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Irish actor Michael Patrick, who briefly appeared in HBO’s Game of Thrones, has died at 35, his wife revealed on Instagram. Patrick spent his final days in a hospice in Ireland after a long, public battle with a degenerative neurological disease.
Family shares details of his final days and mourning
Naomi Sheehan, Patrick’s wife, announced his death in a social post and asked for privacy as the family grieves. Sheehan wrote that he had been admitted to hospice care about 10 days before he died. Medical staff and loved ones were at his side when he passed.
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The family described themselves as “broken-hearted” and thanked friends, caregivers and the wider community for their support during his illness.
Medical diagnosis and the last public updates
When the disease was revealed
Patrick had been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in February 2023. The condition gradually destroys the nerve cells that control muscles used for walking, speech and breathing.
His final social media message
In early February of the year he died, Patrick posted that his neurologist had given an estimate of about a year to live. He explained he wanted to avoid spending much of that time in hospital beds. He also said he still had plans and reasons to keep living fully.
Sheehan emphasized his spirit and laughter in her tribute, calling him joyful and full of life despite the decline.
A life and career on stage and screen
Patrick began his career in theatre and moved into television and film. He worked in classical productions, including multiple Shakespeare plays, before appearing on TV.
- Television appearances included roles in Blue Lights, This Town, Blasts from the Past and The Spectacular.
- He is credited with a part in Season 6 of Game of Thrones. His role was a Wildling rioter in the episode “The Broken Man.”
- He co-wrote and starred in the BBC series My Left Nut (2020), a project inspired by his own teenage experience with fears about testicular cancer.
- Per his IMDb listing, his final screen credit is the 2025 German TV movie Mordlichtern — Tod auf den Färöer Inseln.
Colleagues, fans and social response
News of Patrick’s death sparked responses from friends and viewers who remembered him for warmth and humor on and off camera. Many echoed Sheehan’s words about his impact and generosity.
Online tributes highlighted his work on the BBC comedy and his stage roots. Fans also noted the poignancy of his last public posts as he chose how to spend his remaining time.
How he framed his final months
Rather than retreat, Patrick used social media to set the tone for his final months. He insisted on living with intention and said he did not want to waste his remaining time in prolonged hospital stays.
His wife shared a favorite line from Irish poet Brendan Behan: “The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.” She urged others to keep things simple: Eat. Drink. Love.
Notable projects and creative contributions
- My Left Nut — Co-writer and star of the BBC series based on a personal story.
- Game of Thrones — Small but memorable appearance in Season 6’s “The Broken Man.”
- Various TV roles across Irish and UK dramas and comedies.
- Extensive stage work, including Shakespeare productions.
Practical notes and public records
Impartial records such as IMDb list his screen appearances and final credits. Public posts from Sheehan served as the family’s announcement of his passing and the primary source for timelines about his illness and hospice admission.
Supporters and colleagues have been urged to respect the family’s privacy as arrangements and tributes are organized.
