Kate Beckinsale Mourns Death of Mother Judy Loe, Aged 78
Actress Kate Beckinsale has announced the heartbreaking death of her mother, British television actress Judy Loe, aged 78. The emotional revelation was shared by Beckinsale in an Instagram post on July 17, disclosing that Loe passed away peacefully on the night of July 15 in her daughter’s arms, following a long battle with stage 4 cancer.
In her tribute, Beckinsale wrote, “I don’t want to post this. I am only posting this because I have had to register my mother’s death certificate and it will soon become public record.” She added, “She died the night of July 15 in my arms after immeasurable suffering,” describing her grief-stricken state and apologizing to friends who learned the news via social media.
Beckinsale honored her mother as “the compass of my life, the love of my life, my dearest friend,” praising her bravery, generosity, and enduring faith in humanity. “The world is so dim without her that it is nearly impossible to bear,” she lamented in the moving post.
A Life in Acting
Born March 6, 1947, in Urmston, Lancashire, Judy Loe enjoyed a diverse acting career spanning over five decades. After earning a degree in English and drama from the University of Birmingham, she performed in London’s West End in the groundbreaking musical Hair (1970) and later appeared in numerous classic British TV series, including Ace of Wands, Edward the Seventh, Casualty, General Hospital, and even a part in Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life.
Her final screen role was in the 2024 Netflix thriller series Fool Me Once.
Family & Personal Legacy
Judy married actor Richard Beckinsale in 1977; tragically, he died suddenly of a heart attack in 1979 when Kate was just five. She later found love again with television director Roy Battersby, who passed away in January 2024 after battling cancer.
Following her stepfather’s death, Kate Beckinsale courageously shared her mother’s cancer diagnosis in July 2024, asking fans for prayers during that tumultuous time. Over the past year, she attended to both her mother and stepfather in Los Angeles, amid a series of personal tragedies.
Public Farewell
Beckinsale’s heartfelt post included candid apologies: “I have not picked all the best photos… I cannot bear to go through my camera roll yet. I deeply apologise to any of her friends who are finding out this way or through the press…”.
She also shared a poignant tribute, including a video of herself recently singing “Bye Bye Love” by the Everly Brothers at her mother’s hospital bedside—a nod to Judy’s teenage harmony group memories.
Enduring Influence
Kate concluded her tribute: “Mama, I love you so much. This has been my greatest fear since finding my father dead at five and I am here… Oh my Mama… I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”
Judy Loe is survived by her daughter Kate, stepdaughter Samantha Beckinsale, and six stepchildren from her marriage to Roy Battersby.
Final Words
Judy Loe leaves behind a remarkable legacy in British television and a profound impact on her family and fans. Kate Beckinsale’s public tribute underscores the depth of their bond and her mother’s enduring influence—an actress, wife, mother, and friend whose heart touched many.