Game of Thrones actor, Michael Patrick, dies after Motor Neurone Disease battle

Irish Actor, Michael Patrick, has died at the age of 35 after a battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

Known for his appearance in the series Game of Thrones, where he played a wildling rioter in season six, Patrick was also recognised on stage for his role as Richard III.

Born Michael Campbell, the Belfast actor was diagnosed with the illness in February 2023. 

He died on Tuesday at NI Hospice. His death has drawn tributes from his family, colleagues, and theatre groups, highlighting Michael Patrick death and career. 

Posting on social media, his wife Naomi said his family was broken-hearted.

“He lived a life as full as any human can live,” she said.

“Mick was an inspiration to everyone who was privileged enough to come into contact with him, not just in the past few years during his illness but in every day of his life”.

“Joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter. A titan of a ginger haired man.”

The Lyric Theatre Belfast, where he performed Richard III, said it was devastated by the news. Executive producer Jimmy Fay paid tribute to his work and resilience.

“These islands have lost a great artist, and the sky is brighter tonight with his star.”

He said Campbell had been part of the theatre for many years and continued working after his diagnosis.

“Mick showed great strength and dignity in light of his diagnosis MND,” Fay said.

“He remained resilient and focused, creating dynamic work throughout his struggles.

“We at the Lyric pay tribute to his remarkable talent and send our deepest condolences to his wife Naomi, his mother and sisters, and all his friends, family and colleagues at this sad time.”

The MAC Belfast also shared a tribute, noting his impact on audiences and colleagues.

“Michael was an incredible actor, writer, creator and friend to all of those lucky enough to know him.

“He lit up stages with his poignant storytelling where he laid bare his life experience.

“Exploring themes of death, grief and his more recent motor neurone disease diagnosis with bravery, and a fierce comic side.”

In January 2025, his stage work was recognised at The Stage Awards held at the Royal Opera House, where he received the Judges’ Award and a standing ovation.

At the time, he explained how he and his writing partner Oisín Kearney adapted Shakespeare’s Richard III to reflect his condition.

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“In Shakespeare’s version Richard III is deformed from birth,” he said.

“They found his skeleton in a car park and it looked like he had scoliosis.”

“We changed it so that at the start of the play Richard gets news that he’s got a terminal illness, something like MND that’s going to get worse,” he said.

His symptoms began around three years ago while performing at the Dublin Fringe Festival. Within a year of his diagnosis, he was using a wheelchair.

In February, he shared that doctors had given him about a year to live. He also said he chose not to undergo a tracheostomy so he could spend his remaining time outside hospital care.

In that message, he thanked those who supported him and spoke about living with the illness. He also described writing about his experience as both difficult and helpful.

“You really have to tap in to what you’re feeling and what you’re going through, which is difficult, but at the same time it allows you to find the funny side of things,” he said.

“It does help with my own head writing about it.”

(BBC)