A television actor who spent his final months urging the public to remain vigilant about skin cancer has died peacefully at home surrounded by family, just weeks after entering hospice care.
Finnian Garbutt’s relatives announced his death on Friday via Instagram, expressing gratitude to supporters whose donations to a crowdfunding appeal provided “peace of mind” during his last days. “Knowing that you’re no longer in pain gives us all comfort, despite our own immense pain at losing you,” the family statement read.
The 28-year-old, who portrayed police constable Ryan Power in BBC Northern Ireland drama Hope Street from 2023, had been diagnosed with stage three malignant melanoma five years ago after noticing a mole on his scalp. Despite undergoing surgery in 2022 to remove cancerous tissue, medics confirmed stage IV melanoma in August 2024—a devastating blow that came just two weeks before the birth of his daughter Saoirse, whom he shared with wife Louise Agnew.
Garbutt had used his platform to raise awareness about the aggressive nature of the disease, emphasising that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. “I am trying to get people talking about it so that they know the ways in which you can prevent yourself from getting it,” he stated after his initial diagnosis, noting he neither sunbathed nor used tanning beds yet still developed serious illness that “went unnoticed.”
His family confirmed he achieved remarkable professional milestones despite his condition, including starring in 30 television episodes, taking the lead role in forthcoming film Housejackers, purchasing a home, marrying his best friend and becoming a father to “the most incredible baby girl who never fails to make me smile.”
In February, scans revealed the cancer had “progressed rapidly” throughout his body, prompting Garbutt to publicly acknowledge he was “entering the last stages of my life.” By late March, he had moved into hospice care provided by Northern Ireland Hospice before returning home for his final days.
The actor, who also appeared in Casualty in 2020, had urged anyone wishing to meet for “a pint, coffee or general bit of craic” to reach out during his remaining time. His family will announce funeral arrangements shortly whilst requesting privacy during this period.
“You were the greatest husband, father, son, brother, and friend we could ever ask for,” the statement concluded, signed by Louise, his brother Luke and extended family.
