Michael Patrick, 'Game of Thrones' actor, dies at 35
The iron throne from Game of Thrones is seen during a media preview day for the opening of the new Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios on February 2, 2022 in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Michael Patrick, the Irish actor and writer who played Richard III in a wheelchair and appeared on an episode of "Game of Thrones," has died.
He was 35 years old.
Michael Patrick’s death
What we know:
Patrick, whose real name was Michael Cambell, died in hospice care, his wife, Naomi Sheehan, confirmed in a social media post. She said he was admitted to hospice after a battle with motor neuron disease.
What we don't know:
It’s unclear what type of Motor Neuron Disease he had, but the most common form is ALS.
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What they're saying:
"Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are," Sheehan said on Instagram. "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. 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 one of her husband’s favorite quotes from Brendan Behan: "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," she continued. "Eat. Drink. Love."
Michael Patrick’s work
Patrick was best known in the U.S. for appearing in a season 6 episode of "Game of Thrones," but according to BBC, he was widely acclaimed in his home country for playing Richard III in a wheelchair in Shakespeare's "Richard III."
What is Motor Neuron Disease?
The backstory:
According to the MND Association, motor neuron disease "affects the nerves known as motor neurons," which "help tell your muscles what to do."
The Source: This article includes information from Naomi Sheehan’s Instagram account and the BBC.