Actor Michael Patrick dies at 35 following rare neurological disease
A Game of Thrones actor has died following a three-year battle with motor neurone disease.
Michael Patrick was diagnosed with the rare neurological condition in February 2023, after which he was forced to use a wheelchair.
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rapidly progressive disease that causes neurons in the brain and spinal cord to cease functioning, resulting in muscle weakness, paralysis, and breathing difficulties.
Patrick, 35, died at Northern Island Hospice on Wednesday (8 Apr) following a 10-day stay.
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According to his wife, Naomi, he passed away surrounded by his loved ones.
In a statement shared on social media, she wrote: "Last night, Mick sadly passed away in the Northern Ireland Hospice.
"He was admitted 10 days ago and was cared for by the incredible team there. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends."
Naomi continued: "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.
"We are so grateful for every person who supported us through the last few years."
She concluded her message with a quote from the Irish poet, Brendan Behan, that read: "'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," Naomi added.
Born in Belfast, Patrick studied at Cambridge University before setting his sights on acting. He went on to train at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.
One of his most impressive achievements was landing a role in the HBO fantasy hit Game of Thrones.
Patrick played a member of the Night's Watch - a military order that defends the northern border of the Seven Kingdoms, led by a Lord Commander and divided into rangers, builders, and stewards. The group protect the realm from threats beyond the Wall.
The actor and his bearded co-stars were at a fictional construction known as 'Castle Black', which was primarily filmed at the disused Magheramorne Quarry in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Patrick also appeared in a number of other on-screen projects, including Blue Lights, Soft Border Patrol and My Left Nut.
His most recent work, a January 2025 adaptation of The Tragedy of Richard III, earned Patrick a Judges' Award at the Stages Awards. He performed the role at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, while confined to his wheelchair.
Of the project, Patrick told BBC News NI: "In Shakespeare's version, Richard III is deformed from birth. They found his skeleton in a car park, and it looked like he had scoliosis.
"We changed it so that at the start of the play Richard gets news that he's got a terminal illness, something like MND that's going to get worse."
Jimmy Fay, the executive producer of the production, wrote: "Mick showed great strength and dignity in light of his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He remained resilient and focused, creating dynamic work throughout his struggles.
"He performed on the Lyric stage just last November with his autobiographical My Right Foot.
"We at the Lyric pay tribute to his remarkable talent and send our deepest condolences to his wife Naomi, his mother and sisters, and all his friends, family and colleagues at this sad time.
"These islands have lost a great artist, and the sky is brighter tonight with his star."
Topics: Game Of Thrones, Celebrity, UK News, TV And Film, Entertainment
Rhianna Benson