John Barrowman has been hit with a heartbreaking family tragedy.
The beloved Doctor Who and Torchwood star has canceled upcoming appearances and tour dates after the death of his mother, Marion Barrowman.
The 59-year-old performer shared the emotional news with fans in a deeply personal social media post, revealing that his mother died peacefully at home on Sunday evening, surrounded by family.
“It is with a very heavy and broken heart that I share with you all that my beautiful mum Marion Barrowman, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday evening, surrounded by love, exactly the way she wanted,” Barrowman wrote.
The actor and singer said he and his husband, Scott Gill, were on a plane when they received the devastating news.
After landing, Barrowman returned home and was able to spend time beside his mother.
“While our hearts are shattered, we are grateful she left this world in her own bed, in comfort, with people she loved around her,” he wrote.
The heartbreaking loss has forced Barrowman to step away from the spotlight for now.
He announced that several upcoming appearances and shows would be canceled while he remains with his family during the difficult time.
“Because of this loss, and so I can be with my family during this incredibly difficult time, I have had to cancel upcoming appearances and shows,” he explained.
According to Stoke-on-Trent Live, the rest of the spring leg of Barrowman’s My Life in Musicals tour has been canceled and is expected to be rescheduled for autumn dates later this year.
Barrowman’s tribute to his mother painted a picture of a glamorous, funny and loving woman who played a huge role in shaping the entertainer fans know today.
“My mum was truly one of a kind — full of love, laughter, glamour, and kindness,” he wrote.
He also credited Marion with giving him his love of performing.
“I always say I am my mother’s son because she gave me my voice, my love of performing, my sense of humour, and my joy for life,” Barrowman said.
Fans immediately flooded the comments section with prayers, condolences and emotional messages of support.
One grieving fan wrote that they had also recently lost their mother after a battle with cancer, adding that they knew how “earth shattering” the pain could be.
“My heartfelt love, thoughts and prayers go to You and All Your Family at this very Sad time,” the fan wrote.
Another supporter was moved by Barrowman’s words about losing a parent.
“‘Losing your mum changes the world completely’ went straight to my heart because it surely does,” the fan commented.
A third simply added, “Prayers for your mother from Rutherglen.”
Barrowman is best known to television fans for playing Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who and Torchwood.
He has also enjoyed a long career on stage, appearing in major productions including Anything Goes, Sunset Boulevard and The Phantom of the Opera.
For now, the performer is putting his career on hold as he mourns the woman he called the source of his voice, humor and joy.
