Marcus Gilbert, the British performer known for portraying Jilly Cooper’s charismatic rogue Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1993 TV adaptation of “Riders,” died on Jan. 11, 2026, at 67. He passed away following a three-year fight with throat cancer.
The Bristol-born actor gained recognition for his depiction of Rupert Campbell-Black, the suave yet cutthroat showjumper from Cooper’s popular novel. Over several decades, his career featured standout roles across major film franchises and British TV productions.
Gilbert is survived by his son, Maxi, and his daughter, Aaliya, 29. His wife, Homaa Khan-Gilbert—whom he wed in 1992—died in 2020 of pancreatic cancer. At the time of his passing, Gilbert was in a relationship with actress Lysette Anthony, his former co-star.
His long connection with Anthony extended over 30 years. They first appeared together in “A Ghost in Monte Carlo” in 1990, a TV adaptation of a Barbara Cartland novel. Their romantic partnership began in 2023, 33 years after their first on-screen kiss, following Gilbert’s 2020 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
Gilbert’s film résumé included striking roles in major Hollywood films. He appeared in “Rambo III” in 1988, acting alongside Sylvester Stallone. He also took part in “Army of Darkness,” the third entry in the “Evil Dead” franchise, in 1992.
U.K. viewers also remembered him from “Doctor Who,” where he played Ancelyn in 1989. His performance in the iconic sci-fi series left a mark on both fans and colleagues. Russell T Davies, showrunner of the revived “Doctor Who,” responded online to news of his death: “Oh that’s sad news.”
Actor and comedian Toby Hadoke honored Gilbert on social media, writing: “Dashing, charming, and a strong actor with a bit of a twinkle – very sorry to learn of the death, too young, of Marcus Gilbert.”
Gilbert also appeared in American TV, including a 1994 episode of “Murder, She Wrote.” Throughout his career, he acted in more than 50 commercials, notably in high-profile Nescafé Gold Blend ads that showcased his broad appeal.
Beyond “A Ghost in Monte Carlo,” Gilbert also starred in another Barbara Cartland TV adaptation, “A Hazard of Hearts,” further displaying his versatility in romantic period dramas.
Late in the 1980s, Gilbert narrowly missed out on becoming James Bond, having been considered for the role before it ultimately went to Timothy Dalton in 1987. Despite not securing the part, he went on to build a respected, wide-ranging career across film, television, stage, and advertising.
Outside of acting, Gilbert showed entrepreneurial ambition by founding Touch the Sky Productions, a company dedicated to producing corporate and travel documentaries, allowing him to explore other facets of the entertainment world.
Gilbert’s early life was marked by tragedy. At age 12, he survived a car accident that killed his father and grandparents, an event that deeply affected him throughout his life.
The 1993 “Riders” miniseries brought him significant attention in the UK and established him as a prominent leading man in British television.
From the 1980s through the 2020s, Gilbert consistently maintained a presence in the entertainment world, taking on roles in acclaimed films, well-loved TV series, theater productions, and commercial work.
His legacy includes his impact on British television drama and his standout performances in international film. His depiction of Rupert Campbell-Black remains one of the most memorable interpretations of Jilly Cooper’s iconic character, bringing him to TV audiences and helping solidify the popularity of the “Rutshire Chronicles” on screen.