Tributes are pouring in for the late Fair City star Karl Shiels, who has died at the age of 47, with the actor hailed as a "uniquely talented individual" and a "remarkable force in Irish theatre."
Shiels made his Fair City debut in 2014 and the series' Executive Producer Brigie de Courcy said he "made his mark immediately" on Carrigstown.
"Karl Shiels made his mark immediately playing the formidable Robbie Quinn, and always brought such, warmth, talent and humour to Carrigstown," she said in a statement.
"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."
Shiels' agent Lisa Richards described him as a "uniquely talented individual, simultaneously intense, light hearted, funny, sharp witted, outspoken and intensely powerful as an actor, director and artistic director."
Richards added that he "was a remarkable force in Irish theatre and hugely loved and respected by all who worked with him."
Eric Lalor, who played Cathal on the soap, said he is "absolutely stunned and heartbroken" at the loss of his "great friend."
Absolutely stunned and heartbroken to hear of the death of Karl Shiels. A hugely gifted actor and a really great friend, I will miss him so much. Thinking of his gorgeous family, may he Rest In Peace 💔
— Eric Lalor (@ericlalor) July 15, 2019
Actor Chris O'Dowd said Shiels was "the kind of actor you'd always be happy to see pop up on screen, the kind of fella you'd always be delighted to bump into in the street."
So sorry to hear about the passing of Karl Shiels. The kind of actor you'd always be happy to see pop up on screen, the kind of fella you’d always be delighted to bump into in the street.
— chris o'dowd (@BigBoyler) July 15, 2019
Director Lenny Abrahamson recalled how "charming and brilliant" Shiels was when they worked together on the drama series Prosperity.
Terrible news about Karl Shiels. I had the pleasure of working with him on 'Prosperity' and he was charming and brilliant. He will be hugely missed.
— lenny abrahamson (@lennyabrahamson) July 15, 2019
Author Paul Howard hailed him as a "great talent".
Awful news about Karl Shiels. A great talent. Saw him in The Critic in Dublin a few years ago, stealing the show with his long black leather coat and his angry growl of a voice. And his unforgettable cameo in Intermission. A great supporter of Irish theatre. A terrible loss.
— Paul Howard (@AkaPaulHoward) July 15, 2019
Actress and comedian Deirdre O'Kane said the news was "heartbreaking" and said Shiels was "so loved by absolutely everyone".
Oh God no, not lovely Karl Shiels.... this is just horrendous. He was SO LOVED by absolutely everyone...the beating heart of our tribe is right, heartbreaking. 💙💙💙💙💙 https://t.co/eaGf6sr5VU
— Deirdre O'Kane (@DeirdreOKane1) July 15, 2019
Former colleagues, friends and fans have also paid tribute:
Saddened to hear that the brilliant Karl Shiels, who played Ryan in Series 1 Episode 3, has passed away. Condolences to family and friends, from the Peaky Blinders. pic.twitter.com/Qd09WxJfUf
— Peaky Blinders (@ThePeakyBlinder) July 15, 2019
I'm incredibly sad to hear of Karl Shiels sudden passing. I knew him through here, meeting in the real world a few times and his incredible performance the first time I saw Mark O'Rowe's Terminus. 47 is way too young. My condolences to his family.
— Rick O'Shea (@rickoshea) July 15, 2019
In shock and crushed by hearing we've lost a giant of a man, actor, director and creator in Karl Shiels. Too soon. Heart goes out to his family and friends. Vale mate.
— Sam Atwell (@IamSamAtwell) July 15, 2019
I've known #KarlShiels since I was 18. We trained together for 2 yrs at The Gaiety School of Acting & worked together on #FairCity for several years.
— Rachel Carson Pilkington 🌱✨ (@RCPilkington) July 15, 2019
A very talented actor with the sharpest wit & an ability to make me laugh until I was in tears.
I'll miss him so much 💔
There really are no words, RIP @KarlShiels #onwards xxx
— Clelia Murphy (@clelia_murphy) July 15, 2019
We are immensely saddened to hear of the passing of our colleague and friend, Karl Shiels. We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Karl's family and friends. A tribute will be made to Karl from the Abbey Stage at the end of tonight’s performance. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/TwGDdAEGMh
— Abbey Theatre (@AbbeyTheatre) July 15, 2019
Just heard about the untimely passing of Karl Shiels. Far too young. He was brilliant to me on my first day on Fair City. He showed me around and explained how things run. He ran a great theatre that gave a lot of us a start to showcase our work. He will be missed.
— Emmet Kelly (@EmmetSeanKelly) July 15, 2019
I'm incredibly sad to hear of the death of Karl Shiels. It hardly seems believable that he is gone. A lovely actor and a fine man. RIP.
— Mark "🦄" O’Halloran (@markohalloran) July 15, 2019
Very sad to hear of the passing of Karl Shiels. Remembering great times and laughs on stage and on tour in Pan Pan's 'Oedipus Loves You’. Rest in Peace brother
— Dylan Tighe (@dylantighemusic) July 15, 2019
In absolute shock to hear that Karl Shiels has passed away. Karl was a mentor, supporter, critic and friend and, when you made him laugh, you knew you were really onto something. He had a spirit that shone, onstage and onscreen. Irish theatre will be forever in his debt #Onwards pic.twitter.com/uzGnLNdmRe
— Tom Moran (@TMoran93) July 15, 2019
Heartbroken at the news. I'll miss you trying to make me laugh before a take. You brought great talent and life to the set everyday. For all them little bits of wisdom you shared, thank you. Be good Robbie ❤️ @KarlShiels #karlshiels
— Dave Kelly (@DavekellyDave) July 15, 2019
Druid is deeply saddened by the loss of Karl Shiels.
— Druid Theatre (@DruidTheatre) July 15, 2019
A champion of Irish theatre, we are honoured to have worked with Karl.
Our thoughts today are with his family. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/2fi8XHeaJf
Karl Shiels was a force of nature whose legacy will live on. A titan of our industry not only for his performances, but also the vital and unique platform he gave young writers, directors and actors with The Theatre Upstairs. A true one off. You'll be very sadly missed. X pic.twitter.com/3TqtvLdZX7
— Gavin O'Connor (@gavinoconnor) July 15, 2019
So sorry to hear of the loss of Karl Shiels. A lovely guy and huge talent. RIP pic.twitter.com/GGbh2MDPlH
— Jim Nugent (@JimJimNugent) July 15, 2019
We're truly saddened and shocked to hear of Karl Shiels' passing.
— Smock Alley Theatre (@smockalley) July 15, 2019
Our thoughts are with Karl's family at this incredibly sad time.
A true champion of Irish theatre.
Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. pic.twitter.com/KEhDKqVXTh
Words cant express how heartbroken I am. Karl did so much for me. He inspired me, encouraged me, pushed me and championed me. We were housemates for a number of years, we were work colleagues and we were friends. He was a great man. I love you Karl. pic.twitter.com/PvGVahpXiZ
— Stephen Jones (@1stejones) July 15, 2019
#KarlShiels one of the greatest talents I have ever worked with. Brilliant and beautiful. I am so sad. Sending Love to his family.
— deirdre kinahan (@deirdrekinahan) July 15, 2019
Not only did he tear up any stage and screen he came near, Karl Shiels was also always so supportive & passionate about other people's work. He will be sorely missed by all in Irish theatre, tv and beyond. Our sympathies and love are with his family and close friends. RIP Karl. X
— thisispopbaby (@thisispopbaby) July 15, 2019
We are so sad to hear of the loss of Karl Shiels. Karl was a gifted performer, a champion of new work and a mentor to many theatre makers. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and collaborators. Our thoughts are with his family.
— Dublin Fringe (@dublinfringe) July 15, 2019
so devastated to hear about dear Karl Shiels, loved him dearly, a great genuine kind man, wild at heart, brilliant actor, such a loss ❤️
— Camille O'Sullivan (@camilleos) July 15, 2019
