Brian McCardie, a Scottish actor known for his roles in “Rob Roy” and the BBC series “Line of Duty,” died suddenly at his home on April 28, 2024, at the age of 59.
His sister, Sarah McCardie, made the announcement on social media, stating, “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, McCardie developed an early passion for acting, which he pursued after school. His career took off in 1989 with his debut on the British soap opera “EastEnders.” This marked the beginning of a prolific career that saw him amass over 80 credits in film and television.
McCardie’s most notable role came in 1995 when he played Alasdair MacGregor in “Rob Roy,” alongside Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange. His nuanced performance as MacGregor garnered him praise and recognition.
However, McCardie truly became a household name with his portrayal of the gang lord turned informant Tommy Hunter in the BBC drama “Line of Duty.” Appearing in the show’s first two seasons between 2012 and 2014, he left a lasting impression on viewers and critics alike.
McCardie also made his mark on American audiences through his work on the series “Shameless” and “Outlander,” in which he played the character Sir Marcus MacRannoch. He was scheduled to appear in the upcoming “Outlander” prequel, “Blood of My Blood.”
Over the years, McCardie became known for his versatility, often playing both villains and sympathetic characters. He had a knack for embodying historical figures, as evidenced by his portrayal of Dave Mackay in “The Damned United” and Cicero in the Sky Atlantic series “Domina.”
In addition to his television work, McCardie had a wide-ranging film career. Beyond “Rob Roy,” he appeared in notable titles like “Speed 2: Cruise Control” (1997), “200 Cigarettes” (1999), and “Filth” (2013). His final role was in the 2024 movie “Damaged,” in which he starred alongside Samuel L. Jackson.
McCardie was not only an actor but also a writer and poet. He often performed readings of his own poems at various venues across Ireland and was planning to distribute them online. He had also written a one-man play titled “Connolly,” which was supposed to run for six weeks at the 2020 Edinburgh Festival before being canceled due to the pandemic.
Tributes poured in from his colleagues in the entertainment industry following the news of his death. The BBC described him as “an incredibly talented actor,” while his agency praised him as “an actor of such great talent.”
McCardie’s family requested privacy as they mourn his loss and plan his funeral arrangements.
