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Karl Shiels as Robbie Quinn in Fair City. Twitter/RTEFairCity

Fair City actor and theatre director Karl Shiels dies aged 47

The actor died suddenly, according to his management.

DUBLIN-BORN ACTOR Karl Shiels who played Robbie Quinn in RTÉ’s Fair City has died at the age of 47. 

The actor, who also appeared in films including Intermission and Batman Begins, died suddenly according to a statement from his agent.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our client and friend Karl Shiels, yesterday,” the statement reads.

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.

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

Shiels was a founding member of Dublin’s Theatre Upstairs in 2010. The theatre is based on Eden Quay and has placed a premium on developing new Irish acting talent.

In 2013, Shiels won the Judges’ Special Award at the Irish Times Theatre Awards for his work as artistic director with the Theatre Upstairs.

The actor also had extensive acting career on stage himself and colleagues and fans have been paying tribute to him this afternoon. 

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    Mute Jim O Brien - TechBuzz Ireland
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    Jul 15th 2019, 2:45 PM

    One of the best in Fair City. RIP

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    Mute Marian O Donnell
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:30 PM

    Loved watching Karl and Aishling O Neill in fair City the best couple on Fair City will be sadly missed RIP Karl

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    Mute Keelan O'neill
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:11 PM

    47 is no age at all, barely out of primary school.

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    Mute marie malor
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:01 PM

    RIP Karl best character in fair city

    Fan

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    Mute Maurice Frazer
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:05 PM

    Rest in peace Karl

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    Mute anthony o cathain
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:25 PM

    Attended classes with Karl a lifetime ago. Highly intelligent and talented. Most chilling portrayal of Hamlet’s murderous uncle Claudius I will ever see. A huge loss. RIP Karl.

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    Mute Darren Callaghan
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:22 PM

    Any idea of what caused his death, 47 is very young to die these days and was just wondering did he have any underlying health issues RIP and condolences to his family at this tragic time

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    Mute David Garland
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    Jul 15th 2019, 5:14 PM

    @Darren Callaghan: When someone so young dies we all start thinking of our own mortality.. It puts our minds at rest if their was some underlying health issues, but sometimes people just die. Which should make the rest of us make the most of life..

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    Mute Mark Reville
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:11 PM

    Cause of death??
    “The best actor in Fair City”. That would not be terribly difficult. I am sure the man is deserving of a more worthy epitaph than that. RIP.

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    Mute RoisinSheridan#focus #dresslikeurgranny
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:33 PM

    Rest in Peace Karl

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    Mute Shane O Malley
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:35 PM

    So sad, used to see him in lenords corner of a night, always pleasant and chatty, RIP

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    Mute Adam Gibson
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:55 PM

    @Shane O Malley: was lucky enough to meet him on the city set a few times . Terrible nice guy he was

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    Mute gary mullen
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    Jul 15th 2019, 5:02 PM

    A gentleman, a brilliant actor and it was a privilege to have met him :( tis a sad day

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    Mute sean de paore
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    Jul 15th 2019, 4:15 PM

    R.I.P

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    Mute Paul Knowles
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    Jul 15th 2019, 4:36 PM

    Seemed like a really nice guy
    A loveable rogue
    RIP karl

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    Mute Ronan Coleman
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:17 PM

    Alan O’Neill played Keith died this time last year aged 47, wtf going on ??

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    Mute Adam Gibson
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    Jul 15th 2019, 3:54 PM

    @Ronan Coleman:John Jordan the guy who played Charlie since day one died the week before last

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    Mute Lou
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    Jul 15th 2019, 5:58 PM

    Very sad great actor RIP

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    Mute Sean Ryan
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    Jul 15th 2019, 4:18 PM

    RIP Karl

    (slight correction – Theatre Upstairs closed in March. The article reads as of it was still open).

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    Mute Weldon Costelloe
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    Jul 15th 2019, 7:56 PM

    Rest In Peace many fond memories of our friendship at Primary School

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    Mute Lou
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    Jul 15th 2019, 5:58 PM

    Very sad RIP

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    Mute Alan Carthy
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    Jul 15th 2019, 10:03 PM

    Had the pleasure of his company over a pint or 2 in the hapenny n what nice down to earth guy he was

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    Mute Boxer Alice
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    Jul 15th 2019, 11:26 PM

    Cant believe that Karl has died. Such a good actor and Ioved him and Ashling 2 gether. Such a good actor!!!!

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    Mute Martin Conway
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    Jul 15th 2019, 11:12 PM

    Excellent actor. Rip.

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    Mute Joe Phillips
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    Jul 16th 2019, 1:57 PM

    Absolute beaut of a man. Heartbroken for his girls. Rest well, Karl, you legend.

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    Mute Nuala Hayden
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    Jul 16th 2019, 11:09 AM

    RIP Carl. To young to be taken.

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