TV Star Mourns His Father
Television presenter Richard Hammond has shared the deeply personal news of his father Alan Hammond’s passing. Best known for his work on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, the 55-year-old broadcaster reflected on his grief in an emotional episode of his podcast Who We Are Now, which he co-hosts with his 24-year-old daughter, Izzy.
In a candid conversation with guest psychiatrist Dr. T, Hammond discussed the profound impact of losing a loved one and how the grieving process continues to unfold in unexpected ways. While acknowledging the initial intensity of his emotions, he revealed that sorrow now lingers beneath the surface, often catching him off guard in quiet, everyday moments.
“I’ve noticed that since we lost my dad, I don’t wander around daily in a cloud of… there was tremendous grief, of course there was, he was my dad, but it’s kind of in the background,” he shared.
Alan Hammond, a former legal executive in North Yorkshire who later pursued a career as an author, played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s love for motoring. From an early age, Richard was fascinated by vehicles, and it was his father’s encouragement that helped fuel his passion. Alan not only supported his son’s enthusiasm but also guided him through his first hands-on experiences with mechanics, even helping him build his first motorbike as a teenager.
Beyond his grief, Hammond is also facing another major life change. Just weeks before publicly discussing his father’s passing, he and his wife, newspaper columnist Amanda “Mindy” Hammond, announced their decision to divorce after 28 years of marriage. In a joint statement, the couple assured fans that, despite their separation, they remain committed to their family and their two daughters.
As Hammond navigates both personal loss and a major transition in his life, his reflections on love, memory, and resilience offer a raw and heartfelt perspective on coping with grief. His openness serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds we share with those we’ve lost and the ways in which their presence continues to shape our lives.
