Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Alan O'Neill dead: Sons of Anarchy star dies aged 47

The actor was also known for a role in the Irish soap Fair City

Jack Shepherd
Friday 08 June 2018 09:29 BST
Comments
Sons of Anarchy star Alan O'Neill who has died, aged 47
Sons of Anarchy star Alan O'Neill who has died, aged 47 (Rex Features)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Alan O’Neill – best known for playing Hugh on Sons of Anarchy – has died aged 47.

The Irish actor’s manager has confirmed the death, which was first reported by TMZ.

O’Neill’s body was discovered by his girlfriend in the hallway of their Los Angeles apartment on Wednesday (6 June) evening.

The American publication reports that O’Neill had a history of heart problems, was a heavy smoker, and struggled with alcohol abuse.

Timothy Murphy, who also appeared on Sons of Anarchy, led tributes, calling O’Neill a “good friend”, while his manager Greg Meyer released a statement reading: “He was a great guy who was very funny and engaging as well as a very talented actor. He was also an expert equestrian horse trainer.”

O’Neill’s agent Annette Walsh said: “I’ll personally miss knowing Alan isn’t sharing the planet with us any longer, despite the miles between L.A. and Dublin, Alan was only ever a phone call away.”

An autopsy will take place at a later date but no foul play is suspected.

O’Neill’s played various minor characters on TV shows starting in the late 90s, coming to national attention playing the character Keith McGrath in the Irish soap Fair City. He later appeared in the sixth and seventh seasons of Sons of Anarchy.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in