Alan Cumming is stunned after learning his grandad died by shooting himself during a game of Russian roulette.
The X2 star was curious about the circumstances surrounding his grandfather's death when it was suggested during his funeral that it may not have been an accident.
Taking part in British TV show Who Do You Think You Are? Cumming delved into his family history - and discovered his grandad, war veteran Tommy Darling, died during a game of Russian roulette, in which risk-takers put a gun to their head and bet on whether the chamber is loaded.
After reading his grandad's autopsy report, Cumming said: "I really am sideswiped. I didn't see that one coming at all.
"What state of mind must he have been in to get his kicks from being in some little bar and putting a gun to his head? I feel really sad for him."
The actor was also surprised to learn about Darling's war past and how villagers in Malaysia named a street and park after him because he was held in such high regard.
Cumming adds, "His death is not so shocking when you look at his life. His story tells us about military stress and how it affects you... The truth can hurt but not knowing can hurt even more.
"The way he's remembered with such love by people, that they named a street and a park after him, shows he affected lives so deeply on the other side of the world. That's such a lovely thing."
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