Peaky Blinders, Batman Begins Actor Karl Shiels Dies At 47

Karl Shiels, the Irish actor known for his work on Peaky Blinders and in Batman Begins, has died. He was just 47 years old. 

Shiels' agent, Lisa Richard, confirmed the heartbreaking news to Irish outlet Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ). His death occurred suddenly on Sunday, July 14, 2019. A cause of death was not immediately available.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our client and friend Karl Shiels, yesterday," Richard said in a statement given on Monday, July 15, 2019. "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."

Her statement continued, "Karl was a remarkable force in Irish theatre and hugely loved and respected by all who worked with him. Our hearts are broken but today our thoughts are with his partner Laura and his family, his children and their mother Dearbhla, and his many close friends among whom we count ourselves lucky to have been for so many years." 

The Dublin-born actor appeared in short films and small roles on Irish television series like On Home Ground and Doctors before scoring a part in Batman Begins. Shiels truly broke into the U.S. acting world with his role as Ryan on the first season of Peaky Blinders. Shiels then starred as Declan on Into the Badlands. His most enduring role was as Robbie Quinn on the Irish soap opera Fair City. 

Shiels' other credits include Intermission, The Clinic, Veronica Guerin, Northsiders, Foyle's War, Titanic: Blood and Steel, Jack Taylor, and more. He earned an Irish Film & Television Academy nomination in 2004 for Best Actor, for his work as Keely in the crime-drama film Capital Letters.

Our thoughts are with Shiels' loved ones during this difficult time of mourning.