Award-winning Irish actor Gary Lydon has died suddenly, aged 61. Lydon was a familiar face to audiences across Ireland and beyond, celebrated for his leading roles in acclaimed films such as Brooklyn, The Guard and Calvary.

He also featured in popular television productions including Pure Mule, Love/Hate and RTÉ's The Clinic, for which he received an Irish Film and Television Award (IFTA) for best supporting actor. Yet Lydon is perhaps most recognised for his appearance in the Oscar-nominated film The Banshees of Inisherin, in which he portrayed the threatening and abusive garda on the island, as well as the father of the troubled young Dominic Kearney, brought to life by actor Barry Keoghan. Born in London in 1964 to Irish parents, Lydon relocated with his family to Wexford town at the age of 9. Having initially pursued a business degree at college, he decided to take a year out and became involved with a local theatre company in Wexford, igniting his lifelong passion for acting, reports the Irish Mirror.

Lydon was widely celebrated for his enduring creative partnership with Wexford playwright Billy Roche, the pair having collaborated together for more than 40 years.

He launched his career on stage during the 1980s, making his London debut in 1988 portraying Jimmy Brady in A Handful of Stars, before going on to perform in Roche's celebrated Wexford Trilogy on both stage and television.

The news of Lydon's sudden death has prompted an outpouring of tributes for the highly regarded actor. In a statement posted to their Facebook page, a spokesperson for the Wexford Arts Centre said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden loss of renowned and beloved Wexford actor Gary Lydon.

"Gary had only recently returned to our stage as the magnificent Phil in the terrific production of Of Mornington by Billy Roche, directed by Pete McCamley of Ad Personam Cultural Events who also co-produced the production with Gary Lydon Productions.

"Gary had honed his craft as one of the finest actors in Ireland on the Wexford Arts Centre stage in many of Billy Roche's plays. He forged a stellar career performing across Ireland and the UK.

"However, he will be remembered by us most fondly for his mesmerizing performances on the arts centre stage in productions of The Boker Poker Club (A Handful of Stars), One is not a Number, Lay Me Down Softly A Handful of Stars revival by Four Rivers Theatre and most recently as Phil in Of Mornington, the role he most wished to play and he embodied to perfection.

"Recently, Gary had commented on how he had enjoyed playing Phil immensely and we had been in discussion with hopes of bringing the Of Mornington production across the water to the US.

"We can only take comfort in the fact that Gary got to play the role of Phil that he always wanted to perform, a deeply flawed, down-on-his-luck former celebrity snooker player filled with bitterness and resentment who gradually redeems himself by the end of the play, revealing true empathy and compassion. Gary embraced these characters so finely written by Billy Roche with passion.

"Though heartbreaking, it is fitting that his final role on our stage was performed alongside his son James Doherty O'Brien in a terrific performance as Mike, the young vulnerable snooker player with a suspect past."

The emotional statement concluded: "The lights in the theatre world are dimmer due to the loss of Gary, but we will cherish the memories of his performances with reverence. Deepest sympathies to his family, friends, stage and screen colleagues and to Billy Roche, his creative alliance collaborator for over forty years. May you be layed down softly Gary. May you rest in peace."

Meanwhile, another mourner said: "RIP. I know a lot of the community in Wexford and wider Ireland will be feeling the sting of the loss of a great, understated and underrated actor.

"Thoughts are with all Gary Lydon's friends and family today."

Lydon, who resided in Roscommon, is survived by his wife, Kara Doherty, daughter of the late Fianna Fáil TD Seán Doherty, and their two sons Sean Luke and James.