Brian McCardie, the renowned Scottish actor with notable roles in “Rob Roy” and the BBC’s “Line of Duty,” passed away unexpectedly at his residence on April 28, 2024. He was 59 years old.
Sarah McCardie, his sister, announced the tragic news on social media. She memorialized her brother, saying, “A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.”
Born on January 22, 1965, in Glasgow, Scotland, McCardie discovered his love for acting at a young age. After completing his school education, he launched his acting career in 1989 with a role in the British soap opera “EastEnders.” This marked the beginning of a prestigious career, with McCardie accumulating over 80 credits in film and television.
His most prominent role was in 1995 when he played Alasdair MacGregor in “Rob Roy,” starring alongside Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange. McCardie’s nuanced portrayal of MacGregor earned him widespread acclaim.
McCardie rose to household fame with his portrayal of Tommy Hunter, a gang boss turned informant, in the BBC drama “Line of Duty.” His performance in the first two seasons of the show, between 2012 and 2014, left an indelible mark on viewers and critics.
Aside from his work in the UK, McCardie also made his presence felt among American audiences through his roles in the series “Shameless” and “Outlander,” where he portrayed Sir Marcus MacRannoch. He was slated to appear in the upcoming prequel to “Outlander,” titled “Blood of My Blood.”
McCardie was known for his versatility, often portraying both villainous and sympathetic characters with equal conviction. He demonstrated his talent for playing historical figures in his roles as Dave Mackay in “The Damned United” and Cicero in the Sky Atlantic series “Domina.”
In addition to his television roles, McCardie had an extensive film career. Along with “Rob Roy,” his film credits include “Speed 2: Cruise Control” (1997), “200 Cigarettes” (1999), and “Filth” (2013). His last appearance was in the 2024 movie “Damaged,” co-starring with Samuel L. Jackson.
Besides acting, McCardie was a writer and a poet. He often performed readings of his own poems at different venues across Ireland and had plans to share them online. He had also written a one-man play, “Connolly,” originally scheduled for a six-week run at the 2020 Edinburgh Festival, but it was canceled due to the pandemic.
Following the news of his death, his colleagues in the entertainment industry paid their respects. The BBC lauded him as “an incredibly talented actor,” while his agency extolled him as “an actor of such great talent.”
McCardie’s family has asked for privacy as they grieve his passing and make funeral arrangements.
