Marcus Gilbert, an acclaimed British actor, passed away on Jan. 11, 2026 at 67 years old. Gilbert, who was renowned for his portrayal of Jilly Cooper’s character Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1993 TV adaptation of “Riders,” died after a three-year battle with throat cancer.
Born in Bristol, UK, Gilbert rose to fame with his role as Rupert Campbell-Black, a charming but ruthless showjumper in Cooper’s popular novel adaptation. His acting career spanned several decades, featuring significant roles in global film franchises and British TV shows.
Gilbert is survived by his son, Maxi, and 29-year-old daughter, Aaliya. In 2020, his wife, Homaa Khan-Gilbert, whom he married in 1992, succumbed to pancreatic cancer. At the time of his death, Gilbert was in a relationship with actress Lysette Anthony, a former co-star.
Gilbert and Anthony shared a history extending over three decades. The duo co-starred in “A Ghost in Monte Carlo” in 1990, a TV adaptation of a Barbara Cartland novel. Their romantic relationship started in 2023, 33 years after their first on-screen kiss and following Gilbert’s 2020 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
In his film career, Gilbert landed roles in major Hollywood productions. He worked with actor Sylvester Stallone in Rambo III in 1988 and starred in “Army of Darkness,” the third film in the “Evil Dead” series, in 1992.
UK TV audiences recognized Gilbert from his “Doctor Who” role as Ancelyn in 1989. His performance in the iconic science fiction series left a mark on fans and fellow professionals. Upon hearing the news of Gilbert’s death, Russell T Davies, the revival series’ showrunner, expressed his sorrow on social media.
Actor and comedian Toby Hadoke paid his respects to Gilbert on social media: “Dashing, charming, and a strong actor with a bit of a twinkle – very sorry to learn of the death, too young, of Marcus Gilbert.”
American audiences might recall Gilbert from his 1994 “Murder, She Wrote” guest appearance. Throughout his career, Gilbert also featured in over 50 commercials, including lucrative Nescafé Gold Blend ads, showcasing his marketability and on-screen charisma.
Besides “A Ghost In Monte Carlo,” Gilbert led in another Barbara Cartland adaptation, “A Hazard of Hearts.” These romantic period dramas highlighted his versatility as a leading man in British TV productions.
In the late 1980s, Gilbert was in the running for the iconic James Bond role, which ultimately went to Timothy Dalton in 1987. Despite this, Gilbert continued to build a respected career across various entertainment platforms.
Apart from acting, Gilbert showed his entrepreneurial side by launching Touch the Sky Productions, a company creating corporate and travel documentaries. This venture allowed him to delve into various entertainment industry aspects and highlighted his interests beyond traditional acting.
Gilbert’s life was marred by tragedy early on. At age 12, he survived a car crash that killed his father and grandparents, significantly shaping his life and outlook.
The 1993 mini-series “Riders” earned Gilbert widespread recognition in the UK and solidified his status as a leading British television actor.
From the 1980s to the 2020s, Gilbert maintained a significant presence in the competitive entertainment industry, ranging from prestigious film franchises to beloved TV series, theatre performances, and commercial advertising.
Gilbert’s legacy includes his contributions to British TV drama and memorable international film performances. His portrayal of Rupert Campbell-Black stands out as one of Jilly Cooper’s most iconic literary characters, introducing the character to TV viewers and cementing the “Rutshire Chronicles” series’ popularity in visual media.
