Who was Judy Loe from General Hospital? Kate Beckinsale mourns the loss of her mother at 78

Judy Loe, a British actress, is most remembered for her renowned television career. She played one of the most famous roles on General Hospital as Dr. Helen Sanders (1978–1979). 

The portrayal of Dr. Sanders by Loe was as part of the British version of the American soap series where she is remembered for professionalism and compassion toward her character.

Kate Beckinsale posted on her Instagram page on July 18, 2025,

“I don’t want to post this. I am only posting this because I have had to register my mother‘s death certificate and it will soon become public record. She died the night of July 15th in my arms after immeasurable suffering."
 

She further mentioned,
 

"I have not picked all the best photos, nor the best videos, because I cannot bear to go through my camera roll yet. I deeply apologise to any of her friends who are finding out this way or through the press, but I cannot go through her phone...Oh my Mama.. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I am so sorry.”

Judy Loe, 78, died on July 15, 2025, after a lengthy struggle with cancer.

Her passing follows the death of her second husband, Roy Battersby, a television director, just one year ago.

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Kate Beckinsale's emotional tribute to Judy Loe

Kate Beckinsale's emotional tribute on Instagram expresses her grief over the loss of her mother, Judy Loe. She stated that it was more like a paralysis she feels.

In her words, her mother was the "compass of [her] life," the guidance and love. 

Kate reflects on her mother, who has been 'forgiving sometimes too much' and shown 'bravery' throughout her life. As a human being, she always had her belief in people and their goodness.

She trusted in good things around the world around her. The world now feels "dim" in her absence, and Kate struggles to accept the loss, acknowledging how difficult it is to bear.

Kate speaks directly to her mother and says that she loves her very much and regrets losing her at the same time.

She admits that this loss was her "greatest fear," the origin of which went back to when she discovered her father dead when she was five years old, and now the fear has come true in the most tragic way.

She concludes her message with a tearful apology to her mother, saying again and again, "I'm sorry."

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More about Judy Loe and her career

Judy Loe, Judith Margaret Loe, English actress born on 6th March 1947 at Urmston, Lancashire, had a long and successful TV career as an actress.

She appeared in television serials for the BBC for the first time in 1970 in Ace of Wands, ITV Thames Television.

In the next few years, she became a regular face on British TV, appearing in various dramas and comedies, such as Z-Cars, Dixon of Dock Green, and Man at the Top. 

General Hospital, where she played Dr. Helen Sanders, made her a familiar face.

Kate Beckinsale's mother, Judy Loe, was well known in the British television world. Born in Lancashire, she developed an interest in acting and drama throughout her life. 

Judy studied English Literature and drama at the University of Birmingham before entering television. Richard Beckinsale was her first husband (1977), who died in 1979.

Judy turned into a single mother to Kate Beckinsale after Richard's death.

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General Hospital episodes are available to stream on ABC.