Game of Thrones star Gemma Whelan has revealed that her mum drowned abroad last year. The 45-year-old actress, who played Yara Greyjoy in Game of Thrones and Kate in Upstart Crow, shared news of her mum's passing back in March. She told followers it was her first Mother's Day without her mum, but didn't open up about the details surrounding her death. Gemma has now paid a heartbreaking tribute to her on Instagram.