Beloved Actor Marcus Gilbert has passed away after a brave three-year battle with throat cancer. He was 69. News of his death was confirmed by a fan site dedicated to the actor, which shared a statement on Facebook announcing his death on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The same was published by The Sun.
“Today we have heard the very sad news that Marcus lost his battle against cancer on Sunday, January 11, 2026…
We, along with his many fans worldwide, will mourn his loss, and remember the joy he gave us on screen, and in person. RIP Marcus.”
A Career Spanning Film, Television, and Cult Classics
Gilbert gained fame for his role as Rupert Campbell Black in the 1993 television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel “Riders,” which made him a heartthrob of the era.
Cooper’s work has since found a new audience, with “Rivals” recently adapted for Disney+, starring David Tennant, Emily Atack, and Danny Dyer.
Gilbert also appeared on the big screen in “Rambo 3” alongside Sylvester Stallone, and built a wide-ranging television career with roles in “Doctor Who” and “Murder, She Wrote.”
He shared the screen with Helena Bonham Carter early in her career in “A Hazard of Hearts,” one of her first major roles.
Tributes Pour In From Colleagues and Fans
Following news of his death, an outpouring of love has been seen on social media from fellow actors and longtime fans.
Actor Toby Hadoke wrote: “Dashing, charming, and a strong actor with a bit of a twinkle… Very sorry to learn of the death, too young, of Marcus Gilbert, with whom I had a lovely time in Liverpool about a decade ago… He was also great in Doctor Who’s Battlefield and had a terrific role in Evil Dead 3: Army of Darkness…
He also told me how much he earned from being part of the second Gold Blend saga of commercials: eye-watering! Lovely chap: wore his attributes lightly. :(”
“Russell T Davies,” who served as showrunner on “Doctor Who,” replied to Hadoke’s post, writing simply: “Oh that’s sad news”.
One fan commented: “Gone home, in the arms of the angels and Homaa… Oh my goodness. RIP Marcus… So so sad.. Such sad news..”
Another admirer shared: “Very sad news. Had a drink with him at Gally some years ago. He was kind & self-effacing when someone at the table mistook him for someone else. Could’ve made her feel a fool, but navigated the conversation with charm 🧡”
A fan wrote, “His chemistry with Angela Bruce would have made them fun recurring characters. RIP Marcus 💔”
Another tribute honored his work ethic. One comment read: “Oh, no! Awful news. I worked with him not very long ago, and he seemed a kind and gentle man. So sorry to hear this, it’s far too young.”
Family, Health Struggles, and Personal Life
He is survived by his children, Maxi and Aalyia, whom he shared with his late wife, Homaa Khan-Gilbert. His wife of 28 years died in 2020 following her own battle with cancer. In recent years, Gilbert was in a relationship with actress Lysette Anthony, best known for her roles in “Hollyoaks” and “Two Up, Two Down.”
As per The UK Sun, Gilbert’s daughter Aalyia shared in 2020 that her father had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
As tributes flood in honoring Gilbert, the star will forever be remembered for his warmth, range, and the lasting mark he made across film and television.
May he rest in peace in heaven.May God bless him and all his family, friends and fans. May God ease the pain and sadness of all his family and friends and may all his angels watch over him always.🙏❤️