Entertainment News3 min(s) read
Published 10:38 09 Apr 2026 GMT
Game of Thrones actor Michael Patrick dies at 35
Game of Thrones actor Michael Patrick has sadly died at the age of 35.
The actor, also known as Michael Campbell, passed away on Tuesday (April 7) at NI Hospice "surrounded by his loving family and friends".
He had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2022, with reports also stating he received the terminal diagnosis in February 2023.
The disease causes muscle weakness that gets worse over a few months or years. It's usually life-shortening, and there's currently no cure, the NHS states.
Patrick's Wife's Tribute Statement
The late star's wife, Naomi, shared an emotional tribute following his death.
"Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are," she said. "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 continued, per The Sun. "We are so grateful for every person who supported us through the last few years."
Patrick's Heartbreaking Final Post
In one of his final social media updates shared in February, Patrick spoke openly about his condition and the difficult decisions he faced.
"3 years of having mnd. Still sh**e craic. Health update: Basically me and @nomsheehan were in hospital for over a week there - speaking to doctors and getting tests done etc. Talking about risks and implications of getting the trache put in. What day to day life would be like after the operation," he said.
“In short I'm not going ahead with the tracheostomy. I had confirmation from it would be around 6-12 months before I could get home due to lack of staffing resources. Thanks so much to everyone who helped push this - from senior social workers, to politicians, to the chief executive of the hospital. Everyone has tried so hard, but there just isn't the staff."
"Also, my neurologist gave us the news that I likely have about 1 year left (obviously, he can't say for definite, and we still have hope for the drug trial to buy some more time too). So I don't want to risk a significant amount of that time being in a hospital bed."
"Thanks so much for all the donations to the GoFundMe, even though I didn't go ahead with the trachesotomy - it will still go towards providing me with specialist care as I enter the final stages of life. I'm still overwhelmed by all your generosity.
"Anyway - still lots to live for and lots planned - here's my wee godson Micheál visiting me in hospital," he added.
The Irish theatre star played a Wildling Rioter in Game of Thrones in one of his first TV roles in 2016, before appearing in dramas The Spectacular, Blue Lights, This Town, and My Left Nut.
His work extended beyond the screen, with his adaptation of The Tragedy of Richard III earning him the Judges’ Award at the Stage Awards in January 2025.
He also received the Overcoming Adversity Award at the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards in 2025, recognising his continued performances and advocacy following his diagnosis.
Patrick is survived by his wife Naomi, his mother Pauline, his siblings Kate, Maurice, and Hannah, and his nephew Micheál.
His funeral mass has been scheduled for Monday.