An award-winning actor who starred in hit shows Blue Lights and Game of Thrones has died aged 35 after a health battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
Michael Patrick, also known as Michael Campbell, was diagnosed with MND in 2022.
An online death notice for the actor said he died on Tuesday at NI Hospice “surrounded by his loving family and friends”.
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The award-winning performer built a reputation as a versatile talent across stage, television, film and radio, becoming particularly well known within Northern Ireland’s theatre scene.
A native of Belfast, he was closely associated with the Lyric Theatre, where he delivered a number of standout performances over the years.
His adaptation of The Tragedy of Richard III earned him the Judges’ Award at the Stage Awards in January 2025, widely regarded as a major recognition within the UK and Irish theatre industry.
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The production was especially notable for how it reimagined Shakespeare’s villain through the lens of terminal illness, drawing on Patrick’s own experience with MND. Speaking previously about the adaptation, he explained how the character’s journey had been reshaped to reflect a diagnosis that would progressively worsen.
Before that, he had already made a name for himself on stage with productions including I, Banquo, a one-man performance that showcased his range and presence, as well as work with the Lyric’s Creative Learning department on projects such as Blackout. His performances were often praised for their intensity, emotional depth and originality.
On television, Patrick appeared in a number of high-profile productions, including This Town, Blue Lights, Krypton and Game of Thrones, where he featured in the globally successful fantasy series that brought international attention to Northern Irish actors and locations.
While his screen roles were often supporting parts, they contributed to a steadily growing profile across UK television.
Following his diagnosis, Patrick continued to work and create, earning widespread admiration for his determination to remain active in the arts. He later began using a wheelchair as his condition progressed but remained deeply involved in theatre and storytelling.
His contribution was recognised beyond the stage when he was awarded the Spirit of Northern Ireland Award last year, honouring both his artistic achievements and his advocacy following his diagnosis.
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In a social media post, his wife Naomi said: “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.”
She added: “We are so grateful for every person who supported us through the last few years.”
Tributes have also come from across the theatre community, with Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer of the Lyric Theatre, describing Patrick’s performance in Richard III as one of the greatest ever seen on its stage. He said the actor had turned the challenges he faced into “visceral and vibrant art”.
Patrick’s funeral will take place on Monday at 11am at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Carryduff, Co Down.
