Game of Thrones actress Gemma Whelan has publicly revealed that her mother, Sue, drowned while on holiday abroad a year ago, leaving the family devastated. The 45-year-old star, who played Yara Greyjoy in the hit HBO series, opened up about the tragedy on Instagram as she paid tribute to her mum on the anniversary of her death.
Whelan shares her grief on Instagram
In a heartfelt post, Whelan wrote: 'It has been a year since we had the catastrophic shock that our brilliant bright mum had drowned abroad. There’s such a big hole in me now, but most people wouldn’t know.' She described the past year as 'b***dy awful' and addressed the profound solitude that comes with sudden tragic loss.
Whelan continued: '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. What terrible things we can endure, and be ok in the not ok.' She added that she still tries to call her mum or take pictures thinking 'she’ll love them and then remember.'
Actor's career and family life
Whelan, who also starred in Gentleman Jack, Killing Eve, The Tower, and The End of the F*****g World, is a mother of two. She said she forges forward with positivity and hope that the hole fills a little year on year with good memories. 'I am also happy and fulfilled and smiling for real most of the time. It just catches me out,' she wrote.
The post included a photo of a serene lake, where some of her mother's ashes were scattered in her native Canada. The rest will go with her father in a river in the Lake District, despite it being illegal to scatter ashes, but Whelan noted her mother 'would love it if we got caught, forever the rebel.'
Background and career beginnings
Whelan started her career in stand-up comedy and earned recognition for her Chastity Butterworth character. She has made numerous TV and film appearances since 2010, with her role in Game of Thrones bringing her international fame.
