Line Of Duty star Brian McCardie has died 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 Outlander prequel Blood Of My Blood.
His heartbroken sister Sarah announced the news on social media. She wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter on Tuesday.
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.’
Agatha Christie’s Murder Is Easy with Brian McCardie (right) as Detective Bull
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.’
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
