Actor and writer Michael Patrick, who appeared in an episode of the famed Game of Thrones series, has died at the age of 35.
The actor had a years-long battle with motor neuron disease after being diagnosed in February 2023. Patrick passed at Northern Ireland Hospice.
Wife Announces Passing
Naomi Sheehan announced her husband’s passing on Instagram on Wednesday, April 8th.
“Last night, Mick sadly passed away in the Northern Ireland Hospice,” she wrote. “He was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease 1st February 2023, [and] 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.”
Patrick’s final social media post came on February 6th, when he stated his neurologist estimated he had one year to live. He wrote, “still lots to live for and lots planned.”
Motor Neuron Disease
According to the MND Association, the disease “attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work” and “leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste.”
This can affect a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat, drink, and breathe. Symptoms can vary among patients, but it is a “life-shortening” disease and is incurable.
Treatment often addresses the symptoms rather than curing the disease, with those diagnosed living two to three years after that point.
ALS is the most common form of MND, though Patrick’s family did not reveal his exact diagnosis.
Praise for Patrick
Along with announcing his death, Sheehan went on to praise her husband for his strength battling the disease and the impact he had on those around him.
“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,” she said.
“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,” she added.
“Mick loved this quote from Brendan Behan and this feels appropriate now: ‘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. Naomi — Mick’s wife.”
Patrick’s Acting Career
Michael Patrick studied at Cambridge before becoming a prominent theatre actor.
He also appeared in several onscreen projects, including Game of Thrones, Blue Lights, Soft Border Patrol, This Town, and My Left Nut.
As for television projects, Patrick was featured in six episodes of Blasts from the Past and four episodes of The Spectacular, among others.
His most recent role was in the German TV movie, Mordlichtern- Tod auf den Färöer Inseln, which premiered in 2025.