Michael Patrick, an Irish actor and writer who appeared in Game of Thrones, has died at the age of 35.
The beloved performer had been battling Motor Neurone Disease and passed away in hospice care, leaving behind a legacy defined by resilience, courage, and creativity.
In addition to his screen work, Patrick built a respected career on stage, appearing in several high-profile Shakespearean productions.
Game of Thrones Actor Dies Aged 35 After Battle With MND
In an emotional social media post on Wednesday, Patrick's wife Naomi confirmed the heartbreaking news.
She revealed that he had been diagnosed with MND on February 1, 2023, and had been admitted to Northern Ireland Hospice 10 days before his passing.
"He passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends," Naomi wrote. "Words can't describe how broken-hearted we are."
"It's been said more than once that 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. He lived a life as full as any human can live. Joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter. A titan of a ginger-haired man."
She added, "We are so grateful for every person who supported us through the last few years."
"Mick loved this quote from Brendan Behan, and this feels appropriate now: 'The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink, and somebody to love you.' So, don't overthink it. Eat. Drink. Love."
Alongside his appearance in Game of Thrones season six, Patrick also featured in Blue Lights, This Town, and the BBC series My Left Nut.
He appeared in six episodes of Blasts from the Past and four episodes of The Spectacular, among other roles.
A Cambridge graduate, Patrick also performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company in London, including productions of Measure for Measure and The Taming of the Shrew.
Following his diagnosis, which left him wheelchair-bound, he continued to pursue his passion for acting. In 2024, he took on the title role in a production of Richard III at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast.
In his final Instagram post on February 6, Patrick shared a health update, revealing that his neurologist believed he likely had around one year left to live.
He added that he didn't want "to risk a significant amount of that time being in a hospital bed."
He signed off by saying he still had much to live for and many plans ahead.
Patrick's wife Naomi has since announced that a Requiem Mass will be held on Monday, April 13, followed by his burial later that day.
