Game of Thrones Actor Dies at 35 After Refusing Medical Procedure

Actor Michael Patrick dies at 35

Incurable illness progressed rapidly

Farewell moves fans

Michael Patrick, an actor known for his appearance in Game of Thrones, died at the age of 35 after suffering from an incurable illness.

His death occurred on April 7 at Northern Ireland Hospice, where he had been admitted ten days earlier.

The news was confirmed by his wife, Naomi Sheehan, through Instagram on April 8.

Michael Patrick, Game of Thrones actor, dies after illness

BREAKING : Game of Thrones Actor Michael Patrick Dies at 35.

Michael Patrick has died at the age of 35 following his battle with a muscular condition called Motor Neuron Disease. Patrick, known for his appearance in an episode of Game of Thrones, was given the incurable… pic.twitter.com/pfG4bpiUYg

— holdthedoor (@holdthedoor46) April 9, 2026

“He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends,” she wrote.

“There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are,” she added in her message.

Why it matters: Michael Patrick’s death follows a long battle with a progressive illness that deeply affected his life and career.

An illness that progressed without a cure

«Game of Thrones» actor Michael Patrick has died at 35.

What we know: https://t.co/EAInwq9tWo pic.twitter.com/0SCENQxvnN

— TMZ (@TMZ) April 8, 2026

Michael Patrick was diagnosed with motor neuron disease on February 1, 2023, according to El Financiero.

This type of disorder gradually destroys the neurons responsible for muscle movement.

When these cells stop functioning, muscles weaken and lose mobility.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Canelo Surprises by Starting University at 35!

Over time, difficulties with speaking, breathing, eating, and moving develop.

Currently, there is no cure for these diseases.

Some treatments only aim to relieve symptoms.

These conditions include Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, among other related disorders.

Michael Patrick’s final message and last decisions

#LuctuosaLD | ctor Michael Patrick, known for his role in the sixth season of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” in 2016, died at 35 in a hospice center in Ireland.

https://t.co/ZsJdnM8V9c#ListínDiario pic.twitter.com/RPsTCbesbe

— LISTÍN DIARIO (@ListinDiario) April 9, 2026

In his final Instagram post on February 6, 2026, the actor spoke about his health condition.

“I’ve been living with MND for 3 years. I’m still having a blast (…) My neurologist told us I probably have around a year left to live.”

Michael Patrick expressed hope that a clinical trial might give him more time.

However, he chose not to undergo a tracheotomy.

The procedure would have required spending between six and twelve months in the hospital.

“I don’t want to risk a significant portion of that time being in a hospital bed,” he wrote.“I have a lot to live for and many plans.”

During his illness, fans launched a GoFundMe campaign.

The goal was to cover medical expenses and specialized care.

The fundraiser raised more than £110,000.

The actor stated he would use those funds to adapt to the loss of mobility.

Career and legacy in television

Michael Patrick was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He built a career in television, theater, and independent audiovisual productions.

One of his most recognized roles was in the sixth season of Game of Thrones.

He portrayed a member of the Free Folk in the episode “The Broken Man,” which aired in 2016.

He also appeared in productions such as Unhinged, Bad Vibes, and Snuff.

Among his personal projects was the BBC series My Left Nut.

Patrick co-wrote this production inspired by a personal experience from his adolescence.

His most recent work was in the German film Mordlichter – Tod auf den Färöer Inseln in 2025.

In it, he played the character Thomas Johnson.

His wife highlighted the impact he had on those who knew him.

“It has been said more than once that Mick was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

“He lived a life as full as any human being can live.” “A red-haired titan.”

In her farewell, she also shared a meaningful quote for him:

“The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink, and someone to love. So don’t overthink it. Eat. Drink. Love.”