Kate's forever young DAD TAUGHT ME TO LIVE

The actress learned the hard way about how precious time is with loved ones

- Judy Kean

Kate Beckinsale has shared the tragic reason why she’s not stressed about getting older.

The stunning British actress, who just turned 48, says losing her dad at a young age changed her outlook on life, especially when it comes to ageing.

Her father, actor Richard Beckinsale, was just 31 when he died suddenly from a heart attack in 1979. Kate, who was five at the time, says she doesn’t dwell on getting older because she knows first-hand that not everyone gets that privilege.

“I’ve been so aware of the possibility people can drop dead at any time,” says the Underworld star, whose dad appeared in popular British comedies Porridge and Rising Damp.

Plus, being in an industry where people get stressed over their ages has made her less likely to care about hers.

“People started trying to worry me about turning 40 when I was 33,” she recalls.

She wisely adds that to have longevity in the entertainment business, actresses need to rely on more than just their looks. “Otherwise, they’ll get put in a box.”

Kate, who was named Britain’s most beautiful woman back in 2002, says people assume she’s had cosmetic surgery because she looks so young. “It’s sort of a given that I’ve had it, which I literally haven’t.”