A well-loved and respected TV star, who appeared in Doctor Who , Children of Men and supported actors with disabilities, has died and sci-fi fans are devastated
Shaban returned to the character in The Monthly Adventures podcast series and the 2019 TV film Sil and the Devil Seeds of Arodor. He also brought Sil to life in the 2009 release The Lost Stories.
Throughout his career, the actor also appeared as a market hustler in 2006’s Children of Men and wrote scripts for various projects including Morticia and A Different Hand. During the 70s he co-established the theatre company Graeae, which supported deaf, disabled and neurodivergent performers.
Nabil was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly referred to as brittle bone disease, which impacted the development of his limbs. He relied on a wheelchair throughout his life and established the company to assist others facing similar circumstances with pursuing their dream acting career.
He spoke openly about his condition, which unfortunately resulted in bullying during his younger years. The actor once famously stated: “One of my tactics was to always have a knife on me. I’d go straight for the b*******”, reports the Express.
Shaban endured multiple fractures at birth and faced the constant threat of more breaks triggered something as simple as coughing or sneezing. His sister Jazz shared the same condition.
Born in Jordan, the Doctor Who star later relocated to the UK so he could receive treatment at St Mary’s Hospital alongside his sister. The pair were raised in children’s homes following their father’s passing and their mother returned to Jordan.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the actor online and one fan wrote: “RIP the incredible Nabil Shaban. An amazing actor, a gent & a star. It was a huge privilege to work with him on Sil and the Devil Seeds of Arodor in 2019. He was a lovely man & a complete professional. Condolences to his wife Marcela, his family, friends & colleagues.”
Another person said: “So sorry to hear of the passing of dear Nabil Shaban. A wonderful actor, good friend and probably one of the best Doctor Who villains of all time. He worked tirelessly for disabled actors and always brought such dedication and humour to whatever he was doing.”
