A statement from the Irish boxing champion's family unravels that the 33-year-old actress passed away in the early hours of July 24 after 'a brief but brave battle' against the disease.
- July 25, 2019
AceShowbiz - Irish boxing champion Barry McGuigan is mourning the death of his 33-year-old daughter Danika.
Danika, also known as Nika McGuigan, passed away "after a brief but brave battle against cancer" in the early hours of Wednesday, July 24, her family confirmed.
"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Danika 'Nika' McGuigan," a statement from the McGuigan family to the BBC read. "As a family we are devastated and ask for complete privacy during this difficult period to allow us to grieve for our Nika."
During her career, Danika appeared in numerous television and film productions, including Stephen Frears' acclaimed 2013 comic drama "Philomena" alongside Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. She also had a small role as a chambermaid in the TV drama "The Tudors".
Her father Barry is regarded as one of Ireland's greatest ever boxers, having won the World Featherweight title in 1985.
In a post on Instagram her brother Shane revealed she had also battled cancer as a child from the age of 11 to 13, but that the disease had returned 20 years later.
Her representatives, The Agency, tweeted she was "an incredible and versatile talent who lit up our screens with her undeniable presence, sensitivity and superb comic timing".
