The actor Finnian Garbutt, popular for his role in the BBC police drama Hope Street, has died “peacefully at home.”
The Bangor-born actor appeared in all five seasons of the BBC Northern Ireland police drama, which is shot in Donaghadee, County Down.
Finnian, who was diagnosed with skin cancer four years ago, had spoken up about his condition and treatment.
In a social media message, his family stated, “We will always love and miss you Finn.”
The actor married his partner Louise last year, and they have a one-year-old daughter.
“We’re absolutely heartbroken to announce that Finnian passed away after a sudden decline in his condition,” the statement continued.
“You were the greatest husband, father, son, brother, and friend we could ask for.”
The bereaved family thanked people for their support and kind words during this “really difficult time.”
Cameron Cuffe, his Hope Street co-star, stated that he had “brought joy to so many.”
Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning at BBC Northern Ireland, described Finnian as a “key part of Hope Street’s appeal.”
“He brought so much to his character PC Ryan Power over the last three series.
“Our thoughts are with his wife and daughter, family and friends, and the cast and crew of Hope Street at this time.”
In a statement, Long Story TV described the late actor as a “much-loved member of the Hope Street family.”
“He was an absolute joy to work with, and he brought a great sense of fun to set every day and was popular with audiences as PC Ryan Power.
“We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, his daughter, and his wider family and friends.
“He will be missed in Port Devine and by all his friends at Long Story TV.”
In March Finnian said he was entering the “last stages” of his life and that “scans have shown that the cancer has progressed rapidly in my body.”
At that time, Finnian said that “in the last month or so I have been having quite a bit of pain in my back and hip.”
“My cancer team admitted me the other day for observations and to do a few scans,” he said.
“Unfortunately the scans have shown that the cancer has progressed rapidly in my body, and I am now entering the last stages of my life.
“I’m putting this out there as it is really difficult to tell people individually, and I hope now it’s in the open, then I can enjoy the time with my amazing family and friends.”
In 2023, he informed the BBC that a mole detected by his hairdresser during a haircut after a lockdown was diagnosed as malignant melanoma.
Finnian graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in July 2019. He previously performed Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre.
He has also appeared in the BBC’s hospital series Casualty.
Finnian also played Raymond in the movie Housejackers, which premiered at the Belfast Film Festival last year.
