Georgina Cates, Star of 'An Awfully Big Adventure', Dies at 51

Georgina Cates, the British actress who starred opposite Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman in the 1995 film "An Awfully Big Adventure," has died at 51. Her daughter, Naiia, announced the death on Instagram in June, but news outlets did not report it until now.

Cates built her career across British television and Hollywood film over two decades. Her daughter's tribute has drawn public attention for its candor about a life that wasn't easy off screen.

What did her daughter say?

Naiia's Instagram post combined grief with vivid, personal detail. "My beautiful, free-spirited mom lived a hard life and still found ways to make herself and others laugh and smile <3 now she can rest easy," she wrote.

She continued with a portrait built from specifics: "I will always see you in black and white photos, Virginia slims, baggy clothes, no bras, big sunglasses, doodling while talking, pleasers, and flip flops and everything in between."

Naiia closed the post by thanking her mother for "your creativity, curiosity and your bravery to always be true to yourself — no matter what."

What was Cates's career?

Cates began acting on British television in 1991, playing Jenny Porter in the BBC-style sitcom "2point4 Children." Through the early 1990s she appeared in "Casualty," "An Exchange of Fire," "Chris Cross," "Crimewatch File" and "The Bill."

Her feature film debut came in 1994 with "Au Pair," about a young Welsh woman who leaves her quiet country for Germany in search of adventure. The breakthrough followed a year later: "An Awfully Big Adventure" (1995), with Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman.

Her later credits include:

• "Clay Pigeons" (1998), with Joaquin Phoenix, Vince Vaughn and Janaene Garofalo
• "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa"
• "Everlasting"

Who is she survived by?

Cates was born on Jan. 14, 1975, in Colchester, England, and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. From 1997 to 2005 she was married to actor Skeet Ulrich, whom she met at an Oscars party. The couple had twins, Naiia and Jakob.

Ulrich responded to his daughter's Instagram post with a comment of his own: "I love you more than words can say sweetheart ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"

Cates is survived by her daughter, Naiia, and son, Jakob.

What does this change for her legacy?

The months-long gap between the announcement and wider reporting means Cates's death is only now entering the public record. For audiences who knew her from 1990s film and television, the belated news reopens appreciation of a performer whose credits ranged from British sitcom to Hollywood features — and whose family's tributes now stand as the fullest account of her life.