On Jan. 11, 2026, British actor Marcus Gilbert, known for his role as Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1993 television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s “Riders,” died at the age of 67. Gilbert had been battling throat cancer for three years before his death.
Born in Bristol, England, Gilbert rose to fame through his depiction of Rupert Campbell-Black, Cooper’s notorious yet captivating showjumper. Gilbert’s career was extensive, encompassing prominent roles in big-name movie franchises and British television shows.
Gilbert is survived by his son, Maxi, and his 29-year-old daughter, Aaliya. His wife, Homaa Khan-Gilbert, passed away in 2020 due to pancreatic cancer. At the time of his death, Gilbert was in a relationship with Lysette Anthony, a former co-star.
Gilbert and Anthony shared a relationship that spanned over three decades. They co-starred in “A Ghost in Monte Carlo” in 1990, an adaptation of a Barbara Cartland novel. Their romantic relationship started in 2023, 33 years after their first on-screen kiss, following Gilbert’s 2020 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
Gilbert had a notable film career, featuring in significant Hollywood productions. He starred in Rambo III in 1988, alongside Sylvester Stallone, and in “Army of Darkness,” the third movie of the “Evil Dead” series, in 1992.
He was also well-known to British television viewers from his role as Ancelyn in “Doctor Who” in 1989. His performance in the enduring science fiction series left a lasting impression. Russell T Davies, the showrunner of the “Doctor Who” revival series, reacted to Gilbert’s death on social media: “Oh that’s sad news.”
Actor and comedian Toby Hadoke also paid his respects on social media, writing: “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 American television, Gilbert made an appearance on “Murder, She Wrote” in 1994. Known for his work in commercials, he featured in over 50 ads, including the profitable Nescafé Gold Blend commercials, proving his screen appeal.
Apart from “A Ghost In Monte Carlo,” Gilbert starred in another Barbara Cartland adaptation, “A Hazard of Hearts.” These romantic period dramas highlighted his range as a leading actor in British television.
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 franchise, Gilbert continued to build a noteworthy career across various entertainment platforms.
Gilbert also displayed his entrepreneurial side by establishing Touch the Sky Productions, a company dedicated to producing corporate and travel documentaries. This venture allowed him to branch out into different areas of the entertainment industry.
Gilbert experienced tragedy early in life when his father and grandparents died in a car accident when he was 12. He survived the catastrophic accident, which significantly influenced his life and viewpoint.
The 1993 miniseries “Riders” earned him widespread recognition in Britain and set him up as a leading man in British television.
Throughout his career, which spanned from the 1980s to the 2020s, Gilbert maintained a presence in the entertainment industry despite its competitive nature. His work included roles in prestigious film franchises, popular television series, theatrical performances, and commercial advertising.
Gilbert’s legacy includes his contributions to British television drama and his memorable performances in international film productions. His portrayal of Rupert Campbell-Black remains a significant interpretation of one of Jilly Cooper’s most renowned literary characters, introducing the character to television viewers and solidifying the popularity of the “Rutshire Chronicles” series in visual media.