‘Wonderful, passionate’ – tributes as Line of Duty actor dies at 59
LINE of Duty actor Brian McCardie has died at the age of 59.
The star’s family said in a statement that the ‘beloved son, brother, uncle’ had died ‘suddenly at home’ on Sunday.
At the height of his career in the 1990s to early 2000s, the Scot appeared in a string of Hollywood films, including alongside Liam Neeson in Rob Roy.
One of his most famous roles was as mafia boss turned police informant John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter in police drama Line of Duty.
In a statement, his sister Sarah McCardie said: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many.
‘Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, April 28. A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.’
A statement from Line of Duty producers Jed Mercurio and Simon Heath said: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of Brian McCardie’s death. We feel honoured to have worked with him. Brian was an incredibly talented actor.
‘Off screen, Brian couldn’t have been more different from the character he played – he was warm, funny and charming.’
Several people responded to the family statement on social media with their own tributes.
Producer Peter Broughan wrote: ‘Shocked to hear that. Great memories of working with him on Rob Roy. Requiescat in pace.’
Born in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, McCardie carved out a successful career in TV and film.
He was known for portraying menacing and terrifying characters, with standout roles including playing prejudiced police officer Dougie Gillman in the 2013 adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s book Filth.
McCardie also appeared in movies such as The Ghost and the Darkness, Speed 2: Cruise Control and Outlander. Recently he had joined the cast of the Outlander prequel Blood of My Blood.