Kate Beckinsale has shared the devastating news that her beloved mother, Judy Loe, has passed away at the age of 78 after enduring immense suffering. The actress revealed that Judy died in her arms on July 15, and described being “paralysed” with grief.
While the exact cause of death was not confirmed, Kate had previously disclosed that her mother had been fighting stage four cancer for the past two years.
This loss follows the passing of Kate’s stepfather, Roy Battersby, in January 2024—just 18 months earlier. He had been hospitalized in December 2023 following a severe stroke while already battling two forms of cancer.
Judy’s death marks the second time she was widowed. Her first husband, actor Richard Beckinsale—Kate’s father—died suddenly in 1979 at the age of 31, when Kate was just five years old.
In a deeply emotional Instagram post, Kate shared a collection of photos and wrote that she didn’t want to post the news but felt obligated as the death certificate would soon become public. She expressed her pain, apologizing to friends who may be learning the news from the post, saying she couldn’t bring herself to check her mother’s phone or go through all her pictures yet.
“Jude was the compass of my life, the love of my life, my dearest friend,” Kate wrote. “The world is so dim without her, it is almost unbearable.”
She added, “Mama, I love you so much. This has been my greatest fear since I found my father dead at five. I’m so sorry. I am so sorry.”
Support and condolences poured in from fans and celebrities alike, with many expressing admiration for Judy’s warmth and strength.
Earlier this year, Kate had honored her mother in a touching Mother’s Day post, calling her a “warrior” and her “partner in crime,” while expressing admiration for her strength during her cancer treatment.
Kate also reflected on the trauma of losing her father so young, and the more recent heartbreak of losing Roy. She previously shared how Roy’s passing reawakened old grief and left her haunted. She described trying everything she could to save him, but feeling like she failed despite her efforts. She also revealed the toll it took—losing family, health, and financial stability due to the harsh realities of the U.S. healthcare system.
Still, she finds some comfort in knowing how much Roy prepared spiritually for death, though she admitted it’s hard to believe in that peace amid such a deep sense of loss and guilt.