Pride And Prejudice star Douglas Booth has revealed his father tragically took his own life in May, earlier this year.
The Riot Club actor, 33, paid an emotional on what would have been his father’s 64th birthday in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Wednesday.
Douglas shared a childhood photograph of himself with his father as part of a discussion about men’s mental health struggles.
Among the photos was a picture of Douglas’ wife, actress Bel Powley, spending time with his father.
He wrote: ‘On the 4th May this year, my dad tragically took his own life. I’ve struggled to find the words for this loss.
‘There are questions I’ll never have answers to, and I’m slowly learning to live with that. What I do know is that my dad was a gentle, kind, generous man, and he is deeply missed.
Pride And Prejudice star Douglas Booth, 33, has revealed his father tragically took his own life in May, earlier this year (Douglas pictured in 2024)
The Riot Club actor paid an emotional on what would have been his father’s 64th birthday in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Wednesday
Douglas shared a childhood photograph of himself with his father as part of a discussion about men’s mental health struggles
‘In time, I want to find a way to turn this pain into something useful – to support and champion places that give men space to connect, talk, and feel understood.
‘Too many men find themselves isolated, unable to express what they’re going through, or unsure of where to turn.’
Discussing the impact that suicide has on bereaved families and friends, Douglas, who is set to star with Michelle Keegan in ITV’s new cop drama The Blame, admitted he also has suffered anxiety and revealed he thinks his father may have been autistic.
‘Loneliness is a quiet epidemic,’ he wrote.
‘I’ve struggled with anxiety myself, and I know how frightening it can feel to be battling something internally while the world carries on around you.
‘It isn’t as simple as “checking in” on the people you love – sometimes they can’t hear you, even when you’re trying.
‘And as people get older, lose the structure of work, or face changes in their identity or their bodies, the world can become even harder to navigate.
‘My dad also struggled – with undiagnosed autism – and didn’t always have the tools to reinvent himself or ask for help.
Among the photos was a picture of Douglas’ wife, actress Bel Powley (pictured), spending time with his father
He wrote: ‘On the 4th May this year, my dad tragically took his own life. I’ve struggled to find the words for this loss’
Douglas was inundated with support from friends and well wishers including Pixie Lott and Keegan
‘Losing someone to suicide is a complex grief, and my heart is with anyone who has walked this path. I’m incredibly grateful for my family, my friends, and at times complete strangers who have helped me begin to get through this.
‘Happy Birthday Dad. I love and miss you. Always.’
Douglas was inundated with support from friends and well wishers including Pixie Lott and Keegan.
One said: ‘So sorry for your loss ❤️’
Another posted: ‘This is so heartbreaking but i’m thankful for your vulnerability. it isn’t easy. sending love and light.❤️’
For confidential help and support contact Samaritans for free on 116 123
