Actor Michael Campbell, also known as Michael Patrick, has died aged 35. The star, who claimed one of the UK's most prestigious drama accolades for a "legendary" portrayal of Richard III from a wheelchair, was living with motor neurone disease (MND) before his death.

He was tragically diagnosed with the terminal condition in February 2023 and died on Tuesday at NI Hospice. Taking to social media, his wife Naomi revealed that his family was utterly devastated. "He lived a life as full as any human can live," she said. She addedL "Mick was an inspiration to everyone who was privileged enough to come into contact with him, not just in the past few years during his illness but in every day of his life. Joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter. A titan of a ginger haired man." In his most recent post on social media, back in February, Campbell shared an update with his fans as he said that his neurologist had given him about one year left to live. At that time, he had decided not to go ahead with a tracheostomy - an artificial airway fitted to the throat to help his breathing - so he could spend that time out of a hospital.

Lyric Theatre Belfast, where he delivered his acclaimed leading performance in the Shakespearean production, also announced it was deeply saddened by the news of his passing.

In an official statement, Lyric's executive producer Jimmy Fay paid tribute to Campbell, saying: "These islands have lost a great artist, and the sky is brighter tonight with his star."

He noted that Campbell, a Belfast native, had been a cherished member of the Lyric family for many years.

"Mick showed great strength and dignity in light of his diagnosis MND," Fay said. "He remained resilient and focused, creating dynamic work throughout his struggles.

"We at the Lyric pay tribute to his remarkable talent and send our deepest condolences to his wife Naomi, his mother and sisters, and all his friends, family and colleagues at this sad time."

In January 2025, Campbell's efforts in creating and performing in his adaptation of The Tragedy of Richard III were honoured at a prestigious ceremony.

He was met with a standing ovation from the audience after claiming the Judges' Award at The Stage Awards, which celebrates theatre throughout the UK, held at London's Royal Opera House.

At the time, he revealed to BBC News NI that he and his writing partner Oisín Kearney had reimagined Shakespeare's play with his own condition in mind.

"In Shakespeare's version Richard III is deformed from birth," he said. "They found his skeleton in a car park and it looked like he had scoliosis.

"We changed it so that at the start of the play Richard gets news that he's got a terminal illness, something like MND that's going to get worse."