Scottish actor and West End star John Barrowman shared a deeply emotional video on Monday, breaking down in tears as he announced the death of his beloved 18-year-old Jack Russell terrier, Captain Jack Harkness.
A Peaceful Goodbye at Home
The 58-year-old star, visibly distressed, explained in the clip that his pet had waited for him to return home from a fan convention before passing away peacefully. Barrowman cradled the dog's body, with his husband Scott Gill by his side, as he recounted the final moments.
"He waited until I got home and I held him," Barrowman sobbed. "We put him to bed next to me and I held onto him and I felt his heart stop and now he's gone." He expressed profound sadness but also gratitude that Captain Jack had not suffered, having died from old age.
Tributes from Fans and Fellow Stars
The poignant video prompted an immediate outpouring of support. Barrowman's social media was flooded with condolences from fans and celebrities alike. His former Dancing on Ice co-star Ashley Banjo wrote, "I'm sorry my friend ❤️", while radio presenter Sonny Jay offered sympathy for "the day we all dread".
In a caption accompanying the video, Barrowman paid a longer tribute, describing Captain Jack as "a good boy, a loyal friend and our Jackamo for 18 years." The dog was named after Barrowman's iconic Doctor Who and Torchwood character, Captain Jack Harkness, whom he played from 2005 to 2021.
A Loss Amidst Professional Challenges
The death of his pet comes after a difficult period in Barrowman's professional life. The actor has stated he was "blacklisted completely" from the UK entertainment industry following 2021 allegations of misconduct on the sets of Doctor Who and Torchwood between 2005 and 2011.
Barrowman was dropped from his judging role on ITV's Dancing on Ice and has spoken about falling into depression and having suicidal thoughts. However, in an interview last year on STV's Scotland Tonight, he defended his past behaviour as "stupid and silly" but insisted he did not regret it, claiming it was part of the on-set culture at the time and that nobody had complained.
Despite these professional setbacks, the focus on Monday was squarely on personal grief. Barrowman concluded his emotional video by saying, "He died in my arms. I am sad but it is just the way I wanted it. He waited for me all day. He's such a good boy."
