R.I.P. Brian McCardie: ‘Rob Roy’ Actor Dead At 59

Brian McCardie, best known for his work in Line of Duty and Rob Roy, has died. He was 59.

The news was announced by his sister, Sarah McCardie, in a statement shared on X.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie (59), beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many,” she wrote. “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.”

She continued, “We love him and will miss him greatly; please remember Brian in your thoughts. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the days ahead. As a family, we would ask for privacy at this time.”

A cause of death has not yet been revealed.

The Scottish actor was born in Glasgow in 1965. He first got his start in acting with an appearance on EastEnders in 1989. He later landed a more regular role in Waterfront Beat in 1990, but his first notable role was as Alasdair in the 1995 historical feature Rob Roy starring Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange.

His later career included plenty of television credits. He appeared in Outlander, Shameless, Line of Duty, and more.

He was also cast in the upcoming Outlander prequel Outlander: Blood of my Blood, which began filming earlier this year.

McCardie’s representation, United Artists, also paid tribute to the actor after his sudden passing.

“We are shocked and so deeply saddened by the tragic news of Brian McCardie’s sudden death,” they wrote in a post on X. “He was an actor of such great talent who we were lucky to represent, and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

He was also remembered by Line of Duty producers Jed Mercurio and Simon Heath, who remembered him as “an incredibly talented actor.”

“We feel honoured to have worked with Brian on Line Of Duty. Brian was an incredibly talented actor, and the lasting impact he had as Tommy Hunter is testament to the power of his performance,” their statement read. “Off screen, Brian couldn’t have been more different from the character he played – he was warm, funny and charming. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”