Award-winning British-Irish actor Gary Lydon has died suddenly at the age of 61, per metro.co.uk.
Best known for his role as Garda Peadar Kearney in the Oscar-nominated film The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), the London-born performer enjoyed a prolific career spanning four decades across stage and screen in both the UK and Ireland.
The Wexford Arts Centre confirmed Lydon’s passing on May 3, noting that the actor had recently returned to the stage in the play Of Mornington. The production marked his final professional credit and featured a performance alongside his son, James.
Lydon rose to prominence on television as Patrick Murray in the RTÉ drama The Clinic (2003–2009), a role that earned him an Irish Film and Television Award (IFTA) for Best Supporting Actor. His notable film credits included War Horse (2011), Calvary (2014) and Brooklyn (2015). On television, he was a familiar presence in the acclaimed series Love/Hate.
Born in London, Lydon moved to Wexford as a child and began his career under his mother’s maiden name to distinguish himself from another performer. He was a long-term collaborator of playwright Billy Roche, honing his craft in regional theatre before achieving international recognition.
The arts community has expressed shock at the news, with colleagues describing Lydon as one of Ireland’s “finest actors” and a “reliable presence” on screen. He is survived by his wife, Kara Doherty, and his family.
Lydon was part of a generation of actors who successfully bridged the gap between Irish regional theatre and major Hollywood productions. His role in The Banshees of Inisherin placed him at the centre of one of the most successful Irish cinematic exports of recent years, which garnered nine Academy Award nominations.
•Featured image: Gary Lydon/Tom Lawlor/Metro
