Brian McCardie: The gentle soul who shunned Hollywood glitz

Brian McCardie could have made a career in Hollywood, but he chose to step away from it. In the United Kingdom, he was known for playing fearsome villains, yet off-screen, he was a gentle soul. The actor's sister has announced his passing.

Brian McCardie was primarily known for his television work, though his role in "Rob Roy" alongside Liam Neeson saw him appear in several American films. Eventually, he decided to step back from acting completely.

I walked away from the industry for about five or six years. I fired my agent so no one could reach me. Looking back, you might think it was financially irresponsible, but it felt like the right choice. I believe my agents were trying to typecast me. They wanted me to fit a certain physical ideal. I was worried I'd turn into someone I couldn't stand, he shared with "The Herald."

When he returned to acting, Brian McCardie shunned the demand for a perfect body and gravitated towards more complex, psychologically challenging roles. He became particularly well-known for his villainous characters in series such as "Line of Duty" and "Time". Away from the camera, he was far from the menacing figures he portrayed, enjoying a peaceful life on the Scottish island of Bute.

Brian McCardie passed away suddenly on April 28. He was 59 years old.

"A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work andtouched many lives, and is gone much too soon. We love him and will miss him greatly; please remember Brian in your thoughts," wrote his sister, Sarah McCardie, on social media.