Game of Thrones star Gemma Whelan has shared that last year, her mother, Sue, died while on holiday, leaving her family completely heartbroken18:44, 07 Jul 2026Game of Thrones' Gemma Whelan has revealed her mother drowned last year, in a devastating tribute one year on.‌The actress, best known for playing Yara Greyjoy in the series, hadn't spoken about the death of her mum, Sue, until now. On the anniversary of her mother's death, Gemma, 45, took to social media to pay tribute to her mum. Gemma, who also stars in Gentleman Jack, said that the previous year had been "awful" as she navigated the heartbreak of grief and loss.‌Gemma, from Leeds, West Yorks, shared a snap of open water, which read: "Today marks a year since my mighty mother drowned."‌Captioning her upload, she said: "It has been a year since we had the catastrophic shock that our brilliant bright mum had drowned abroad."There's such a big hole in me now, but most people wouldn't know, 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. Although I fully acknowledge grief is different for everyone.‌"I suppose I'm looking to say that if you're in a similar position of sudden loss and reeling from shock, as I continue to, you're not alone. What terrible things we can endure, and be ok in the not ok."I don't think this too shall ever pass but I have excellent friends and family and support and I forge forward with positivity and hope that the hole fills a little year on year with good memories of her and new memories with my kids."I still go to call her, I still take photos thinking she'll love them and then remember. It's b****y awful. However, I am also happy and fulfilled and smiling for real most of the time."‌Gemma went on to say: "It just catches me out. 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."Her post, which has been liked over 6,500 times was flooded with messages of support. Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again star Alexa Davies said: "I'm so sorry for your loss Gemma. Sending you all my love."‌Cressida Bonas replied: "So much love to special you." EastEnders ' Harriet Thorpe commented: "How utterly heartbreaking, sending all love to you and your family."Surranne Jones penned: "Sending love to you Gemma. I recognise the pain. I'm so sorry."Australian actress Celia Ireland typed: "Oh darling, thank you for this tender reminder of the fragility of things. I'm carrying you in my heart, my dear old mum died at 87, and we were spared the gut-wrenching shock of a sudden death, so I can only imagine your pain. She is with you, every step you and your bairns take. Big love and ps I am an enormous fan of your work. Go well, darling, you're not alone."Article continues belowIf you have been affected by this story, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help to make sense of how you are feeling. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .