The actor urged those with information to search their consciences and come forward during an interview on The Late Late Show.
Nesbitt (61) is a patron of the Wave Trauma Centre, which works with victims of the Troubles.
He has been a prominent campaigner on the plight of the Disappeared – people who were abducted and murdered by republicans during the Troubles.
Oliver McVeigh (left ) brother of Columba McVeigh and James Nesbitt (right), patron of Wave Trauma Centre, at Bragan Bog, Co Monaghan. Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty Images
At times Nesbit became emotional as he discussed his work with host Patrick Kielty on Friday night’s show.
Some of the bereaved families watched from the audience as Nesbitt urged anyone who can help to speak out.
“I’ve worked with an organisation called Wave for 23 years, who were set up to offer counselling and support to anyone bereaved, traumatised or affected by the Troubles,” Nesbitt said.
“They continue to do that work. It’s been amazing. But where my heart really lies with Wave in the many, many years gone by has been with the families of the Disappeared, some of whom I am delighted to say are here tonight.”
Fighting back tears, Nesbitt recalled: “The first time I went to Wave, I met Michael McConville, who is here tonight. He’s the son of Jean McConville, who was abducted in 1972. There are other family members here tonight.”
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The story of the Disappeared came back under the spotlight after the release of the Netflix series Say Nothing in late 2024.
In total 17 people were killed and buried at secret locations between 1972 and 1985.
The remains of 13 have been found so far.
However, the bodies of Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Robert Nairac and Seamus Maguire are still missing.
The remains of Lisa Dorrian, who vanished from a caravan park in Co Down in 2005, have also never been found.
Nesbitt said he will never give up hope of reuniting families with their loved ones.
Judith Roddy as Jean McConville in Say Nothing
“It has been a process that has worked – the relocation of the remains of the Disappeared,” he said.
“Thirteen have been found. It does work.
“Nevertheless, there are still five remaining. Sitting out there tonight are Columba McVeigh – I know his sister Dympna Kerr, I stood with them on a bog in Bragan, in Co Monaghan, in a wind that would cut the rain that was pouring down, and watching them look once again as a dig took place to find the remains of their brother. And (the remains) didn’t come back.
“All the families that are still without their loved ones’ remains want the same thing. They want to have a funeral, or a wake, or a grave that they can tend to.
“We all know how important it is to bury our loved ones.”
James Nesbitt (centre left) walking with Joe Lynskey’s niece Maria Lynskey (centre) and Columba McVeigh’s sister Dympna Kerr (centre right) during the 17th annual All Souls Silent Walk for the Disappeared at Stormont.. Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty Images
The Independent Commission for the location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) has been working to find the Disappeared.
Nesbitt said they need more information.
He added: “If you’ve been looking for them for 50 years and you don’t know where they are, it’s incumbent upon all of us to try and support them.
James Nesbitt made an emotional appearance on the Late Late Show. Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty Images
News in 90 seconds Saturday January 24
“And so it’s kind of, not a last throw of the dice, I don’t want to say that to them, but people are getting old, and if there is anyone out there who has any information on where the remains of Columba McVeigh, Joe Lynskey, Seamus Maguire, Robert Nairac and Lisa Dorrian, who was disappeared in 2005 – iif you have any information, please contact the ICLVR.
“Because I’ve seen the anguish that the families went through, and I’ve seen, and it’s the worst word to use, the joy of the ones that got their loved ones back.
“I beg people, if they’ve got anything, have a look into your conscience and contact us.”