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BJ Hogg died at age 65.
Tributes have been paid to the well-known Northern Irish actor BJ Hogg, who passed away at 65.
He was best known for his role as Big Mervyn in the Northern Ireland BBC series Give My Head Peace.
He was in the hit comedy for over 20 years and toured with the cast on the show earlier this year.
BJ Hogg also appeared in several high-profile television series, including episodes of The Fall and Game of Thrones.
He also starred in several films filmed in Northern Ireland, including Hunger, Closing the Ring, and Divorcing Jack.
Another role was as a widowed father Lexie in the Dance short film Lexie Dance, which was nominated for an Oscar in 1998 for Best Live Action Short Film.
Born in Lisburn in 1955, his career on stage and screen in Northern Ireland spanned almost four decades.
BJ Hogg, second from left, with some of the Give My Head Peace actors
BJ Hogg’s agent, Geoff Stanton, said “there were simply no words” to express surprise and sadness at the news of his death.
“He was a great man, a great personality and an excellent actor. His family must be devastated and my heart is with them,” he said.
“He was just one of the nicest people I know, or knew, he’s going to be a great loss.”
In a statement, the comedy team behind Give My Head Peace, the Hole in the Wall gang, said: “BJ is part of the Give My Head Peace family.”
“He was a good actor, a great colleague and a true friend. Our thoughts are with his wife Elish, son Nathan and daughter Abigail at this time.”
Peter Johnston, director of the BBC, NI, said: “BJ was a great comedy talent and a beloved character in our long sitcom, Give My Head Peace.
“Many people will also remember her performance at the Oscar nominated dance, Lexie Dance. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”
