Fair City actor Karl Shiels has passed away aged 47.
The Dublin-born actor joined the iconic TV show in 2014 as key character Robbie Quinn.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our client and friend Karl Shiels, yesterday,” his agent Lisa Richard said a statement to RTÉ.
thank you for the entertainment, and for blessing us with your incredible talent. you will never be forgotten Karl Shiels. Rest in Peace ???????? #RIPKarlShiels pic.twitter.com/496ZLORRP2
— katie???? (@missysnasreen) July 15, 2019
“Karl was a uniquely talented individual, simultaneously intense, light hearted, funny, sharp witted, outspoken and intensely powerful as an actor, director and artistic director.”
“Our hearts are broken but today our thoughts are with his partner Laura and his family, his children and their mother Dearbhla and his many close friends among whom we count ourselves lucky to have been for so many years.”
Since the news of his death, tributes in memory of the actor have flooded social media.
“Heartbroken at the news. I’ll miss you trying to make me laugh before a take. You brought great talent and life to the set everyday. For all them little bits of wisdom you shared, thank you. Be good Robbie,” tweeted fellow Fair City actor Dave Kelly.
Heartbroken to hear about my old friend and comrade @KarlShiels. Rest in peace brother, I loved every minute of our time together. #RIP
— Niall Shanahan (@niallshan) July 15, 2019
“Absolutely stunned and heartbroken to hear of the death of Karl Shiels. A hugely gifted actor and a really great friend, I will miss him so much. Thinking of his gorgeous family, may he Rest In Peace,” said actor and comedian Eric Lalor.
“Tragic news. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Rest In Peace Karl,” tweeted actor and writer Simon Delaney.
“Awful news about Karl Shiels. A great talent. Saw him in The Critic in Dublin a few years ago, stealing the show with his long black leather coat and his angry growl of a voice. And his unforgettable cameo in Intermission. A great supporter of Irish theatre. A terrible loss,” wrote Paul Howard, author of Copper Face Jacks: The Musical.
“Completely stunned and broken hearted to hear of the passing of this absolute Gent,” actor Johnny Ward penned on Instagram.
“This man had the most incredible photographic memory and could look at a script once and he would he able to deliver.”
Executive Producer of Fair City Brigie de Courcy today told The Independant that the cast of Fair City has been devastated by Karl’s passing.
“Joining Fair City in 2014, Karl Shiels made his mark immediately playing the formidable Robbie Quinn, and always brought such, warmth, talent and humour to Carrigstown,” she said.
“We are absolutely devastated and he will be so greatly missed by the entire cast and crew. Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly sad time,” she said
