Camilla Jessen
The actor also starred in ‘Doctor Who’ during his decades-spanning career.
Marcus Gilbert, an actor whose career spanned film, television and stage, has died at the age of 67.
Best known to many for a starring role in a popular 1990s TV drama, he was also part of several globally recognized franchises.
News of his death prompted tributes from colleagues and fans who remembered both his screen presence and his personal warmth.
Sad announcement
News of Gilbert’s death was shared by a fan page on Facebook.
The post stated: “Today we have heard the very sad news that Marcus lost his battle against cancer on Sunday 11th January 2026. We, along with his many fans worldwide, will mourn his loss, and remember the joy he gave us on screen, and in person. RIP Marcus.”
Gilbert was born in Bristol and began working professionally as an actor in the early 1980s.
Breakthrough roles
He went on to appear in the 1988 action film Rambo III, before taking on a role in Doctor Who the following year as Ancelyn, King Arthur’s Knight Commander.
His most high-profile television role came in 1993, when he played Rupert Campbell Black in ITV’s adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel Riders. The role cemented his reputation as a leading man.
During the late 1980s, Gilbert was also considered for the role of James Bond, though the part ultimately went to Timothy Dalton.
Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies responded: “Oh that’s sad news.”
Fans also shared personal reflections on social media. “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,” one wrote.
Life and career
Alongside film, television and stage work, Gilbert appeared in more than 50 commercials over his career. He once joked about the work, saying: “You just made any commercials for the money, they were never what you might call taxing.”
Gilbert married doctor Homaa Khan-Gilbert in 1992, and they had two children. She died in 2020.
He later found love again with Lysette Anthony, more than two decades after they first worked together on screen.
Sources: Facebook, ITV, PA, The Independent
