The 'Underworld' actress officially announces the passing of her beloved stepfather, director Roy Battersby, following hospitalization due to a struggle with health issues.
- Jan 17, 2024
AceShowbiz - Kate Beckinsale has announced the passing of her beloved stepfather. Television director Roy Battersby - who helmed the shows "Between the Lines", "Inspector Morse", "Cracker", and "A Touch of Frost" - was surrounded by family when he died aged 87 on January 10.
Suffering a "massive stroke," he was hospitalised in Los Angeles last month. "I have no words yet. Thank you @katebeckinsale_slovakia2 for making this beautiful thing. I fought for you with everything I had. Oh Roy I am so sorry I lost," the heartbroken actress posted to Instagram alongside a fan-made video of her stepdad.
Roy had been dealt a double cancer blow last summer.
50-year-old British star Kate was flooded with support after sharing a cryptic post of a black square on the social media app the day after his death. The "Serendipity" star sparked concern from her followers that he had died.
The post came after Kate revealed she was rushed to the hospital from the 2024 Golden Globes. She had posted a photo of herself, still dressed in her awards show gown, in a ward eating while at Roy's bedside.
In December, Kate asked fans for prayers to support Roy as his health had been declining. She said online, "We need a miracle. This week has taken an even scarier turn involving the health of my beloved stepdad, Roy, and we need every tiny scrap of love and magic in the hope he pulls through."
Kate added that if people "would be kind enough to send healing energy his way" she would be "so grateful." She said, "I'd never forgive myself if I didn't try every single thing and then would wonder for the rest of my life if that would have helped."
Kate's mum Judy Lowe married Roy on her 50th birthday in 1997 after the actress' dad Richard Beckinsale died in March 1979 from a heart attack.
