Line of Duty and Outlander star Brian McCardie dead at 59: Tributes pour in for ‘wonderful and passionate actor’ who passed away suddenly at home

Line Of Duty star Brian McCardie has been suddenly found dead in his home at the age of 59.

The Scottish actor was best known for his role as mafia boss John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter in the BBC crime drama Line of Duty.

He also played the role of Sir Marcus MacRannoch in an episode of Outlander and recently joined the cast of the series prequel Blood Of My Blood.

His heartbroken sister Sarah announced the news on social media. She wrote on X, formerly known 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 is gone far too soon.

Line of Duty star Brian McCardie dead: Actor, 59, who played John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter, dies suddenly as heartbroken sister pays tribute

Sean Bean (left) and Brian McCardie (right) in the BBC TV drama ‘Time’

‘We love him and will miss him dearly; please keep Brian in your thoughts.”

Brian recently appeared in the hit BBC Drama Time, starring Sean Bean and Stephen Graham.

His sister told BBC Scotland News that the family were ‘devastated’ by the loss.

Tributes have poured in on social media as 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 about the passing of Brian McCardie.

‘He was a talented, versatile actor on stage and screen and brilliantly played 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 Brian McCardie’s death. Brian was a brilliant friend and we had many discussions about mental health issues, during which he was a fantastic help to me. As good as that; he was a phenomenal actor. Sleep well brother.”

Scottish actor Simon Weir said: ‘I’m just devastated. No one has made me laugh as much as you. I am proud to have been your friend and I will miss you more than words can say. Rest in peace, old friend.’

The murder of Agatha Christie is simple with Brian McCardie (right) as Detective Bull

Brian McCardie (pictured) as Brian Robertson with Claire Price and Ken Stott in ‘Rebus’

Brian McCardie depicted as Terry in Hopscotch

Kenny Doughty, agent at the Artists Partnership, added: “Very saddened to hear of the sudden passing of the immensely talented Brian McCardie. Had the pleasure of working with him and he was a real talent, fun and a good man. Will miss him. My condolences to his family.’

MP Angus Robertson added: ‘Extremely sad news. Brian McCardie was a great actor and a nice guy. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.’

Brian grew up in North Lanarkshire and developed an interest in acting from an early age.

He attended St Brendan’s and St Athanasius primary schools, before studying at Our Lady’s High School in Motherwell.

During high school he developed his passion for theater and acting, starring in a production of ‘Godspell’ with a local drama 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.