Game of Thrones actor Michael Patrick dies at 35 after prolonged illness
Michael Patrick, who had a brief role in Game of Thrones, died at 35 following a battle with motor neurone disease. His wife, Naomi Sheehan, paid an emotional tribute, honouring his life and spirit.
Michael Patrick, an actor who appeared in Game of Thrones, has died at the age of 35, three years after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease. Best known for his brief role as a Wildling Rioter in Season 6 of the hit series, Patrick died after being admitted to hospice care in Northern Ireland just 10 days earlier, according to his wife, Naomi Sheehan.
Sheehan shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Tuesday, revealing that Patrick had been battling the progressive illness since February 2023.
She 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 (sic).”
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a degenerative condition that affects nerve cells responsible for vital functions such as movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing, gradually worsening over time.
In a moving tribute, Sheehan described Patrick as a source of inspiration and remembered him for his vibrant personality and 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 (sic),” she wrote.
Sheehan also expressed gratitude to those who supported them during his illness and concluded her message by sharing a quote Patrick cherished from Brendan Behan, noting that they were deeply thankful for everyone who stood by them over the past few years.
She added that Patrick loved the quote and felt it was especially fitting, reflecting on its message about the importance of simple joys - eating, drinking, and being loved - while encouraging others not to overthink life and instead embrace these essentials.
Patrick appeared in the GoT Season 6 episode titled The Broken Man in 2016. Beyond his role in the popular American fantasy series, he was also involved in several Shakespeare productions and featured in television shows such as Blue Lights, This Town, The Spectacular, and Blasts from the Past. His last known screen appearance was in the 2015 German TV film Mordlichtern - Tod auf den Faroer Inseln.