"Line of Duty" Actor Brian McCardie Remembered: A Look Back at His Career

Scottish Actor Brian McCardie, Known for Roles in "Rob Roy" and "Line of Duty," Passes Away at 59

The Scotsman's body of work also included turns in ‘Speed 2,’ ‘The Damned United,’ ‘Line of Duty,’ ‘Shameless’ and ‘Outlander.’

Scottish Actor Brian McCardie

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Scottish actor Brian McCardie, who passed away suddenly at his home on April 28, 2024, at the age of 59. The news was confirmed by his sister, Sarah McCardie, in a social media post, and later by his talent agency, United Agents.

A Career Spanning Stage and Screen

Born in Carluke, Scotland, in 1965, McCardie began his acting career in the late 1980s. He appeared in various stage productions before landing his first television role in a 1989 episode of the long-running British soap opera "EastEnders."

McCardie's breakout role came in the 1995 historical drama film "Rob Roy," where he played Alasdair MacGregor, the younger brother of Liam Neeson's titular Highland outlaw. His performance alongside a star-studded cast garnered him recognition in the industry.

Television Success and Diverse Roles

Throughout his career, McCardie established himself as a prolific television actor, appearing in numerous British and American shows. He is particularly remembered for his portrayal of the complex character of crime boss turned police informant Tommy Hunter in the first two seasons of the critically acclaimed BBC police procedural series "Line of Duty."

McCardie's filmography showcased his versatility, with roles in various genres. He appeared in shows like the BBC One drama "Shameless," the Starz historical fantasy series "Outlander," the ITV crime drama "Vera," and the miniseries "Titanic."

Tributes Pour In

Following the news of his passing, tributes have poured in from McCardie's colleagues and fans alike. Line of Duty co-creator Jed Mercurio tweeted, "Very sad to hear of the death of Brian McCardie. A talented actor who made a memorable contribution to Line of Duty playing the key role of Tommy Hunter in series 1 & 2. Thoughts with his family & friends."

Actress Anna Wilson, who worked with McCardie on the BBC drama "The Musketeers," wrote, "So sad to hear about the passing of Brian McCardie. A lovely man and a wonderful actor. RIP Brian."

A Legacy of Memorable Performances

Brian McCardie's sudden passing leaves a void in the acting community. He will be remembered for his impactful performances on stage and screen, his ability to portray a wide range of characters, and his contributions to popular television shows.

Search for Brian McCardie

Those interested in learning more about Brian McCardie's career can find information on his filmography and television appearances on websites like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. Social media searches using terms like "Brian McCardie actor," "Line of Duty actor," or "Rob Roy actor" can also lead to tributes and articles about his life and work.