KATE Beckinsale has paid tribute to her late Porridge star dad Richard saying that she was “never the same” after his shock death.
The 47-year-old actress, who lost her father Richard when she was only five, shared the touching post 42 years after he died.
Richard, who was best known for his role as Lennie Godber in Porridge, died of a heart attack in his sleep, aged 31 in 1979.
Kate took to social media sharing a series of photos of her late father, including a painted memorial to Richard and old newspaper clippings documenting her dad’s death.
She also posted a picture of a blue plaque dedicated to her dad, which lists his best known TV shows, his school and where he lived.
The actress wrote: “March 19th,1979. And we were never the same again.
“Thank you to everyone who has kept him alive in our hearts and on our lips. And love to everyone missing a shining, special person of their own.”
The Underworld star also shared how much she wanted to see her mother Judy Loe, she added: “I wish I was with my mum today xxx.”
She was inundated with messages of support, Loose Women panellist Nadia Sawalha wrote: “Sending so much love. ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’. Hugs from me and mine to you and yours x.”
Former EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite posted: “Sending you much love xxx”
The Pearl Harbour actress spoke in 2013 about the emotional toll of losing a parent at such a young age took on her.
She recalled: “It was a terrible loss. He and I were naughty and my mum would have to sort us out. It was a really strange period and part of it was
really difficult.
“Even though it was the worst loss that I have experienced, I was able to
share it with people who genuinely seemed to love him.
“There has been a huge amount of comfort for me over the years to be able to get in a taxi and sign a receipt and someone say, ‘Your dad’s not Richard
Beckinsale, is he? It was a terrible shame’ and we have a little cry.”
Richard made his acting debut in Coronation Street in 1969, and he went onto star in sitcoms The Lovers, Rising Damp and Porridge.
