Sister and Line Of Duty team pay tribute to Brian McCardie

Line Of Duty and Rob Roy star Brian McCardie has died aged 59, his agent has confirmed. The Scottish actor – who grew up in Carluke, Lanarkshire – played criminal boss-turned-police informant Tommy Hunter in the hit BBC crime show.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, his sister Sarah McCardie announced yesterday that he died “suddenly at home” on Sunday.

She wrote that he was a “wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen”, adding, “Brian loved his work, touched many lives and is gone much too soon”.

Sarah continued: “We love him and will miss him greatly. Please remember Brian in your thoughts.”

McCardie also had parts in Roman-set series Domina as Cicero and in time travel historical show Outlander as Sir Marcus MacRannoch, who offers help during a prison rescue attempt.

He also played Irish leader James Connolly in 1916-set Rebellion.

Following Sarah’s X post, United Agents confirmed his death.

In a statement, they said: “We are shocked and so deeply saddened by the tragic news of Brian’s sudden death.

“He was an actor of such great talent who we were lucky to represent. Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

In Rob Roy, McCardie starred as Alasdair MacGregor, the brother of the title character, who was played by Northern Irish actor Liam Neeson.

“Brian was warm, funny and charming

His other film parts include the 2013 adaptation of Irvine Welsh novel Filth, which starred James McAvoy, 2003 period drama Mr Barrington, and Channel 5’s 2018 alternate history drama Agatha And The Truth Of Murder.

McCardie also had roles in 2019 Netflix series The Last Czars, along with BBC shows 2021’s Time, opposite Sean Bean, Dundee-set Dog Days and 2023’s Agatha Christie’s Murder Is Easy.

Sarah also wrote that he was a “beloved son, brother, uncle and a dear friend”.

Brian’s funeral date will be announced soon.

Line Of Duty producers Jed Mercurio and Simon Heath, and the team behind the hit show, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Brian’s death. We feel honoured to have worked with him on Line Of Duty. He was an incredibly talented actor. The lasting impact he had as Tommy Hunter is testament to the power of his performance.

“Off-screen, Brian couldn’t have been more different from the character he played – he was warm, funny and charming. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”

Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson wrote on X: “Brian McCardie was a terrific actor and a lovely guy. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

SCREEN STAR: Brian McCardie has died aged 59.