Kate Beckinsale with her parents Richard Beckinsale and Judy Loe in 1978.Photo:Chris Capstick/Shutterstock
Chris Capstick/Shutterstock
Get to knowKate Beckinsale’s parents.
Born on July 26, 1973, the English actress is the only child of Judy Loe and Richard Beckinsale. The couple, who married in 1977, raised Beckinsale in the Chiswick district of London.
Judy and Richard were no strangers to the screen as acclaimed actors in their own right. With both parents working in the entertainment industry, Beckinsale appeared on television at a very young age.
“My dad was a very well-known English actor mainly in comedies,” added Beckinsale of her late father, who died in March 1979 at age 31.
TheUnderworldstar maintains a close relationship with her mom, Judy. On March 11, the actressposted a lengthy tributeto her onInstagramin celebration of her birthday and Mother’s Day in the U.K.
“Thank you to those that love us and support us when it’s s— and try to make sure there are some bits that aren’t," Beckinsale wrote in part. “Happy everything mama. Your fight for joy despite also welcoming tears is the experience of watching a warrior up close. I love you x.”
Read on to learn more about Kate Beckinsale’s parents, Judy Loe and the late Richard Beckinsale.
Richard Beckinsale.Avalon/Getty
Avalon/Getty
Kate Beckinsale and mother Judy Loe in December 2004.Dave Benett/Getty
Dave Benett/Getty
Since then, Judy has racked up a number of credits over the course of her career. She’s held minor roles in titles such as 1975’sEdward the Seventh, 1978-79’sGeneral Hospitaland 1983’sMonty Python’s The Meaning of Life.
In 1988, Judy landed her first starring role on the Yorkshire Television sitcomSinglesopposite Roger Rees. When her stint on the show wrapped in 1991, she nabbed a recurring role inThe Chieffrom 1990 to 1993.
Richard was married twice
Prior to marrying Judy, Richard wed a local Nottingham woman named Margaret Bradley in 1965. At the time of their nuptials, she was pregnant with their daughter Samantha Beckinsale who was born in July 1966.
Richard and Bradley separated in 1968 and divorced in 1971. Richard met Judy in 1968, had Beckinsale in 1973 and tied the knot in 1977. They were married until his death in 1979.
Richard was a ‘national treasure’ in England
Kate Beckinsale with her parents, Richard Beckinsale and Judy Loe.Chris Capstick/Shutterstock
Beckinsale recalled her dad’s fame during aU.K. interview, describing him as “a national treasure” in England. “He’s very much loved here and he’s kind of a national treasure and that’s so nice for me.”
Richard died of a heart attack in March 1979
Richard died tragically of a heart attack on March 19, 1979. He was 31 years old.
“I remember confusing when John Lennon died and when my dad died because people were standing in the street with the evening paper sobbing on both occasions and I can’t remember which version of that is which because they were very similar,” Beckinsale toldHoward Sternin October 2021.
“It was really really intense… but only in England,” she continued. “Obviously John Lennon impacted absolutely every country in the world. My dad was very much England.”
Judy remarried after Richard’s death
Alan Davidson/Shutterstock
“I really lucked out with him. He’s the best,” the actress continued of her stepdad. “We had some rough years getting adjusted, but no one’s been a bigger champion. I really do feel lucky.”
“I have no words yet,” the actress captioned the post. “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.”
Kate Beckinsale regularly posts about her mom
Kate Beckinsale and her mother Judy Loe in June 2008.Jon Furniss/WireImage
Jon Furniss/WireImage
Beckinsale shares a close bond with her mom and often posts photos of her on Instagram.
In July 2023, the actress shared a funbirthday postof Judy shamelessly dancing and singing karaoke in celebration of her daughter’s special day. In March 2023, she posted a lengthy tribute to her mom on U.K.’s Mother’s Day.
“Ever since I was five you have been the centre of my universe. Loving you fiercely and in terror that I’d lose you too. We have had as many laughs as we have had really rough seas and I truly believe that that and your extraordinary grace and courage is what has helped me to survive,” Beckinsale wrote in part.
One year later, Beckinsale shared another tribute to her mom in celebration of Mother’s Day in the U.K. and her birthday onInstagram. The post prompted fans to question the health of the actress, who uploadedteary-eyed imagesin a hospital bed alongside the caption that mentioned being “sick” (without further explanation).
source: people.com
