Game of Thrones actress Gemma Whelan reveals mother tragically died by drowning in emotional announcement
Actress Gemma Whelan has disclosed that her mother, Sue, died by drowning whilst overseas 12 months ago, describing the period since as “bl**dy awful” in an emotional social media tribute.
The actress, best known for her portrayal of Yara Greyjoy across all eight seasons of HBO’s Game of Thrones, broke her silence about the circumstances of her mother’s death on Instagram on Monday evening.
Marking the first anniversary of the loss, Ms Whelan wrote: “It has been a year since we had the catastrophic shock that our brilliant bright mum had drowned abroad.”
The 45-year-old, who hails from Leeds, admitted the tragedy had left a significant void in her life, stating: “There’s such a big hole in me now, but most people wouldn’t know.”
Gemma Whelan is best known for her role in Game of Thrones
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Ms Whelan, who has also appeared in Gentleman Jack, Killing Eve, The Tower and The End of the F***ing World, revealed that she continues to struggle with the reality of her loss on a daily basis.
“I still go to call her, I still take photos thinking she’ll love them and then remember,” she wrote.
The mother of two acknowledged that grief continues to catch her off guard, despite finding moments of genuine happiness.
“It’s bl**dy awful,” she continued. “However, I am also happy and fulfilled and smiling for real most of the time. It just catches me out.”
Ms Whelan had previously mentioned her mother’s passing in March during her first Mother’s Day without her, though she did not reveal the circumstances at that time.
The actress explained that her purpose in sharing such personal details was to reach others navigating similar circumstances.
“My intention is really to address the profound solitude and loneliness of a sudden tragic shocking death, where quite rightly and happily many people do not experience it and therefore can’t relate,” she wrote, whilst acknowledging that grief affects everyone differently.
Ms Whelan offered words of comfort to those facing comparable situations: “I suppose I’m looking to say that if you’re in a similar position of sudden loss and reeling from shock, as I continue to, you’re not alone.”
Gemma Whelan’s mother died a year ago
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She expressed gratitude for her support network, adding: “I have excellent friends and family and support and I forge forward with positivity and hope that the hole fills a little year on year with good memories of her and new memories with my kids.”
Ms Whelan accompanied her tribute with a photograph of a tranquil lake in Canada, her mother’s birthplace, where a portion of Sue’s ashes have been laid to rest.
The remaining ashes are destined for a river in the Lake District, though the family plans to carry out the scattering discreetly.
“The rest will go with my dad in a river in the Lake District when no one is looking as apparently it’s illegal to scatter willy nilly, but she’d love it if we got caught, forever the rebel,” Ms Whelan wrote. “Love you mum.”
Gemma Whelan’s co-star Suranne Jones was among those who reached out following the news
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Fans and famous faces alike rushed to share their condolences with the actor in the comments section.
Gentleman Jack co-star Suranne Jones shared a series of love-heart emojis with the message: “Sending love to you Gemma. I recognise the pain. I’m so sorry.”
“Oh love. Big, big enormous love to you,” Peaky Blinders star Sophie Rundle penned, while stand-up comedian Sarah Milican echoed: “I’m so sorry, Gemma. Jesus. Sending love xxx.”
And Sinners actress Wunmi Mosaku typed: “Oh Gemma, I’m so sorry. Sending you and your family so much love.” (sic)
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