Actor Nico Santos has revealed that his stepfather has died from Covid-19, and his mother is still fighting the virus.

The Crazy Rich Asians star posted a message from his Instagram account this weekend, revealing that he had been unable to see his stepfather before he died and is unable to comfort his mother.

“He was a kind, caring man. Friendly to a fault,” he wrote of his stepfather. ”He always greeted strangers walking past him with a chipper ‘Good Morning!’ and a big smile. He had a great laugh that filled the room with joy.”

“The loss of my stepfather is devastating but what has gutted me is that this pandemic has kept my family apart.”

“I can’t hug my brother as he contemplates a world without his father,” he continued. ”I can’t wipe away the tears from my nephews’ eyes as they wonder why their Lolo Sonny isn’t here anymore.”

On 22 March, Santos tweeted: “If you have prayers, positive thoughts and energy to spare please send them our way. My family could use it. Stay safe everyone. And STAY HOME.”

A number of Santos’s fellow actors and comedians shared their sympathies in the comments section of his post.

American actor Sherry Cola wrote: “So sorry for your loss, Nico... sending all my love, prayers, and positive thoughts to you and your family.”

Saturday Night Live writer Bowen Yang said: “I am so unbelievably sorry Nico. Wishing you and your family peace. Hoping for a speedy recovering for your mother.”