James McAvoy has rushed to support his ex-wife, Anne-Marie Duff, following the tragic news that her brother, Eddie, passed away at the age of 55.
The actress shared that her brother died after a difficult battle with early-onset dementia.
Despite their divorce in 2016, the former couple has maintained a close friendship and a dedicated co-parenting relationship for their son, Brendan.
Anne-Marie Duff spoke movingly about her brother's journey, describing him as a "beautiful soul" who faced his diagnosis with immense courage.
She noted that the illness progressed rapidly, a common and devastating characteristic of early-onset dementia.
James McAvoy reportedly dropped his current commitments to be by her side, highlighting the deep bond the two actors still share years after their separation.
Early-onset dementia refers to the onset of symptoms before the age of 65.
It often presents unique challenges for families, as the individuals affected are frequently still working, raising children, or physically active when the condition begins to take hold.
Anne-Marie Duff expressed a desire to raise awareness about the condition, noting that many people do not realize how significantly it can impact younger individuals.
The actress emphasized that while the diagnosis was heartbreaking, the support of her family and close friends like James McAvoy provided a vital lifeline.
Medical experts explain that early-onset cases can sometimes have a genetic component, though every case varies.
By sharing Eddie's story, his family hopes to encourage more research into treatments and support systems for those navigating this specific form of the disease.