Jamie Dornan’s father Jim dies aged 73 following coronavirus battle

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Fifty Shades Of Grey actor Jamie Dornan’s world renowned obstetrician father Jim has died aged 73 after contracting coronavirus.

Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI confirmed the news on Twitter on Monday, writing: ‘Very sad news this morning on the passing of Professor Jim Dornan, a passionate patron, advocate and friend to all at @LAL_NI.

‘Jim was champion for so many small charities and causes in NI and that legacy will live on. Condolences to family and friends at this sad time.’

Dornan had previously been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and had worked closely with the charity.

He was a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist, working in the Belfast trust from 1986 to 2012.

Dornan later became a professor of Foetal Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast from 1995 to 2012. Dornan was also a senior vice-president of the Royal College of Gynaecologists from 2004 to 2006.

He also took a guest role in his son Jamie’s gripping BBC One series The Fall, where he played John Porter, in a 2016 episode. 

Dornan is survived by his wife Samina and three children, Liesa, Jessica, and Jamie, who is yet to break his silence following the sad news.

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley and Nichola Rooney, Chair of Division of Clinical Psychology NI, also paid tribute. 

Rooney, Chair of Division of Clinical Psychology NI, tweeted: ‘The great Prof Jim Dornan. One of a kind. His glass brimmed over.

‘A true visionary. Early 90’s he saw the benefit that Clinical Psychology could bring to the women in RMJH & made it happen. My friend. RIP. Love to Samina, Liesa, Jess & Jamie.’

According to Belfast Telegraph, Paisley said: ‘It is with great sadness that I learnt this morning of the passing of world renowned professor Jim Dornan. I wish to express to his wife Samina and his children Jamie, Liesa, and Jessica my profound sadness. 

‘Jim was a wonderful man, he was engaged in political lobbying and promotion of many medical and non medical issues. Above all he loved Northern Ireland and was so proud of this place. 

‘His ambition, expressed often to me, was to see Northern Ireland and its people flourish and be the best. No obstacle was ever insurmountable for him and he was a great source of encouragement.

‘I will miss our many chats and text messages and his ability to challenge and encourage change.’ 

BBC NI Health Correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly tweeted: ‘It is with much sadness that I am writing that Professor Jim Dornan has died. 

‘Hard to accept that someone with so much life, wit, and full of advice and laughter has left this world. A true friend. Thoughts are with his family and medical friends around the world. RIP Jim.’

Tributes have poured in for the renowned obstetrician following the sad news as people shared their condolences on Twitter.   

Dornan was a renowned doctor and professor known for his charity work with several groups in Northern Ireland.

His first wife Lorna Dornan tragically passed away in 1998 after being diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

Dornan, who remarried later in life to gynaecologist Samina Dornan, was president of NIPanC, a Northern Ireland Pancreatic Cancer group.

As well as his renowned career and charity work, he also had a guest appearance on son Jamie’s gripping BBC One series The Fall, where he plays creepy mass murderer Paul Spector. 

Dornan played John Porter in the 2016 episode where he had to ask Assistant Chief Constable Jim Burns (John Lynch) for an update in Spector’s case. 

Talking about the cameo at the time, Jim told The Belfast Telegraph: ‘It was the writer and producer Allan Cubitt’s idea. I met him socially and he asked me to take part in The Fall. He really wanted me to do it for Jamie. 

‘Jamie had finished filming and he had no idea I was going to be in it. It came as a real surprise to him when he found out.’

And although it’s his son who has gone on to make a name for himself in the acting world, Jim admitted that he did in fact consider acting as a career.

‘I certainly would have considered acting as a career if medicine hadn’t worked out,’ he added.