The Irish actor Gary Lydon, best known for playing the violent island garda Peadar Kearney in the 2022 film The Banshees of Inisherin, has died at the age of 61. His son, James Doherty O’Brien, confirmed the death in a statement to RTE, describing it as a “huge shock” to the family.
Lydon’s son said he would be “sorely missed” by himself, his brother Seanluke, their mother Kara, Lydon’s partner Paula and her daughter Aoife, and all his brothers and extended family. “Despite all his success and achievements, his greatest pride was being a father,” the statement added.
Born in Wexford, Ireland, Lydon began his career at the Wexford Arts Centre, where he appeared in numerous productions. He went on to star in films such as The Guard and Cavalry, as well as the TV series The Clinic.
In a tribute, the executive director of Wexford Arts Centre, Elizabeth Whyte, called him “one of the finest actors in Ireland” and said the centre was “deeply shocked and saddened” by his death. His final stage role was in Of Mornington by Billy Roche, where he performed alongside his son.
