Kate Beckinsale’s stepfather Roy Battersby has died at the age of 87.
On Wednesday morning the actress shared a black square without a caption on her Instagram account, with her friends and followers offering their condolences in the comments.
Roy was hospitalised in Los Angeles last month after suffering ‘a massive stroke’ while battling two forms of cancer, which he was diagnosed with in summer 2023.
The British actress, 50, has been quietly been caring for both her beloved mother and stepfather as they battle a slew of serious health issues, DailyMail.com previously revealed.
Kate’s actress mother Judy Loe married Roy in 1997 — 18 years after Kate’s father, Porridge star Richard Beckinsale, died.
Roy enjoyed his own successful career as a director, working on major British on-screen hits including Inspector Morse and Cracker. His most directorial credit was for a 2006 episode of A Touch Of Frost.
Kate Beckinsale’s stepfather Roy Battersby has died at the age of 87 The British actress, 50, has been quietly been caring for Roy and mother Judy Loe in recent months (pictured in 2021)
Roy was hospitalised in Los Angeles last month after suffering ‘a massive stroke’ while battling two forms of cancer , which he was diagnosed with in summer 2023
Kate’s actress mother Judy Loe married Roy in 1997 – 18 years after Kate’s father, Porridge star Richard Beckinsale, died
Kate rushed from the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday night to the hospital, sharing photos of herself on the red carpet and by Roy’s bedside with the caption: ‘Golden globes 2024 start to end’.
She was still clad in her glamorous Atelier Zuhra gown for the hospital visit, as she ate a burger and chatted to her friends and family in Roy’s room.
Her friends and followers were quick to check in on the star, with one commenting: ‘I don’t know how you made it through last night with all that is going on. You are strong and a consummate pro.
‘Having to leave the side of your beautiful Roy to honor this commitment at the Globes was above and beyond. Sending love and prayers to you and your family. I’m so happy you were able to make it back to the hospital. ❤️’
Kate responded: ‘thank you and thank you for your supportive texts all the way through . That was so kind xx’
Kate’s mother Judy Loe’s has been fighting her own private health battle. The 76-year-old was diagnosed with a longstanding illness six years ago – something Kate has alluded to in several emotional Instagram posts over the past year.
The Underworld actress flew Judy and Roy out to the US from their home in the UK so she could care for them full-time at her Los Angeles home.
‘Kate has been caring for her parents, who both have serious illnesses, for most of the year’, a source exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com late last year. ‘She brought them to her home in LA and has made looking after them her number one priority.’
Kate rushed from the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday night to the hospital, sharing photos of herself on the red carpet and by Roy’s bedside
Her friends and followers were quick to check in on the star, with one commenting: ‘I don’t know how you made it through last night’
She was still clad in her glamorous Atelier Zuhra gown for the hospital visit, as she ate a burger and chatted to her friends and family in Roy’s room
The insider revealed that the Snow Angels star – whose biological father Richard Beckinsale died, aged 31, from a heart attack in his sleep in 1979 – has been feeling the emotional toll in recent months.
‘She was spotted this week several times crying in the corridors of UCLA hospital,’ the source added. ‘Her friends are very concerned that she has been under relentless strain for months and hardly sleeping or eating.
‘Kate appears to be very strong but this has been incredibly hard and, given that she lost her father so young, is affecting her very deeply. Her friends are concerned for her own health.’
A second source explained that her mother Judy has chosen to keep her health battle private, stating: ‘She’s extraordinary, you wouldn’t even know by looking at her. She has been keeping a very positive attitude throughout everything.’
Kate’s biological father was the late British actor Richard Beckinsale, 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 daughter Samantha, 55 – his only child from his marriage to Margaret Bradley.
Kate has alluded to recent struggles in emotional Instagram posts about her parents over the past year – pictured in November 2023
Kate previously shared a snap of Roy undergoing treatment in hospital
Her 76-year-old mom has been privately battling her own illness for the past six years
Kate’s close bond with her parents has been a source of delight for social media fans who often share messages of praise for the family’s visible love for one another
Kate has alluded to her parents’ ailing health online in recent months, sharing images of her mother undergoing treatment in hospital.
In August she encouraged fans to do what makes them happy in the Instagram caption, writing: ‘Embrace joy. Accept grief. Wear feathers. Sing. Do what makes you feel happy even for a moment. Pair grief and sickness and fear with as much life and laughter and celebration as you possibly can.
‘It doesn’t mean you are having some sort of crisis. It means you are choosing life, fiercely. Be brave, and when you don’t feel brave, listen. Laugh hard, dance hard, cry hard, love hard with those you trust.’
Roy enjoyed a successful career as a director, working on major British on-screen hits including Inspector Morse and Cracker. His most directorial credit was for a 2006 episode of A Touch Of Frost (pictured with his Alan Clarke Award at the 1996 Bafta Craft Awards)
The Underworld actress flew Judy and Roy out to the US from their home in the UK so she could care for them full-time at her Los Angeles home
She continued: ‘Spread love when you can. Read. Stay in bed and cry when it’s from all sides and feels like an avalanche. Try not to be mean, or to take on others meanness. People can break.
‘Be kind. Fight with everything you’ve got for your loved ones , and for your own spirit x.’
However, the Much Ado About Nothing actress has been determined to put on a brave face and do all she can to continue supporting her loved ones during this difficult time.
‘Kate has been attempting to maintain a positive public and professional presence, and remain upbeat for her family,’ the source added.