The British entertainment world is in mourning following the death of actor Marcus Gilbert at the age of 67. The star, best known for bringing Jilly Cooper's iconic character Rupert Campbell-Black to life in Riders and for his role in Doctor Who, passed away on Sunday, 11 January 2026.
A Courageous Three-Year Battle
Gilbert died after living with throat cancer for three years. The sad news was confirmed via a statement shared on a dedicated Facebook fan site, which read: ‘Today we have heard the very sad news that Marcus lost his battle against cancer on January 11, 2026.’ The statement continued, paying tribute to the joy he brought to fans worldwide both on screen and in person.
The Bristol-born actor's personal life had been marked by significant loss in recent years. He was married to Homaa Khan-Gilbert until her death from pancreatic cancer in 2020. Following this, his daughter Aaliya shared that Gilbert had also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his two children, son Maxi and daughter Aaliya.
A Varied and Memorable Career
Marcus Gilbert enjoyed a diverse career spanning television, film, and theatre. Beyond his defining role in Riders, he played Ancelyn in the Doctor Who serial Battlefield and made appearances in popular series like Murder, She Wrote. His film credits included a role in the third Rambo film and a memorable part in Evil Dead 3: Army of Darkness.
In the late 1980s, Gilbert was reportedly in contention for the coveted role of James Bond, ultimately losing out to Timothy Dalton. He also had a successful career in theatre, performing in Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband in 2000, and was known for his work in advertising, notably the second Gold Blend coffee commercial saga.
Tributes from Peers and Fans
Following the announcement, tributes from colleagues and admirers began to flow. Doctor Who fan and comedian Toby Hadoke posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, recalling Gilbert as ‘dashing, charming, and a strong actor with a bit of a twinkle’. He fondly remembered their time together in Liverpool a decade ago.
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies commented on the post, simply writing: ‘Oh that’s sad news’. Gilbert's most recent relationship was with fellow actor Lysette Anthony, with whom he first worked in 1990. The pair became a couple nearly 23 years later.
Marcus Gilbert's passing marks the loss of a versatile and charismatic talent whose work across stage and screen captivated audiences for decades. His legacy lives on through his performances and the memories of those who knew him.
