Game of Thrones star reveals mum ‘tragically’ drowned in heartbreaking tribute one year on
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Game of Thrones star Gemma Whelan revealed her mother Sue tragically drowned last year in a heart-wrenching tribute online.
The 45-year-old, known for playing Yara Greyjoy in the HBO fantasy series, said she continues to feel shocked and lonely from the “sudden” passing, as she opened up about her difficult past year on Instagram.
Game of Thrones star Gemma Whelan revealed details of her mum’s passing on the one-year anniversary of her death. Instagram/@gemwhelan
“Today marks a year since my mighty mother drowned,” wrote the Emma actress across an image of a cloudy sky and a peaceful lake.
“A year since we had the catastrophic shock that our brilliant bright mum had drowned abroad,” the star went on in a lengthy caption.
Whelan, who starred in Game of Thrones since season two of the series, said there’s “been a big hole” in her life.
“But most people wouldn’t know,” she admitted. “And while I place this carefully here, 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.”
The actress acknowledged that grief is different for everyone.
The main purpose of her post was to remind anyone going through a similar “sudden” loss and still “reeling from shock” that they are not alone.
“What terrible things we can endure, and be ok in the not ok,” she said. “I don’t think this too shall ever pass.”
Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy in Game of Thrones. Courtesy of HBO.
The star said there’s been a “hole” in her life since her mum’s sudden passing. Neilson Barnard
But, Whelan revealed she had an “excellent” support system, and with the help of family and friends she hopes “that the hole fills a little year-on-year”.
The actress said she still thinks about her mum, it just “catches” her out when she forgets for a moment she’s gone.
She then explained the touching meaning behind the chosen photo.
“The photo is where some of her is scattered in her native Canada, 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. Love you mum. X,” she wrote.
