Brian McCardie dead aged 59: Line of Duty & Outlander star suddenly dies at home as tributes paid to...

LINE of Duty star Brian McCardie has "suddenly" died at home aged just 59.

McCardie, who was best known as John Thomas 'Tommy' Hunter in the BBC drama, died on Sunday, his heartbroken family today announced.

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Tributes are now pouring in for the "wonderful and passionate" actor, who was born in Scotland.

Sister Sarah McCardie wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "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 28th April.

"A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.

"We love him and will miss him greatly. Please remember Brian in your thoughts.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced in the days ahead.”

McCardie also played Sir Marcus MacRannoch in an episode of Outlander.

The star had only recently joined the cast of the Outlander prequel Blood of My Blood, in which he was cast as the chief of Clan Grant.

He was filming alongside the likes of Sara Vickers, Harriet Slater, Jamie Roy and Peter Mullan in the upcoming series, which centres around the lives of Outlander character Jamie Fraser’s parents.

McCardie's acting career is said to have spanned 35 years on both TV and big screen.

The actor also starred opposite Sean Bean in the popular 2021 BBC prison crime drama Time and in Irvine Welsh's TV series Crime.

And he appeared in films including Rob Roy alongside Liam Neeson, Irvine Welsh’s Filth and the thriller Low Winter Sun alongside Mark Strong.

Author Paul Larkin tweeted: “Shocked and devastated to learn of the passing of Brian McCardie.

“Brian was a brilliant friend and we had many discussions about mental health issues where he was a fantastic help to me.

“As well as that, he was a phenomenal actor. Sleep tight Brother.”

George Clark responded: “Aw sorry to hear this. Was a presence on everything he was in. Especially Filth and Crime. RIP.”

Director Alan Bowman Clarke posted: "I'm saddened to hear about the death of legendary actor Brian McCardie.

"I spoke to him a few times about projects and always found him genuine, passionate, generous and funny.

"I wrote a part for him in a future project. My thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues.”