Irish actor and writer Michael Patrick, best known for his appearance in Game of Thrones, has died at the age of 35 following a prolonged battle with motor neurone disease, his family has confirmed.
Patrick passed away on Tuesday, April 7, at the Northern Ireland Hospice, just 10 days after being admitted for specialist care. His wife, Naomi Sheehan, announced his death in a deeply emotional post shared on Instagram on Wednesday.
She revealed that Patrick had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease in February 2023 and died peacefully, surrounded by his family and close friends.
“Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are,” Sheehan wrote, paying tribute to the hospice staff who cared for him during his final days.
Remembered for spirit, humour and courage
In a moving tribute, Sheehan described her husband—affectionately known as “Mick”—as a source of inspiration to everyone around him.
“He lived a life as full as any human can live. Joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter,” she wrote, calling him “a titan of a ginger-haired man.”
She also thanked friends, colleagues and supporters who stood by the family throughout his illness, and shared one of Patrick’s favourite quotes from Irish writer Brendan Behan: “The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.”
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Patrick’s long-time writing partner Oisín Kearney also paid tribute, describing him as “an actor of epic proportions.”
“He could make an audience laugh or cry in an instant,” Kearney said, praising Patrick’s rare ability to balance comedy and tragedy. He also highlighted his courage in confronting illness, noting that Patrick helped change perceptions around disability and chronic disease through his openness and resilience.
Career spanning stage, screen and writing
Michael Patrick appeared in Game of Thrones as a Wildling Rioter during the show’s sixth season. He also featured in a range of film and television projects, including The Keeper, The Spectacular, Unhinged and This Town.
Beyond acting, Patrick was a highly respected writer. He co-created the acclaimed My Left Nut, a BBC series that earned three Royal Television Society awards as well as the Summerhall Lustrum Award, cementing his reputation as a powerful creative voice.
About motor neurone disease
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a group of progressive neurological disorders that damage motor neurons—the nerve cells responsible for controlling vital muscle functions such as speaking, swallowing, walking and breathing. As the condition advances, muscle weakness worsens, leading to severe disability and, ultimately, death. There is currently no cure.
Michael Patrick’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike, who remember him not only for his talent but for his warmth, humour and extraordinary strength in the face of devastating illness.
