The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actor Marcus Gilbert, who passed away on Sunday, 11th January 2026, at the age of 67. The Bristol-born star had been fighting throat cancer for three years.
A Life in the Spotlight and Shadows of Tragedy
Marcus Gilbert was best known for his iconic role as the dashing Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1993 television adaptation of Jilly Cooper's novel Riders. However, away from the glamour of the screen, his personal life was marked by profound loss and hardship.
Tragedy first struck when he was just 12 years old. His father, George, and both his grandparents all died on the same Halloween night. In a poignant Instagram tribute posted in November, Gilbert reflected on this early grief, writing: 'A thought for all those children who lost their parents far too early in life.'
Love, Loss, and a Late Diagnosis
Gilbert found happiness with his first wife, Homaa Khan, whom he married in 1992. Their marriage lasted 28 years until her tragic death in 2020, which occurred on Gilbert's own birthday. Homaa, aged 60, passed away from complications following surgery for pancreatic cancer.
Their daughter, Aaliya, revealed the family endured a double blow during that difficult period. While her mother was undergoing treatment, Marcus Gilbert was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Aaliya praised her mother's strength, saying she supported the family through it all "with an unwavering smile on her face."
Finding Love and Strength in a 'Third Act'
After Homaa's death, Gilbert found love again with actress Lysette Anthony in 2023. The pair had first met on the set of A Ghost In Monte Carlo in 1990. Their romance blossomed after Gilbert reached out to Anthony upon learning she also had a Parkinson's diagnosis, offering his support.
Anthony described their partnership as "a partnership of dreams," with Gilbert calling it their "third act." He famously told her: "There's only one life. Let's go out with a bang." Tragically, within months of reconnecting, Gilbert received his own diagnosis of throat cancer and began chemotherapy.
Gilbert was a vocal supporter of Anthony, who is the only British actress to have publicly accused Harvey Weinstein of rape. In a September Instagram post, he defended her, writing that she "deserves the best that life has to offer" and that "the truth should stand above all."
The actor's death was announced on a fan site, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and fans alike. Actor Toby Hadoke remembered him as "dashing, charming, and a strong actor with a bit of a twinkle." Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies also expressed his sadness at the news.
Marcus Gilbert is survived by his partner Lysette Anthony, his son Maxi, and his daughter Aaliya.
