Karl Shiels

Irish actor Karl Shiels found fame as a stage and soap opera actor in his homeland before his life was cut tragically short. Born in Dublin, he began mixing in television appearances along with stage roles in his early-20s. His early work included guest roles on "Attachments" (BBC, 2000-02), "On Home Ground" (RTE, 2001-02), and "Any Time Now" (BBC One, 2002). He branched out into film, with a role in the comedy "Mystics" (2003) and a memorable appearance as a gang member in Joel Schumacher's "Veronica Guerin" (2003), starring Cate Blanchett. He also scored a small role in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster "Batman Begins" (2005). As he built a strong stage resume, which included founding Dublin's Theatre Upstairs, he continued making film and television appearances, including supporting roles on "Peaky Blinders" (BBC One, 2013-) and "The Tudors" (Showtime, 2007-10). He was also part of the ensemble of the historical miniseries "Titanic: Blood and Steel" (History Asia, 2012). His big on-screen break came when he was cast as Robbie Quinn on the long-running soap opera "Fair City" (RTE, 1989-) in 2014. His popular character was known primarily for his on-again-off-again romance with show mainstay Carol, played by Aisling O'Neill. Apart from the show, the actor had a recurring role on "Into the Badlands" (AMC, 2015-19) as the warrior Declan. Shiels passed away suddenly from what was deemed "natural causes" on July 14, 2019. The actor's final appearance on "Fair City" aired weeks later on August 7, 2019.