Brian McCardie, the Scottish actor known for roles in BBC’s Line of Duty and the 1995 drama Rob Roy, died suddenly on April 28 at age 59.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie (59), beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many,” his sister Sarah McCardie, shared in a post to her X account. “Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 28th April. A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.”
She continued, “We love him and will miss him greatly; please remember Brian in your thoughts. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the days ahead. As a family, we would ask for privacy at this time.”
The news was also confirmed by McCardie’s representation, United Agents, in a Tuesday X post.
“We are shocked and so deeply saddened by the tragic news of Brian McCardie’s sudden death,” read the statement. “He was an actor of such great talent who we were lucky to represent, and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Born January 22, 1965, McCardie began his career appearing in a 1989 episode of EastEnders. He went on to become a prolific TV performer, earning praise for his role as John Thomas “Tommy” Hunter in the police procedural, Line of Duty. He also memorably appeared in the three-part 2021 drama Time as Jackson Jones, starring opposite Stephen Graham and Sean Bean. McCardie also had small roles in such TV hits as Shameless and Outlander.
On the big screen, McCardie starred as Alasdair in the 1995 blockbuster, Rob Roy. He played the brother of the titular character, who was portrayed by Liam Neeson. The film also stars Jessica Lange, Brian Cox, and John Hurt. McCardie’s additional film credits include Doors Open, Kiss of Death, 200 Cigarettes, and Low Winter Sun.
McCardie also performed on stage, including a starring role in his self-penned one-man play Connolly, about the life of Irish politician James Connolly. McCardie also portrayed Connolly in the 2016 miniseries Rebellion, starring alongside Brian Gleeson, Niamh Cusack, and Michelle Fairley.
