Kate Beckinsale Mourns Loss of Actress Mother, Judy Loe
Actress Kate Beckinsale is grieving the death of her mother, British performer Judy Loe, describing her as her “dearest friend” and “compass.”
A Devastating Loss
The star of the “Underworld” franchise shared the somber news on Thursday, revealing that Loe passed away Tuesday evening. Beckinsale, 51, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, stating that her mother died “in my arms after immeasurable suffering.”
Facing Illness with Courage
While the cause of death was not specified in the initial announcement, Beckinsale had shared last year that her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Loe was 78.
Beckinsale felt compelled to announce her mother’s passing due to the necessity of registering the death certificate. She shared a collection of photos and videos, showcasing Loe‘s life from her younger years to moments with granddaughter Lily Mo Sheen.
“I am paralysed. Jude was the compass of my life, the love of my life, my dearest friend.”
—Kate Beckinsale
A Versatile Acting Career
Born on March 6, 1947, in Manchester, Judy Loe cultivated a diverse acting career that began in the 1970s. She amassed numerous credits, primarily on British television.
Loe gained recognition in the 1970s on the ITV fantasy series “Ace of Wands.” Her extensive television work includes appearances in programs such as “The Chief,” “Crown Court,” “Let There Be Love,” and “Goodnight and God Bless.” Her most recent role was a brief appearance in the 2024 TV miniseries “Fool Me Once.”
Throughout her career, Loe portrayed a wide range of characters. These included a magician’s assistant in “Ace of Wands,” a sought-after divorcée in “Singles,” and a spacecraft commander in “Space Island One.”
Personal Life and Family
Before her screen career, Loe performed on stage, including repertory theater in Crewe. It was there in 1968 that she met fellow actor Richard Beckinsale, whom she married in 1977. Although they divorced two years later, they welcomed their daughter, Kate, in 1973. Richard Beckinsale tragically died at 31 from a heart attack.
In 1997, Loe married television director Roy Battersby, who passed away in January 2024 following a short illness at the age of 87. The impact of losing two significant figures in her life highlights the profound personal challenges faced by the Beckinsale family.
Legacy of Love and Courage
Kate Beckinsale lauded her mother’s enduring legacy, her “huge heart,” and her remarkable bravery during her final year. The entertainment industry, much like Beckinsale‘s personal life, has lost a significant talent and a beloved figure.
Beckinsale continued, “She has been brave in so many ways, forgiving sometimes too much, believing in the ultimate good in people and the world is so dim without her that it is nearly impossible to bear.”
In addition to Kate, Judy Loe is survived by six stepchildren, according to The Guardian.
