Irish actor Gary Lydon has died suddenly at the age of 61, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Ireland's theatre and film community.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Lydon built a respected career with roles in films such as Calvary, The Guard, and The Banshees of Inisherin.
Following news of his passing, family, colleagues and institutions remember him as "one of the finest actors in Ireland as well as a loving father."
Actor Dies as Tributes Highlight Decades-Long Career
Born in 1964 in London as Gary O'Brien to Irish parents, Lydon later moved to Wexford, where he grew up and began his journey in acting.
He adopted his mother's surname and went on to build a decades-long career across theatre, television, and film.
He first gained recognition in the mid-1980s after starring in Billy Roche's Wexford Trilogy at the Wexford Arts Centre.
"Gary had honed his craft as one of the finest actors in Ireland on the Wexford Arts Centre stage in many of Billy Roche's plays. He forged a stellar career performing across Ireland and the UK," Executive Director Elizabeth Whyte said.
"Though heartbreaking, it is fitting that his final role on our stage was performed alongside his son James Doherty O'Brien."
"The lights in the theatre world are dimmer due to the loss of Gary, but we will cherish the memories of his performances with reverence."
Family and Community Pay Tribute to Beloved Father and Performer
Irish broadcaster RTÉ shared a statement from Lydon's son, James Doherty O'Brien, reflecting the family's loss.
"The loss of our Dad is a huge shock and deep loss for us all," the statement read. "He will be sorely missed by me and my brother Seanluke, our mother Kara, his beloved partner Paula and her daughter Aoife, and all his brothers and extended family."
"Despite all his success and achievements, his greatest pride was being a father. We will miss the many ways he loved and protected us.
"We will carry all our amazing memories with him forever in our hearts."
Tributes also came from his former Gaelic Athletic Association club, St Michael's GAA Club.
"In subsequent years, he was a regular presence on the sideline supporting the club especially when his son James was playing," the club said on social media. "May he rest in peace."
Between 2003 and 2009, Lydon played Patrick Murray on The Clinic and won two IFTA awards for Best Supporting Actor in 2005 and 2006.
He also appeared as a Chief Superintendent in Love/Hate, further cementing his place in Irish television.
