COMEDIAN Tim McGarry last night led tributes to actor BJ Hogg, telling of his devastation at losing a member of their 'Give My Head Peace' family.
He told of his shock at Mr Hogg's death, just weeks after they appeared on stage together.
"It's just heartbreaking," he said.
Best known for his role as Big Mervyn in the BBC Northern Ireland comedy series Give My Head Peace, Mr Hogg also appeared in episodes of The Fall and Game of Thrones, playing the role of Addam Marbrand.
The Lisburn-born actor, who was married with two children, died suddenly at home on Thursday. It is understood he was found dead after falling ill at his home.
The cause of death was not known last night. He died on his 65th birthday.
In a death notice, his family said he was the "dearly beloved husband of Elish and much loved father of Nathan and Abigail, father-in-law of Natalie and loved granda to Georgia".
They said a service of thanksgiving will be announced at a later date, adding that he would be "lovingly remembered by all the family".
Mr McGarry last night he had been left stunned by the death of his friend.
"Everybody associated with Give My Head Peace is shocked and heartbroken by the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague BJ Hogg," he said.
"We've lost a member of the family.
"Thanks for all the laughs BJ."
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 fine actor, great colleague and a true friend. Our thoughts are with his wife Elish, son Nathan and daughter Abigail at this time."
Mr Hogg travelled the world as an actor, writer and director and was a classically-trained musician who toured with Big Bands.
He performed at Belfast's Lyric theatre and international venues in Russia and elsewhere. He also acted in several films shot in Northern Ireland including Hunger, Closing the Ring and Divorcing Jack.
Former Coronation Street' actor Charlie Lawson paid tribute to his friend on Twitter.
"Very sad....we were very fond of each other, nothing to do with acting, the arts, or any of that stuff," he said.
In a tribute to Mr Hogg, the Lyric Theatre said: "We at the Lyric are very sad to learn of the passing of the wonderful actor BJ Hogg.
"BJ appeared in many plays in the theatre over the years, including Martin Lynch’s The Interrogation of Ambrose Fogarty & The Hidden Curriculum by Graham Reid.
"Our thoughts are with his family."
A statement from the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn said: "We are very saddened to hear of BJ Hogg's passing and our thoughts are with his family at this time.
"A wonderful actor hailing here from Lisburn, who was highly regarded as the gentleman he was. He will be sorely missed."
