He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2013, according to the Irish Mirror.

Hickey's acting career has spanned more than six decades and includes roles in movies Inside I'm Dancing and Breakfast on Pluto.

He also starred in the Sky Comedy Moone Boy with the show's creator and lead star Chris O'Down leading the tributes.

Taking to Twitter, Chris penned: "We were lucky enough to have Tom Hickey join us on Moone Boy and he was wonderful, as always.

"Very few are capable of such divelment and empathy in a single look. Rest well Tom, thanks for sharing your talents with us all."

News of Mr Hickey's death was announced by the president of Dublin's Focus Theatre, of which the actor had been a founding member 

"President Michael D Higgins said: “It is with great sadness that Sabina and I learned of the death of Tom Hickey, one of the greatest actors of his generation, giving over six decades to his profession.

"He leaves an indelible imprint on Irish theatre.

"He will be so missed. It was a privilege to know him as a friend.”