Jamie Dornan admits "grief is a very everyday part of my life".
The 'Tourist' actor, 41, has struggled with the losses of those close to him, particularly his mother Lorna, who died of cancer when he was just 16, and after his father Jim passed away in 2021, Jamie felt like an "orphan".
He told Radio Times magazine: "Not only that, but other awful losses when I was younger.
"I've probably experienced more than your average and it's strengthened me in loads of ways. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone, but I do think there is something that emboldens you when you experience loss like that."
However, the 'Fifty Shades' star learned from his father not to let his grief define him, although it hasn't been easy.
He explained: "My dad said to me when my mum died, You can't let the death of your mother be the thing that defines you.'
And I've tried not to - even though internally, I think it does in lots of different ways. I am the person I am as a result of that. But it shouldn't be the thing you lead with.
I never wanted to make people feel sorry for me.
Which I'm sure a lot of people do. Certainly, a lot of my mates' mothers over the years talk about how sad that is. But I'm like, You still have to get up every day..."
On losing his dad, Jamie said: "My first thought was that I was an orphan. Which is a strange thing to think in your late 30s.
"Grief is a very everyday part of my life. I'm in the shadow of it."
