Karl Shiels died yesterday at the age of 47, his agent confirmed. Speaking to RTE, the Batman Begins and Fair City actor’s representative said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our client and friend Karl Shiels, yesterday. Karl was a uniquely talented individual, simultaneously intense, light hearted, funny, sharp witted, outspoken and intensely powerful as an actor, director and artistic director of the Theatre Upstairs – where he was such a support and mentor for young writers, actors and directors – and of his own company Semper Fi before that,” they continued.
Karl’s agent went on to send condolences to the actor’s partner, children, mother and friends, saying: “Among whom we count ourselves lucky to have been for so many years.”
Karl played Robbie Quinn in nearly 200 episodes of Irish soap opera Fair City.
He joined the cast in 2014 and last appeared on the show in May.
Fair City’s Executive Producer Brigie de Courcy also told the publication Karl “immediately” made his mark when he joined the programme.
“[He] 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 incredible sad time.”
Since news of his death broke, Karl’s fans flooded to Twitter to pay tribute to the write and actor.
“Sad to learn that Karl Shiels has passed away,” one said. “A champion of Irish playwrights and theatre artists.”
“Terribly sad news about Karl Shiels,” another wrote. “Irish theatre owes him a massive debt.
Irish actor Packy Lee, who stars in Peaky Blinders, also said: “Very very sad news…
“Thinking of all the family at this hard difficult time,” he added.
More to follow…