THE actor Karl Shiels, who played Robbie Quinn in popular soap 'Fair City', has died suddenly.

His cast mates were informed of his death today.

His passing comes weeks after the death of Tom Jordan who played Charlie Kelly in the long running soap.

A highly respected actor Shiels’ TV and film work included Batman Begins, Veronica Guerin, Intermission, The Clinic, and Capital Letters for which he was nominated for an IFTA for Best Actor in 2004.

His agent Lisa Richard said they were “deeply shocked” by his sudden passing 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.”

Expand Close Actors Don Baker, Aisling O'Neill and Karl Shiels in a scene from RTÉ soap opera 'Fair City' / Facebook

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Whatsapp Actors Don Baker, Aisling O'Neill and Karl Shiels in a scene from RTÉ soap opera 'Fair City'

"Karl was a remarkable force in Irish theatre and hugely loved and respected by all who worked with him.

"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."

Executive Producer of Fair City Brigie de Courcy today spoke of the warmth and humour Shiels brought to the series adding that the cast and crew had been devastated by the news.

"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.

"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.

More to follow

Online Editors