The British entertainment world is in mourning following the death of actor Marcus Gilbert at the age of 67. The star, best known for playing the dashing Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1990s television adaptation of Jilly Cooper's novel Riders, passed away on Sunday, 11th January 2026, after a battle with cancer.
A Career Spanning Decades and Genres
Marcus Gilbert's screen career began in the early 1980s, but he gained significant attention for his role in the 1988 action blockbuster Rambo III, starring alongside Sylvester Stallone. His versatility was further showcased a year later when he appeared in the long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who, portraying King Arthur's Knight Commander, Ancelyn.
In a notable piece of cinematic trivia, the Bristol-born actor was seriously considered for the role of James Bond in the late 1980s. Although the part ultimately went to Timothy Dalton, Gilbert secured his status as a leading man with his iconic performance in the ITV series Riders in 1993, a role that cemented his heartthrob image.
Tributes from Colleagues and a Devoted Fanbase
News of his passing was initially shared by a dedicated fan page on Facebook, which described him as losing his "battle against cancer." The post prompted an outpouring of grief and fond remembrance from fans and former colleagues alike.
Stand-up comedian Toby Hadoke remembered him on Instagram as "dashing, charming, and a strong actor with a bit of a twinkle." Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies simply commented, "Oh that’s sad news," reflecting the shock felt across the industry.
Fans online painted a picture of a generous and engaging personality. One heartfelt tribute on Facebook read: "He was a giant of a man, broad-shouldered, deep-voiced, classically handsome... and yet he wore it all with a knowing wink and a wry smile. Most self-effacingly, he always seemed to have an intense interest in your life."
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Gilbert's prolific career included not only television and film but also stage work and an astonishing appearance in over 50 television commercials. He once humorously remarked that adverts were done "for the money" and were "never what you might call taxing."
In his personal life, he married doctor Homaa Khan-Gilbert in 1992. The couple had two children, Maxi and Aaliya, and remained together until Homaa's death in 2020. In a poignant full-circle moment, the actor had recently found love again with his former co-star, Lysette Anthony. The pair had starred together in the 1990 TV film A Ghost in Monte Carlo 23 years prior to rekindling their relationship.
Marcus Gilbert's death marks the loss of a distinctive and beloved figure in British film and television, whose work from Rambo to Riders left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
