The Blame actor Douglas Booth on tragic suicide of his beloved dad: 'I've struggled to find the words for this loss'
He released a truly heartbreaking statement
The Blame star Douglas Booth is currently riding high as an actor, appearing in the prime-time Sunday night crime drama opposite Michelle Keegan – but behind the twinkling blue eyes lies the heartbreaking truth about his dad.
The London-born actor, 34, is famous for his roles in Great Expectations, Romeo and Juliet, and The Sandman. And he couldn’t have done it without the support of his family, not least his beloved dad Simon.
The son of artist Vivien De Cala) and Simon Booth, who worked in shipping for Citigroup, Douglas has made quite the name for himself – culminating in his current role. This week, he portrays DI
But away from the spotlight, Douglas hides a terrible anguish… His father took his life less than a year ago.
Douglas Booth pays tribute to his dad after suicide
In November 2025, less than a year ago, actor Douglas Booth shared some gut-wrenching news with his 736,000 Instagrams followers. He revealed that his father had taken his own life earlier that year.
In an emotional post, Douglas wrote on November 26, 2025: “Today would have been my dad’s 64th birthday. 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.”
The lengthy post 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.”
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‘Loneliness is a quiet epidemic’
In the heartfelt post accompanied by several family photos, Douglas went on to admit that he had also suffered from anxiety. He said: “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 Booth finished the post by saying about his dad: “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.”
Simon was father to Douglas and his older sister, Abigail.
If you are experiencing feelings of suicidal ideation, distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
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