Actor Finnian Garbutt, Hope Street star, dies aged 28 Northern Irish actor Finnian Garbutt, best known for his role as Constable Ryan Power in the BBC Northern Ireland police drama Hope Street, has died at the age of 28. His family confirmed the news on social media, stating he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, following a sudden decline in his condition. Garbutt had been open about his health journey, revealing in previous interviews that he discovered a lump behind his ear in late 2020, initially mistaking it for an ingrown hair. After restrictions eased and he visited his barber, concerns grew when the barber noted the lump had expanded significantly. At age 25, he received a diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Despite his diagnosis, Garbutt continued to function on Hope Street, joining the cast in 2023 and appearing in the last three series of the show. He used his platform to advocate for skin cancer awareness, particularly among young people, encouraging others to seek medical advice for unusual changes. In the weeks before his passing, Garbutt entered hospice care, a fact he shared publicly shortly before his death. His family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, including donations to a GoFundMe page that helped provide peace of mind during his final days. He is survived by his wife, Louise, and their one-year-old daughter. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, fans, and public figures, remembering him not only for his talent on screen but for his kindness, courage, and dedication to raising awareness about cancer. His family described him as “the greatest husband, father, son, brother and friend we could ever ask for.”
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