Irish actor Alan O’Neill has died aged 47.
O'Neill was best-known for his role as Keith McGrath in Fair City, which he played between 2006 and 2012. He then went on to star as Hugh in the American crime drama Sons of Anarchy.
There are reports that he was found dead at his apartment in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. The cause of his death has yet to be announced.
One of the first films I did & a privilege to act across from @AlanONeill19 .A great friend who taught me so much. Thank you for your kindness. So very sorry to hear of your passing. A great man, sadly missed. My thoughts & prayers to you & to your family pic.twitter.com/Kygj7pybWo
— Jenny Dixon (@JennyleeDixon) June 7, 2018
So sad to hear of the passing of Alan O’Neill who played “Keith” in Fair City. Always enjoyed working with him. Rest In Peace old pal. pic.twitter.com/8EnoRnwmLT
— Seamus Power (@MrSeamusPower) June 7, 2018
My good friend Alan O’Neill died today....we worked together on The Sons Of Anarchy...my condolences to his family @SonsofAnarchy pic.twitter.com/JTCwsWc6Kp
— Timothy V Murphy (@TimVMurphy) June 7, 2018
O’Neill’s agent Annette Walsh described him as brilliant and funny.
"I'll personally miss knowing Alan isn't sharing the planet with us any longer, despite the miles between L.A. and Dublin, Alan was only ever a phone call away," she told Variety.
His s manager Greg Meyer described O'Neill as a "very talented actor". "He was a great guy who was very funny and engaging as well as a very talented actor. He was also an expert equestrian horse trainer," he told the Irish Independent in a statement.
Fair city actress Jenny Dixon said he was "a great friend who taught me so much".
“So very sorry to hear of your passing. A great man, sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers to you and to your family,” she wrote on Twitter.
Jane Gogan, head of RTÉ drama, said: “Alan was a kind, funny and gentle person who showed great courage in his career as a actor. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”
Seamus Power, who plays Dermot in Fair City, said he "always enjoyed working with him."
Fellow Sons of Anarchy star Timothy V Murphy said "my condolences to his family".
O'Neill appeared in seven episodes of Sons of Anarchy during its sixth and seventh seasons, including the 2014 series finale.
A spokesperson for Fair City said: "All of us are so deeply saddened to hear this terribly sad news. Alan was a breath of fresh air on set, always full of energy and passion. He was an absolute joy to work with.
"During his time on Fair City his contribution to both his character and the production was always peppered with an enthusiasm that became infectious, he will be missed greatly by all in Carrigstown.
“His family and friends are in our thoughts and this very difficult time.”
