Line of Duty star Brian McCardie’s cause of death revealed weeks after shock passing
LINE of Duty star Brian McCardie died after suffering a tear in a major artery to his heart, his family have revealed.
The actor was best known for his role as underworld boss John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter alongside fellow Scot Martin Compston in the police drama.
The 59-year-old was described as a ‘wonderful and passionate actor’ by his sister Sarah who announced his death on social media last month.
She has issued a further update on his tragic passing and revealed his funeral will be held on Thursday where family and friends will pay their last respects.
She said he had suffered an aortic dissection, a rare and deadly condition where the weakened wall of the aorta tears.
Writing on social media, she said: “Hi all, the McCardie family would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support regarding the sudden passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend.
“Brian died due to an aortic dissection, causing short pain and a sudden death.”
She added: “There will be a funeral mass held on Thursday 23rd May at 11.30am at St Mary’s Church, 70 Bannatyne Street, Lanark.
“We then move on at 1.30pm to Holytown Crematorium, Memorial Way, Holytown, Motherwell, where we will celebrate Brian’s life before he takes his final bow.
“There will be links available to both the mass and the cremation service for those who cannot attend in person.
“We will feel your support from afar.
“With love and thanks, The McCardie family, Eddie, Moira, Martin, Ed, Liz and Sarah. Xxx.”
McCardie played Sir Marcus MacRannoch in an episode of Outlander and had only recently joined the cast of the Outlander prequel Blood of My Blood, in which he was cast as the chief of Clan Grant.
McCardie’s acting career had already seen him take on dozens of roles in prime-time television stretching back over 35 years as well as on the big screen.
His best-known TV role was in Line of Duty, he also starred opposite Sean Bean in the 2021 BBC prison drama Time and in the film Rob Roy and in Irvine Welsh’s TV series Crime.
His film appearances included Rob Roy, Irvine Welsh’s Filth and the thriller Low Winter Sun alongside Mark Strong.
Brian McCardie’s best moments
One of Brian McCardie’s best-known characters was the villainous Tommy Hunter in Line Of Duty, where he was revealed at the end of season one on a golf course, portraying the ruthless crime boss.
McCardie’s character is finally arrested at the end of season one after he confesses, but he’s then aided by a cop who people trusted.
Despite having minimal appearance across the show, his presence is felt for six seasons, popping up in various plot twists including a paedophile ring.
Aside from the Line Of Duty, McCardie played a host of brilliant baddies in his time.
He plays the hard-bitten top dog Jackson Jones in BBC prison drama Time with Sean Bean.
McCardie was seen being repeatedly punched by Bean’s character, who fought back against the thug who’d been bullying him.
Ultimately, Jones is both seedy and Machiavellian, which adds to his dastardliness.
McCardie has worked steadily on stage and screen for 30 years.
During that time, he’s delivered scene-stealing supporting turns in films such as Snatch and Filth, and TV dramas like Outlander, where he played Sir Marcus MacRannoch, Ordeal By Innocence, Low Winter Sun, Fortitude and Giri/Haji.
He also played Roman statesman Cicero in Sky Atlantic epic Domina, where he slips into the voice of TV chef Keith Floyd
McCardie’s family moved from Motherwell to Carluke while he was at school and he developed an interest in theatre.
He starred in a production of the musical Godspell with a local drama group consisting of youngsters from local schools.
He recently appeared in Jimmy McGovern’s three-part BBC One drama Time as Jackson Jones.
The British Heart Foundation website says aortic dissection occurs when the weakened wall of the aorta tears causing blood to leak between the layers that make up the walls of the arteries.
The symptoms of aortic dissection include sudden and severe chest pain, pain in the jaw and face, and shortness of breath.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should phone 999 for emergency treatment.
