The Irish actor Gary Lydon, best known for his portrayal of the intimidating island garda Peadar Kearney in the 2022 film The Banshees of Inisherin, has died at the age of 61.
Lydon starred alongside Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Barry Keoghan in the critically acclaimed drama. His son, James Doherty O'Brien, confirmed the news in a statement to RTE, describing the death as a "huge shock" to the family.
"He will be sorely missed by me and my brother Seanluke, our mother Kara, his beloved partner Paula and her daughter Aoife, and all his brothers and extended family," the statement read. "Despite all his success and achievements, his greatest pride was being a father. We will miss the many ways he loved and protected us. We will carry all our amazing memories with him forever in our hearts."
Career Highlights
Beyond The Banshees of Inisherin, Lydon was a familiar face on both stage and screen. He appeared in films such as The Guard and Cavalry, as well as the television series The Clinic. His career began in his hometown of Wexford, Ireland, where he became involved with the local theatre company, Wexford Arts Centre.
Elizabeth Whyte, executive director of Wexford Arts Centre, paid tribute, calling Lydon "one of the finest actors in Ireland." She added that the centre was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the news.
"Gary had only recently returned to our stage as the magnificent Phil in the terrific production of Of Mornington by Billy Roche," Whyte said. "He had honed his craft as one of the finest actors in Ireland on the Wexford Arts Centre stage in many of Billy Roche's plays. He forged a stellar career performing across Ireland & the UK."
According to Whyte, Lydon's final role on the Wexford stage was alongside his son, O'Brien. "The lights in the theatre world are dimmer due to the loss of Gary, but we will cherish the memories of his performances with reverence," she said.
Lydon is survived by his two sons, his partner Paula, and her daughter Aoife, as well as his brothers and extended family.
