Line Of Duty star Brian McCardie was found dead suddenly in his home aged 59.
The Scottish actor was best known for playing mafia boss John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter in the BBC crime drama Line of Duty.
He also played Sir Marcus MacRannoch in an episode of Outlander and recently joined the cast of the prequel series Blood Of My Blood.
His heartbroken sister Sarah announced the news on social media. She wrote on X, formerly known today as Twitter.
She wrote: “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 he was gone too soon.
Brian McCardie at the ‘Ghosts’ press night and after party at Walkers of Whitehall, London
Line of Duty star Brian McCardie dies: The 59-year-old actor who played John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter passed away suddenly as his heartbroken sister paid tribute to him
Sean Bean (left) and Brian McCardie (right) in the hit BBC television drama ‘Time’
‘We love him and will miss him very much; Please remember Brian in your thoughts.
Brian recently appeared in the hit BBC series Drama Time, starring Sean Bean and Stephen Graham.
His sister told BBC Scotland News the family were “devastated” by the loss.
Tributes have flooded social media, while friends and former colleagues are “shocked” and “devastated” by the news.
Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Brian McCardie.
“He was a talented and versatile actor on stage and screen and was brilliant playing the intimidating and central character Tommy Hunter in the early series of Line of Duty. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Brian McCardie in Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder is Easy’
Actor Brian McCardie attends the Hollywood premiere of ‘200 Cigarettes’ on February 10, 1999
Producer Paul Larkin, a friend of Brian, paid tribute to him on ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter.
He said: “Shocked and devastated to hear of the passing of Brian McCardie. Brian was a brilliant friend and we had many conversations about mental health issues and he was a huge help to me. As good as that; he was a phenomenal actor. Sleep well brother .’
Scottish actor Simon Weir said: ‘Just devastated by this. No one made me laugh like you. Proud to have been your friend and will miss you more than words can say. Rest in peace old friend.’
Agatha Christie’s murder made easy with Brian McCardie (right) as Detective Bull
Brian McCardie (pictured) as Brian Robertson with Claire Price and Ken Stott in ‘Rebus’
Brian McCardie portrayed as Terry in Hopscotch
Kenny Doughty, agent for Artists Partnership added: “I am very saddened to hear that the immensely talented Brian McCardie has passed away suddenly. I had the pleasure of working with him and he was a true talent, funny and a good man. I will miss him. My condolences to him family.’
Angus Robertson MP added: ‘Hugely sad news. Brian McCardie was a fantastic actor and a lovely guy. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.’
Brian grew up in North Lanarkshire and developed an interest in acting at a young age.
He attended St Brendan’s and St Athanasius primary schools, before studying at Our Lady’s Secondary School in Motherwell.
It was during high school that he developed his passion for theater and acting, starring in a production of ‘Godspell’ with a local theater group made up of young people from local schools.
Some of his acting credits include 200 Cigarettes, The Bill, Holby City, Titanic (TV series), Domina, Last of the Czars, Ordeal by Innocence, The Musketeers, Outlander, Line of Duty, Time and The Long Shadow.