michael patrick

 Game of Thrones and Blue Lights Actor Michael Patrick Dies at 35 After Battle with Motor Neurone Disease

Irish actor and writer **Michael Patrick** (also known as **Michael Campbell**), celebrated for his roles in *Game of Thrones*, *Blue Lights*, and groundbreaking theatre work, has died at the age of 35 following a courageous battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

Patrick passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Northern Ireland Hospice in Belfast, surrounded by his wife Naomi Sheehan, family, and friends. He had been admitted to hospice care 10 days earlier. His wife announced the news on Instagram on Wednesday, April 8

 Diagnosis and Illness

Patrick was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease on February 1, 2023. MND is an incurable, progressive neurological condition that attacks the nerves controlling movement, leading to muscle weakness, wasting, stiffness, and eventual paralysis. It affects a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat, drink, and breathe. While symptoms vary, it is life-shortening; ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is its most common form.

Despite his diagnosis, Patrick remained remarkably active in his career and creative life. He continued performing, including a landmark stage role, and used his platform to raise awareness about living with the disease. His father had also died from MND when Patrick was just eight years old.

Wife’s Emotional Tribute

In her moving Instagram tribute, Naomi Sheehan wrote:

“Last night, Mick sadly passed away in the Northern Ireland Hospice. He was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease 1st February 2023. He was admitted 10 days ago and was cared for by the incredible team there. He passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are.”

She praised her husband’s enduring spirit:

 “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.”

Sheehan concluded with a quote from Irish writer Brendan Behan that Patrick loved:  

“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.”

Career Highlights

Born in Belfast, Patrick trained at the University of Cambridge (where he performed with the renowned Footlights comedy troupe) and later at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. He built a versatile career across television, theatre, and writing.

Notable credits include

- *Game of Thrones* (Season 6, “The Broken Man”) – Wildling Rioter

- *Blue Lights* (BBC)

- *This Town*

- *My Left Nut* (which he co-wrote, drawing from his teenage experiences)

- *Krypton*

- *Soft Border Patrol*

- *Blasts from the Past* (6 episodes)

- *The Spectacular* (4 episodes)

- *Mordlichtern – Tod auf den Färöer Inseln* (German TV movie, premiered 2025 – one of his final screen roles)

His theatre work reached new heights in 2024 when he played Richard III at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre — the first time an actor with a disability portrayed the role on the island of Ireland. Performing from a wheelchair, he earned widespread acclaim and won the prestigious Judges’ Award at the Stage Awards in London for this “legendary” performance.

Patrick also created and performed in *My Right Foot*, a play exploring his MND diagnosis with honesty, humour, and bravery.

 Final Social Media Post

In his last public post on February 6, 2026, Patrick shared that his neurologist had given him roughly one year to live, but he remained optimistic:

 “Still lots to live for and lots planned.”

Tributes have poured in from the Irish and UK arts community, with many remembering him as a talented, joyful, and resilient artist who brought light even in his final years.

Michael Patrick is survived by his wife Naomi Sheehan and his wider family. His legacy as a performer who refused to let illness define him will endure through his work and the inspiration he provided to so many.