Michael Patrick remembered after death aged 35
Michael Patrick, also known as Michael Campbell, has died aged 35 after living with motor neurone disease. He died on Tuesday at NI Hospice, following a diagnosis in February 2023, and tributes have now been paid by his wife and the Belfast theatre where he performed one of his best-known roles.
Wife says Michael Patrick lived fully
Naomi, his wife, wrote on social media that her family was broken-hearted. She said Michael Patrick “lived a life as full as any human can live, ” and described him as “a titan of a ginger haired man. ”
Her tribute said he was an inspiration to everyone who met him, not only during his illness but throughout his life. She added that his joy, abundance of spirit and infectious laughter left a lasting impression on people around him.
Michael Patrick’s work on Richard III drew major recognition
Michael Patrick won the Judges’ Award at The Stage Awards in January 2025 for creating and starring in an adaptation of The Tragedy of Richard III. The honour followed a performance that was described as legendary, with the role played in a wheelchair.
He received a standing ovation when the award was announced at London’s Royal Opera House. The recognition placed his work among the most noted achievements in UK theatre.
His illness had been public since his diagnosis with MND in February 2023. Even while facing that terminal condition, he continued to create work that drew attention for its strength and originality.
Lyric Theatre Belfast pays tribute to a Belfast artist
The Lyric Theatre Belfast, where he performed the leading role in Shakespeare’s play, said it was devastated to learn of his death. Jimmy Fay, the venue’s executive producer, said “these islands have lost a great artist” and added that “the sky is brighter tonight with his star. ”
Fay said Michael Patrick, who was from Belfast, had been part of the Lyric family for many years. He said Michael Patrick showed “great strength and dignity” after his diagnosis and remained resilient and focused while creating dynamic work.
What the award and the tribute mean now
The response from Naomi and the Lyric Theatre Belfast underlines how widely Michael Patrick was valued, both personally and professionally. His death closes a chapter on a career that was still being recognised at the highest level just months ago.
For those who followed Michael Patrick’s Richard III, the memory now rests on a performance that combined artistic recognition with extraordinary determination. More tributes are likely as colleagues, friends and the wider theatre community reflect on his life, his work and the impact he left behind.
