Line Of Duty star Brian McCardie has been found dead suddenly at home aged 59.
The Scottish actor was best known for playing mafia boss John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter in BBC crime drama Line of Duty.
He also starred as Sir Marcus MacRannoch in an episode of Outlander and had recently joined the cast of the series prequel Blood Of My Blood.
His heartbroken sister Sarah announced the news on social media. She wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter today.
She wrote: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many.
‘Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 28th April. A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.
Brian McCardie at the ‘Ghosts’ press night and afterparty at Walkers of Whitehall, London
Line of Duty star Brian McCardie dead: Actor, 59, who played John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter has passed away suddenly as heartbroken sister paid tribute
Sean Bean (left) and Brian McCardie (right) in the BBC’s hit TV Drama ‘Time’
‘We love him and will miss him greatly; please remember Brian in your thoughts.’
Brian recently appeared in the hit BBC Drama Time, starring Sean Bean and Stephen Graham.
His sister told BBC Scotland News that the family were ‘devestated’ by the loss.
Tributes have flooded in on social media, as friends and former colleagues are ‘shocked’ and ‘devestated’ by the news.
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland said: ‘We’re sad to hear about Brian McCardie’s passing.
‘He was a talented, versatile actor across stage and screen and was brilliant playing the intimidating and central character Tommy Hunter in the early series of Line of Duty. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.’
Brian McCardie in Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder is Easy’
Actor Brian McCardie attends the ‘200 Cigarettes’ Hollywood Premiere on February 10, 1999
Producer Paul Larkin who was a friend of Brian, paid tribute to him on ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter.
He said: ‘Shocked and devastated to learn of the passing of Brian McCardie. Brian was a brilliant friend and we had many discussions about mental health issues where he was a fantastic help to me. As well as that; he was a phenomenal actor. Sleep tight Brother.’
Scottish actor Simon Weir said: ‘Just devastated by this. Nobody made me laugh like you. Proud to have been your friend and will miss you more than words can say. Rest in peace old friend.’
Director Alan Bowman Clarke posted: I’m saddened to hear about the death of legendary actor #brianmccardie. I spoke to him a few times about projects & always found him genuine, passionate, generous & funny. I wrote a part for him in a future project. My thoughts go out to his family, friends & colleagues.’
Agatha Christie’s Murder Is Easy with Brian McCardie (right) as Detective Bull
Brian McCardie (pictured) as Brian Robertson with Claire Price and Ken Stott in ‘Rebus’
Brian McCardie pictured as Terry in Hopscotch
Kenny Doughty, agent at the Artists Partnership added: ‘Very saddened to learn that the immensely talented Brian McCardie has passed away suddenly. Had the pleasure of working with him & he was a true talent, fun & a good man. Will miss him. My condolences to his family.’
MP Angus Robertson added: ‘Tremendously sad news. Brian McCardie was a terrific actor and lovely guy. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.’
Brian grew up in North Lanarkshire and developed an interest in acting at an early age.
He attended St Brendan’s and St Athanasius Primary Schools, before going on to study at Our Lady’s High School in Motherwell.
It was during secondary school that he developed his passion for theatre and acting, starring in a production of ‘Godspell’ with a local drama group made up of youngsters from local schools.
Some of his acting credits include 200 Cigarettes, The Bill, Holby City, Titanic (TV series), Domina, Last of the Czars, Ordeal by Innocence, The Musketeers, Outlander, Line of Duty, Time and The Long Shadow.
At the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, Brian McCardie performed his one man show called Connolly about the Irish trade union leader and republican James Connolly.
He was supposed to present the show in a six-week run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2020, but this had to be cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.
