On January 11, 2026, British actor Marcus Gilbert, known for his role as Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1993 TV adaptation of “Riders,” died at 67 years old. Gilbert’s battle with throat cancer ended after three years.
The actor, born in Bristol, United Kingdom, rose to fame with his portrayal of the appealing yet ruthless showjumper Rupert Campbell-Black from Jilly Cooper’s novel adaption. Throughout his career, he took on significant roles in large film franchises and prominent British TV shows.
Gilbert is survived by his two children, Maxi and Aaliya, 29. His wife, Homaa Khan-Gilbert, whom he tied the knot with in 1992, passed away in 2020 due to pancreatic cancer. At the time of his passing, Gilbert was in a relationship with actress Lysette Anthony, a former co-star.
His relationship with Anthony can be traced back over three decades. They both starred in the 1990 television adaptation of Barbara Cartland’s novel “A Ghost in Monte Carlo.” Their romance started in 2023, 33 years after their first on-screen kiss, and following Gilbert’s 2020 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
His film career includes notable roles in big Hollywood movies. Gilbert starred in Rambo III in 1988 alongside Sylvester Stallone and was featured in the third part of the “Evil Dead” series, “Army of Darkness,” in 1992.
He was familiar to British TV viewers through his role as Ancelyn in “Doctor Who” in 1989. His performance in the enduring sci-fi series left a notable impact on fans and peers. Russell T Davies, the “Doctor Who” revival series showrunner, reacted to Gilbert’s passing, stating on social media, “Oh that’s sad news.”
Actor and comedian Toby Hadoke paid respect 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.”
In the United States, Gilbert’s television credits include an appearance in the 1994 episode of “Murder, She Wrote.” Throughout his career, he also featured in more than 50 commercials, including lucrative Nescafé Gold Blend advertisements, demonstrating his screen appeal.
Besides “A Ghost In Monte Carlo,” Gilbert played a leading role 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 a contender for the role of James Bond, which eventually went to Timothy Dalton in 1987. Despite missing out on this iconic role, Gilbert continued building a respected career across various forms of entertainment.
Apart from acting, Gilbert also displayed entrepreneurial skills by establishing Touch the Sky Productions, a company producing corporate and travel documentaries. This venture allowed him to explore different facets of the entertainment industry beyond traditional acting.
At the age of 12, Gilbert experienced a personal tragedy when his father and grandparents were killed in a car accident. This catastrophic event shaped his life and outlook from an early age.
The 1993 miniseries “Riders” earned him widespread recognition in the United Kingdom and solidified his status as a leading man in British television.
From the 1980s to the 2020s, Gilbert remained a constant presence in entertainment, taking on roles in prestigious film franchises, popular TV series, theatrical performances, and commercial advertising, despite the industry’s competitiveness.
Gilbert’s legacy includes significant contributions to British television drama and memorable roles in international film productions. His portrayal of Rupert Campbell-Black left a lasting impact on the television adaptation of one of Jilly Cooper’s most popular literary characters and helped popularize the “Rutshire Chronicles” series in visual media.
