Finnian Garbutt, the talented actor known for his role in the BBC drama Hope Street, has tragically passed away at the age of 28, just a month after sharing his terminal cancer diagnosis with fans.
The actor, who had been battling melanoma for several years, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. This news comes three weeks after Finnian shared his heartbreaking diagnosis and revealed that he was receiving hospice care. His family, in a moving tribute on Instagram, confirmed his passing and expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support during his final days.
The statement from Finnian’s family read: “He passed peacefully at home, as he wished, surrounded by his family. We want to thank everyone for their support, their kind words, and for being with us during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you also to everyone who donated to our GoFundMe page. The peace of mind you all gave Finn during his last days made his passing so much easier to bear.”
Finnian’s family also shared how much they would miss him, saying: “We will always love and miss you, Finn. You were the greatest husband, father, son, brother, and friend we could ever ask for. Knowing you’re no longer in pain gives us comfort, despite the immense pain we feel from losing you.”
Details of his funeral will be announced soon, with the family requesting privacy during this time of grief.
Finnian, who was best known for playing the role of Constable Ryan Power in Hope Street since 2023, had been diagnosed with skin cancer five years ago. Despite undergoing surgery and treatment, the disease progressed rapidly, and Finnian shared last month that he had entered the final stages of his life.
In a deeply personal post on Instagram in late March, Finnian opened up about his terminal diagnosis, revealing that his cancer had worsened and spread. “I am now entering the last stages of my life… I hope to enjoy the time with my amazing family and friends,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for the love and support he had received throughout his battle.
Finnian’s journey with cancer began in 2021 when he noticed a mole on his scalp, which led to the diagnosis of stage three malignant melanoma. After the diagnosis, Finnian became an advocate for skin cancer awareness, encouraging others to check their skin and seek medical advice early.
As his battle with cancer progressed, Finnian’s courage and positivity shone through, despite the immense pain he faced. In February, Finnian shared an update where he revealed that the cancer had become terminal and he was focusing on cherishing his final moments with his family.
Throughout his journey, Finnian remained determined to live life to the fullest, achieving many of his life goals, including starring in 30 episodes of Hope Street, being the lead in an upcoming film, and, most importantly, becoming a father to his daughter, Saoirse, who was born just weeks after his Stage IV diagnosis.
Finnian’s heartfelt message in February read: “Since being diagnosed, I’ve achieved so many of my life goals – 30 episodes in a TV show, being the lead in a movie (that should be out soon), buying my own house, marrying my best friend, and becoming a father to the most incredible baby girl who never fails to make me smile…”
He also reflected on the harsh reality of his diagnosis, stating, “I am never going to have the same life goals and ambitions that I once had… but I am trying to get people talking about melanoma so that no one else has to go through what I have.”
Finnian’s legacy as an actor, advocate, and father will undoubtedly live on, with Hope Street and his other projects serving as a testament to his incredible talent and spirit.
Finnian Garbutt’s passing is a reminder of the importance of early detection and the fight against cancer. His story will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of many who followed his journey.
