Douglas Booth is opening up about the tragic loss of his dad, who died earlier this year by suicide.
The 33-year-old The Sandman actor took to his Instagram account on what would have been his dad’s 64th birthday to post a touching tribute to him.
“On the 4th May this year, my dad tragically took his own life. I’ve struggled to find the words for this loss,” Douglas began. “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.”
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Douglas continued, “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.”
“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,” Douglas wrote. “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.”
He concluded, “Happy Birthday Dad. I love and miss you. Always.”
Douglas shared a slideshow of photos that featured his dad, including some pictures with his wife Bel Powley.