Paul Mescal hopes his Olivier Awards success will give his cancer-stricken mum “a little bit of a lift” as she continues her brave battle.
The Irish star received the Best Actor prize for his powerful performance as Stanley Kowalski in the West End revival of A Streetcar Named Desire last night.
Speaking at the annual theatre awards, he announced his beloved mother Dearbhla is taking on the disease and couldn't make the bash at London's Royal Albert Hall
After thanking his co-stars and colleagues, Paul made sure he mentioned his watching dad and of course his supportive mum, who is currently undergoing treatment.
He said in his speech that he wanted to thank his parents "who never said no" and then said of his mum: "I hope you get better soon."
Backstage, the 27-year-old explained a little more.
He told reporters: “My mum and dad are at home. My mum’s unwell at the moment, so hopefully it’ll give her a little bit of a lift and dad as well who is looking after.
“It kind of feels maybe narcissistic or egotistical to assume that that will help anything, but I hope that it does."
Paul proved that he's a true professional on the red carpet after winning the coveted award as he posed for the cameras while donning a dapper tailored black suit with a chic undone satin bow-tie.
He went on to explain that he is struggling to accept that he has his hands on an Oliver Award.
Paul said: “I feel like I hear people say it all the time, but it doesn’t feel real!
“This doesn’t feel at all real. But it’s kind of happening at such a rate that there is no time to stop and think, this is a phenomenal feeling.
“But we’re on stage tomorrow at 7.30pm and I can’t wait. It’s the best play, it’s the best group of people to go to work with.”
Elsewhere, during her acceptance speech for Best Actress, Jodie Comer told the star-studded audience: "I'm so overwhelmed. This play has changed my life. I am so grateful and I have so many people to thank.
"To Suzie Miller for writing the most exquisite play I have ever had the pleasure of reading. One thing I would like to say to any kids who haven't been to drama school, who can't afford to go to drama school, who has been rejected from drama school, don't let anyone tell you that it isn't possible.
"It might take the stars to align and you to be met with generous, kind, patient people but it is possible. Mum, Dad, I love you, and my Grandad is 82 today so happy birthday."
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