“The News Left Fans Heartbroken and Shocked — A Beloved Actor Is Gone”

British actor Marcus Gilbert, known for his roles in television and film including Riders, Rambo III and Doctor Who, has died at the age of 67 after a prolonged fight with throat cancer. The sad news was shared via a fan page on social media, confirming that Gilbert passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026 after a three-year struggle with the illness. See More…

Gilbert first gained widespread attention for his performance as Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1993 television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s hit novel Riders, a role that made him a familiar face on British screens. His career spanned several decades, including film appearances such as Tomask in Rambo III and Arthur in Sam Raimi’s Army of Darkness. He also appeared in a notable Doctor Who serial and a variety of other television productions.

Born in Bristol in 1958, Gilbert began acting in the early 1980s, performing in theatre before transitioning to film and television. He starred in a wide range of projects over his career, with credits spanning from classic British television dramas to popular feature films, and even numerous commercials in the 1980s and 1990s.

Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues around the world following the announcement of his death. Fans remembered Gilbert’s charm and talent, while industry figures such as Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies and comedian Toby Hadoke paid personal tribute, highlighting his warm personality and memorable performances.

Outside of his professional life, Gilbert faced personal challenges, including the loss of his wife, Homaa Khan-Gilbert, to pancreatic cancer in 2020, and his own diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease around the same time. He later found companionship with actress Lysette Anthony, with whom he reconnected years after working together on A Ghost in Monte Carlo. He is survived by his two children, son Maxi and daughter Aaliya.

Gilbert’s contributions to film and television left a lasting impression on audiences, and he is remembered for his versatility, strength as a character actor, and infectious on-screen presence.