in hospital
Her 76-year-old mother has been privately battling her own illness for six years
Kate's close bond with her parents is a source of joy for social media fans, who often share messages of praise for the family's visible love for one another
Roy enjoyed a successful career as a director, working on major British box office hits such as Inspector Morse and Cracker. He most recently directed a 2006 episode of A Touch of Frost; pictured with his Alan Clarke Award at the Bafta Craft Awards 1996
The Underworld actress flew Judy and Roy from their home in the UK to the US so she could look after them full-time at their home in Los Angeles
She continued, “Spread love when you can.” Read. Stay in bed and cry when it comes from all sides and feels like an avalanche. Try not to be mean or take on other people's meanness. People can break.
'Be friendly. Fight with everything you have, for your loved ones and for your own spirit.
However, the Much Ado About Nothing actress was determined to put on a brave face and do everything she could to continue to support her loved ones during this difficult time.
“Kate has tried to maintain a positive public and professional presence and remain optimistic for her family,” the source added.