'Lock, Stock' and 'Nil By Mouth' actor Steve Sweeney dies aged 74

The actor Steve Sweeney, known for his roles in Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and Nil By Mouth, has died at the age of 74.

His cause of death has not yet been revealed. Sweeney’s co-star on the latter, comedian and actor Kathy Burke, took to X to pay tribute to the actor.

She wrote earlier today (June 20): “Heard the sad news last night that UK actor and old friend, Steve Sweeney has passed away.

“He was brilliant in many theatre and film productions incl Lock Stock & Nil By Mouth and was a favourite of genius director Alan Clarke.”

She added: “Once met, never forgotten. RIP mate.”

Heard the sad news last night that UK actor and old friend, Steve Sweeny has passed away. He was brilliant in many theatre and film productions incl Lock Stock & Nil By Mouth and was a favourite of genius director Alan Clarke.Once met, never forgotten. RIP mate. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/CHtRX1MiWW

— Kath ????????????????✊???? (@KathyBurke) June 20, 2024

Sweeney appeared alongside Burke in Gary Oldman’s 1997 directorial debut, Nil By Mouth, in the role of Danny. The film also starred Ray Winstone, Jamie Foreman and Laila Morse.

He played the role of Plank in Guy Ritchie’s 1998 crime film, Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, which starred Jason Statham, Jason Flemyng and Steven Mackintosh among others.

The film made more than $28million at the box office against a budget of just over a million, and helped bring The Gentlemen director international acclaim.

Sweeney also had a number of television credits, including roles in The Bill, EastEnders and crime drama series Dalziel & Pascoe.

More recently, Sweeney starred alongside Zac Efron and Russell Crowe in the 2022 comedy film The Greatest Beer Run Ever, about a young veteran who sneaks into the Vietnam War to deliver beer to his friends.