The actor is best known for his roles in Doctor Who and Riders
The actor has died at the age of 67(Image: ANGLIA FILMS)
Bristolian actor Marcus Gilbert has died at the age of 67. Best known for his portrayal of the charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1993 television adaptation of ITV’s Riders, created by Jilly Cooper who tragically died last year, the star had been battling cancer prior to his death on Sunday.
An emotional tribute posted on Facebook confirmed the news, stating: “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 also featured in the BBC’s Doctor Who serial, Battlefield. Show creator Russell T Davies was amongst the first to offer condolences, writing: “Oh, that’s sad news.”
Riders star Marcus Gilbert has passed away aged 67(Image: ITV)
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Fellow actor Toby Hadoke shared his own tribute, posting three photographs of the pair together on social media. He wrote: “Dashing, charming, and a strong actor with a bit of a twinkle.
“Very sorry to learn of the death, too young, of Marcus Gilbert, with whom I had a lovely time in Liverpool about a decade ago.
“He was also great in Doctor Who’s Battlefield and had a terrific role in Evil Dead 3: Army of Darkness.
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“He also told me how much he earned from being part of the second Gold Blend saga of commercials: eye-watering! Lovely chap: wore his attributes lightly.”
Marcus also featured in films such as Rambo III and Doctor Who, and was in the running for the role of James Bond in the late 1980s, but Timothy Dalton pipped him to the post, reports the Express.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late star(Image: ANGLIA FILMS)
It was during his acting career that he found his latest love, co-star Lysette Anthony from Riders. Their romance blossomed 33 years after their first on-screen kiss.
In 2023, a close mate of the actress revealed to the press: “It’s a serious romance and has been going on for some time. They make an adorable couple. Lysette is head over heels with him.”
Prior to this, he was wedded to Homaa Khan-Gilbert. The couple exchanged vows in 1992 and remained blissfully together until her passing in 2020. They had two children together.
