Rhonda Burchmore reveals a heartbreaking family secret that leaves her ‘pretty angry’ in an emotional episode of Who Do You Think You Are?
Rhonda Burchmore has uncovered a family secret in the latest episode of the SBS series Who Do You Think You Are?
The show brings celebrities in touch with their pasts – revealing long-hidden skeletons in family closets.
During Tuesday’s episode, the entertainer learned the truth about what happened to her long-lost grandfather, Tommy Stewart.
The 63-year-old thought Tommy was an alcoholic who had abandoned his family, but the truth was much more heartbreaking.
Tommy fought on the front lines of World War II and was evacuated in 1941 due to a nervous breakdown.
Rhonda Burchmore (pictured) has uncovered a family secret in the latest episode of the SBS series Who Do You Think You Are?
On Tuesday’s episode, the entertainer found out the truth about what happened to her long-lost grandfather, Tommy Stewart (pictured)
“When I see and hear what he went through, I definitely feel a lot more sympathy for Tommy, especially knowing that he had this neurosis and severe depression,” she said.
“But the one question that really drives me crazy is why he never contacted my mom. She never heard or even knew he was alive or dead.’
During the episode, Rhonda met Ruth Slade, a daughter Tommy fathered after disappearing from his first family.
Ruth first showed an emotional Rhonda photos of her grandfather, but admitted that her relationship with her father was strained.
“There’s a part of me that feels very sorry for Tommy and what he went through in the war,” she said.
The 63-year-old thought Tommy was an alcoholic who had abandoned his family, but the truth was much more heartbreaking. Tommy fought on the front lines of World War II and was evacuated in 1941 due to a nervous breakdown
Rhonda met Ruth Slade (right), a daughter Tommy fathered after disappearing from his first family. Ruth showed an emotional Rhonda pictures of her grandfather for the first time
“I’m actually quite angry because my grandfather Tommy was never there for my mom and her sister,” she said
“But after meeting Ruth, I’m actually kind of angry because my grandfather Tommy was never there for my mom and her sister, and I hoped that Tommy would be a good father to Ruth. Unfortunately, no he wasn’t.’
Rhonda is one of Australia’s most prolific performers with over 40 years of show business experience.
She has appeared in stage shows including Guys and Dolls, Tomfoolery and Mamma Mia!
In 2020, the enigmatic artist starred in the reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
During her time on the jungle-based competition, she earned herself the well-deserved nickname ‘Rhonda Butch-more’ for her skill at completing disgusting eating challenges.
Rhonda is one of Australia’s most prolific performers with over 40 years of show business experience