Game of Thrones actor dies aged 35 after 3-year health battle

Game of Thrones actor Michael Patrick passed away on Tuesday after a three-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND), a rare neurological condition that destroys the nerves controlling the muscles, which eventually leads to paralysis. The 35-year-old, who was diagnosed in February 2023, died at Northern Island Hospice after 10 days at the facility, surrounded by his loved ones. 

Michael’s wife, Naomi, announced his death via a social media statement on Wednesday. “Last night, Mick sadly passed away in the Northern Ireland Hospice,” she wrote. “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 continued. “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.” 

Naomi concluded with a quote from 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.”

The Belfast native studied at Cambridge before going on to become a prominent theatre actor. He also appeared onscreen in projects like Game of Thrones, Blue Lights, Soft Border Patrol and My Left Nut. 

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Michael gained widespread recognition for his work in Shakespeare’s Richard III at the Lyric Theatre Belfast, where he portrayed the infamous character as a wheelchair user. The star and his writing partner, Oisín Kearney, adapted the play to showcase another side to the villain. 

“In Shakespeare’s version, Richard III is deformed from birth,” he told BBC News NI. “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.”

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He won the Judges’ Award at the Stage Awards in January 2025 and received a standing ovation for his work. The Lyric Theatre Belfast released a statement in the wake of Michael’s death and paid tribute to his work as an actor and MND advocate. 

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“Mick showed great strength and dignity in light of his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND),” wrote executive producer Jimmy Fay. “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.”

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“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,” he continued. “These islands have lost a great artist, and the sky is brighter tonight with his star.” 

There is no known cause for MND, and treatment involves addressing the symptoms rather than curing the disease. People with MND typically live two to three years after diagnosis.