DOUGLAS Booth shared on Instagram that his father, Simon, died earlier this year after taking his own life.
The actor chose to post the tragic news on what would have been his father’s 64th birthday.
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He shared the news on what would’ve been his dad’s 64th birthdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Douglas Booth posted the heart-breaking news on InstagramCredit: douglasbooth / Instagram
Douglas said: ‘There are questions I’ll never have answers to, and I’m slowly learning to live with that’Credit: douglasbooth / Instagram
The Riot Club star included several family photographs, among them an image of Booth and his sister as children in their father’s arms.
Marking the occasion, Booth, 33, wrote: “Today would have been my dad’s 64th birthday.”
He continued: “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.
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“What I do know is that my dad was a gentle, kind, generous man, and he is deeply missed.”
The Greenwich-born star explained his hope to use the experience to contribute to efforts that support men’s mental health.
He reflected: “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.
“Loneliness is a quiet epidemic.
“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.”
He noted the limits of well-intentioned support, writing, “It isn’t as simple as “checking-in” on the people you love – sometime 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 hard to navigate.
“My dad also struggled – with diagnosed autism – and didn’t always have the tools to reinvent himself or ask for help.
“Losing someone to suicide is a complex grief, and my heart is with anyone who has walked this path.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
“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.”
The final image was of Simon sitting on a fence in the countryside, looking across fields as the sun dipped down.
Fans flooded in with support for the actor, one wrote: “I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you love and positive energy.
“He will always be in your heart, and honouring his memory in some way can be so rewarding for others and ultimately yourself.”
Douglas Booth and Yasmin Le Bon attend a reception for the Elephant Family Animal BallCredit: Getty – Contributor
The actor said: ‘Too many men find themselves isolated’Credit: douglasbooth / Instagram
The star’s dad Simon took his own life on May 4 this yearCredit: douglasbooth / Instagram
