, the acclaimed actor){kind=link}
BELFAST — The arts community in Northern Ireland is in mourning following the death of Michael Patrick (born Michael Campbell), the acclaimed actor and writer who became a powerful voice for performers with disabilities. Patrick passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Northern Ireland Hospice at the age of 35.
- A Courageous Battle with MND
Michael was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in February 2023, the same condition that claimed his father’s life when Michael was a young child.
The Final Decision: Earlier this year, Patrick made the difficult choice to forgo a tracheotomy. He explained that he preferred to spend his remaining time at home with loved ones rather than being confined to a hospital for an artificial airway.
His Final Show: In 2025, he performed “My Right Foot” at the Dublin Theatre Festival—a raw, 70-minute solo show detailing his life with MND. Critics described it as a “masterclass in resilience.”
- A History-Making Career
Patrick’s legacy is defined by his refusal to let his diagnosis dim his creative output.
The “Tragedy of Richard III”: In 2024, he made history at the Lyric Theatre as the first actor with a disability in Ireland to play King Richard III.
Stage Awards Success: His performance as the King earned him the prestigious Judges’ Award at the Stage Awards in London in January 2025.
Creative Partnership: Alongside his writing partner Oisin Kearney, Patrick co-wrote the hit play and subsequent BBC series My Left Nut, which explored his own teenage health scares and the loss of his father.
- “Eat. Drink. Love.”
His wife, Naomi, shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram, describing him as a “titan of a ginger-haired man.” She shared a favorite quote of Michael’s 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.” Her final message to his fans was simple: “Don’t overthink it. Eat. Drink. Love.”
Michael Patrick: Career Timeline & Legacy
| Year | Achievement / Event |
| 2017 | Co-wrote and starred in the solo play My Left Nut. |
| 2023 | Diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (February). |
| 2024 | Played King Richard III at the Lyric Theatre (First disabled actor in Ireland to do so). |
| 2025 | Won the Judges’ Award at the Stage Awards; Performed My Right Foot. |
| 2026 | Passed away at the Northern Ireland Hospice (April 7). |