John Barrowman has paid tribute to his “strong, funny and glamorous” mother after her death.
The Scottish-American actor, 59, shared a post on social media in which he explained he had been left with a “very heavy and broken heart” after his mother Marion “passed away peacefully at home on Sunday evening, surrounded by love, exactly the way she wanted”.
Explaining that he had been on a plane with his husband Scott Gill when they received the news, Barrowman said his mother had been surrounded by family in her final hours.
He said: “My dad was holding her hand as she took her last breath, my brother was by her side, and my sister had just spent precious weeks with them before saying goodbye over the phone.
“Although I wasn’t there for the exact moment she passed, when I arrived home, I lay beside her, talked to her, and softly sang our little song in her ear.
“While our hearts are shattered, we are grateful she left this world peacefully, in comfort, and surrounded by the people she loved most.”
Writing about his mother, Barrowman said many of his fans had met her over the years and that she would “proudly stand beside the stage watching me perform”.
He added: “She adored all of it — the sparkle, the laughter, the music, and especially all of you.
“My mum was truly one of a kind, full of love, glamour, mischief, kindness, and joy.
“Always dressed to the nines, never without her hair done, makeup perfect, and a little bling sparkling somewhere. I always say I am my mother’s son because she gave me my voice, my humour, my love of performing, and my joy for life.”
Barrowman said that his mother had “fiercely loved her family” and “embraced Scott as a son from day one”.
The actor then recalled a moment from his wedding day, where she threatened to “batter any protesters” with her Chanel handbag.
In the post Barrowman then went on to explain that he and Gill had been caring for his parents over the last two and a half years.
He said: “We could not have done it without her incredible nurse and caregiver, Maria, whose compassion, dignity, and devotion lifted our family every day.
“Because of this loss, and so I can be with my family during this incredibly difficult time, I have had to cancel upcoming shows. Thank you all for your love, kindness, and support.”
The actor was met with support from figures including comedian Alan Carr, who said he was “sorry for the loss”.
His former Arrow co-star Stephen Amell wrote: “Beautifully put. And again… she was an absolute gem of a Mum. Sending a huge hug your way.”
Doctor Who actress Bonnie Langford also shared: “So sorry to hear this John. Sending much love to you, Scott and all the family.”
Barrowman is best known for playing Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who and its spin-off Torchwood, as well as Malcolm Merlyn in the Arrowverse.
He has also appeared in the West End and on Broadway, in shows including Anything Goes, Miss Saigon, The Phantom of the Opera, and Sunset Boulevard.
The actor had been in the middle of touring his show My Life In Musicals across the UK but has postponed or cancelled several dates following his mother’s death.
