Vampire Diaries actress Alice Evans has revealed she was excluded from her father’s funeral following a reported family dispute with her stepmother, Dr. Catherine Hunt, while already grieving the recent loss of her brother and navigating a difficult divorce.

Recent Losses and Ongoing Divorce

Alice Evans, currently navigating a highly public and painful divorce from Ioan Gruffudd, has experienced further heartbreak with the passing of her father, Professor David Evans, and her brother, Tony. The actress revealed she was not invited to her father’s funeral, adding another layer of grief to an already challenging time.

Family Feud and Exclusion

This exclusion stems from a reported family feud, with Alice claiming she and her brother were ‘banished’ from their father’s life by his second wife, Dr. Catherine Hunt. The revelation came on what would have been her brother Tony’s 56th birthday, compounding her sorrow.

Professor David Evans' Life and Career

Professor Evans, a distinguished mathematician and academic, passed away in March at the age of 85. His funeral was held last Friday in the Somerset village of Publow, with Alice conspicuously absent.

Academic Achievements

Born to a steel worker, Professor Evans rose to prominence in the academic world. He studied mathematics at Manchester University and earned a PhD before moving to the US in 1967 for research positions.

Family History

He met his first wife, Janet Dowell, a schoolteacher, during his university years, and they had three children: Alice, Tony, and Philip. The family returned to the UK in 1969, with Professor Evans taking a position at the University of Bristol.

Pioneering Research

At the University of Bristol, he pioneered research into ocean waves and renewable energy, eventually becoming head of department, Dean of Science, and a vice chancellor before retiring in 2006.

Further Family Tragedy

The family endured a significant loss in 1999 when Alice’s mother tragically died of a heart attack. Alice met Ioan Gruffudd during a screen test for 102 Dalmatians that same year.

Second Marriage and Growing Distance

Four years later, Professor Evans remarried to Dr. Catherine Hunt, a fellow academic, and a distance reportedly grew between Alice and her father. She shared her pain with her Instagram followers, highlighting the deep rift within the family.

The loss of both her brother and father in quick succession, coupled with the pain of not being able to say a final goodbye to her father, represents a profound period of grief for Alice Evans.