Beloved ‘Game of Thrones’ Actor Passes Away
Michael Patrick, the Belfast-born actor and writer known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Blue Lights, has died at the age of 35. His wife, Naomi Sheehan, shared the heartbreaking news on Wednesday, April 8, via Instagram. She described her husband as a “titan of a ginger haired man” and expressed that her family is “broken-hearted” by the loss.
The actor’s passing comes after a three-year battle with motor neurone disease, a condition he was diagnosed with in February 2023. This progressive disease affects the nerves that control essential functions like breathing, walking, and speaking.
Despite the physical challenges, Sheehan noted that Mick lived an incredibly vibrant life. “He lived a life as full as any human can live,” she wrote, remembering his “joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter.”
Patrick was a highly respected figure in the Northern Irish creative scene, gaining recognition for both his acting and his writing. Beyond his appearance in the HBO epic Game of Thrones, he was a familiar face in major BBC dramas such as This Town and Blue Lights.
His bravery and talent were officially recognized in January 2025 when he received the Judges’ Award at the prestigious Stage Awards. Fans last saw him on screen in the 2025 German television film Mordlichtern: Tod auf den Färöer Inseln, which marked one of his final professional appearances.
Throughout his final year, Patrick continued to create. He also worked on voice-over projects and remained an active part of the theater community at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. While his illness prevented him from taking on new long-term screen projects for the year, his existing body of work remains a testament to his versatility and spirit.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts in the comments.