Kate Beckinsale ditches her beloved brunette updo a striking new blonde bob as she attends glitzy gala – hours after taking stepfather to hospital amid cancer and stroke battles

Kate Beckinsale put on a brave face as she attended the Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Gala in Beverly Hills on Thursday – hours after taking her stepfather to the hospital amid his battle with two types of cancer.

The Underworld actress, 50, who was seen comforting stepfather Roy Battersby, 87, in exclusive DailyMail.com photos on Wednesday, smiled as she posed on the pink carpet at the event.

Kate, who showed off her new blonde hairstyle at the event, wore white tweed long sleeve mini dress paired with shiny silver platform high heels.

The star’s stylist Dimitris Giannetos recently revealed the reason for the transformation, telling Glamor: “We wanted to make a change with Kate right before the holiday season, so why not go for a teardrop or blonde bob that brings out all of her beautiful features?”

He added: “Kate has the kind of skin tone that any color can look incredible on her, especially salt-butter blonde.”

While on the pink carpet, Kate had a chance to chat with Additional and her new hairstyle. “It’s nice to change things up sometimes,” the star explained.

She also discussed the possibility of attending the gala and stated, “I was lucky enough to attend three women-only events in three days. It makes you feel like your cup is a little fuller.”

“The collective positive feminine energy in this industry, in the room, and it’s just so nice to be there.”

It comes after an insider revealed that Roy had been hospitalized in recent weeks due to a “massive stroke”.

The latest health scare comes amid a personal battle for her mother, Judy Lo. The 76-year-old was diagnosed with the long-term illness six years ago, which Kate has addressed in several emotional Instagram posts over the past year.

The Underworld actress brought her parents to the US from their home in the UK so she could care for them full-time at her home in Los Angeles.

“Kate has spent most of the year caring for her parents, who are both seriously ill,” a source told DailyMail.com. “She brought them to her home in Los Angeles and made caring for them her number one priority.”

An insider said the Snow Angels star, whose biological father Richard Beckinsale died aged 31 of a heart attack in his sleep in 1979, has been experiencing emotional turmoil in recent weeks.

“She’s been seen crying in the hallways of UCLA Hospital several times this week,” the source added. “Her friends are very concerned that she has been under constant stress for several months, barely sleeping or eating.

“Kate seems very strong but this has been incredibly difficult and given that she lost her father at such a young age it affects her very deeply. Her friends are worried about her own health.”

A second source explained that her mother Judy chose to keep her health battle a secret, saying, “She’s extraordinary, you wouldn’t even know it by looking at her.” She always maintained a very positive attitude.”

Kate’s biological father was the late British actor Richard Beckinsale, best known for his roles as Lenny Godber in the BBC sitcom Porridge and Alan Moore in the ITV sitcom Wet.

He also had a 55-year-old daughter, Samantha, his only child from his marriage to Margaret Bradley.

Roy also came from the world of television, having had a very successful career as a director, working on major British screen hits such as Inspector Morse, Cracker and A Touch of Frost.

Kate, who debuted her new blonde hair at Roger Vivier’s dinner party on Wednesday night, spoke online about her parents’ poor health in recent months, sharing photos of her mother being treated in hospital.

In August, she encouraged fans to do what makes them happy in an Instagram caption, writing, “Embrace joy.” Embrace the grief. Wear feathers. Sing. Do something that makes you feel happy, even for a moment. Combine grief, illness and fear with as much life, laughter and celebration as possible.

“This does not mean that you have some kind of crisis. It means you choose life fiercely. Be brave, and when you don’t feel brave, listen. Laugh, dance, cry, love with those you trust.”

She continued, “Spread love whenever you can. Read. Staying in bed and crying when it’s like an avalanche from all sides. Try not to be angry and not to take on the meanness of others. People can break.

‘Be good. Fight like hell for your loved ones and for your spirit x.”

However, the Much Ado About Nothing actress is determined to put on a brave face and do everything she can to continue supporting her loved ones during this difficult time.

“Kate is trying to maintain a positive public and professional presence and remain optimistic about her family,” the source added.

Kate’s mother, who is also an actress, married Roy in 1997 – 18 years after Kate’s father died.

Over the years, Kate’s close bond with her stepfather has been a source of joy for social media fans, who often share posts praising the family’s visible love for each other.

Kate is also grieving over her beloved cat Clive, who died in June aged 19.