Renowned British actor Marcus Gilbert, known for his landmark role as the seductive Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1993 television adaptation of the Jilly Cooper novel “Riders”, passed away on Sunday, January 11, aged 67. The news of his death was released by an official fan site, confirming that the actor lost a prolonged battle with throat cancer.
Born in Bristol, Gilbert left a brood of two sons, Maxi and Sua death marks the end of a career dedicated to acting, which took him to several notable projects.
The artistic community and fans deeply mourned the loss, paying tribute to the star who marked generations. The death comes during a period of recent mourning in the actor’s personal life, who faced the loss of his wife in 2020 and a battle with Parkinson disease, revealed in 2020 by his daughter.
The trajectory of a television icon
Marcus Gilbert has built a solid career on the British television and film scene. Seu role as Rupert Campbell-Black on “Riders” catapulted him to stardom, making him a face recognized by millions. His portrayal of the seductive and complex character earned him acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
In addition to “Riders”, Gilbert also left his mark on other notable productions. Ele appeared in the episode “Battlefield” of the classic series “Doctor Who”, playing Ancelyn, and had a role in the film “Evil Dead 3: Sua versatility as an actor was evident in each character he brought to life, moving between dramas, science fiction and comedies.
Love found again with Lysette Anthony
In the last years of his life, Marcus Gilbert found love again alongside Lysette Anthony, his co-star from the film “A Fantasma in Monte Carlo”, from 1990. The relationship, which blossomed decades after their first meeting on screen, began unexpectedly.
Gilbert learned of Parkinson’s diagnosis from Lysette and felt the desire to help her. Ele got in touch with her agent, which led to a series of in-depth conversations and a reunion that rekindled a dormant flame, turning into a serious and meaningful romance for both of them.
Lysette Anthony, hailed as the “face of the 1980s”, openly shared her love for Marcus with heartwarming social media posts. In May 2023, she published photos of the two kissing in the 1990 film and recent images, captioning them with “My love forever”, demonstrating the depth of the feeling that united them.
The actor revealed that his reunion with Lysette occurred about three years after the loss of his wife, Homaa. Ele expressed that he was not ready to get involved again, but Lysette’s spontaneity and emotional openness captivated him, making the love undeniable.
The personal battle against the disease
Marcus Gilbert’s life has been marked by significant personal battles in recent years. In 2020, his daughter publicly revealed that the actor had been diagnosed with Parkinson disease. Este diagnosis came at a delicate time, when his wife, Homaa, was already facing her own battle with pancreatic cancer.
The fight against throat cancer added a new and arduous challenge to his journey. Mesmo faced such severe adversities, Gilbert maintained a dignified posture, counting on the support of his children and his partner Lysette Anthony, who accompanied him in recent years.
Legacy and tributes from the artistic community
The news of Marcus Gilbert’s passing quickly reverberated throughout the artistic community and among his admirers. Colegas professionals and fans expressed their condolences and memories of the actor. Toby Hadoke, also an actor, shared three images of Gilbert on his social media, describing him as “elegant, charming and a great actor with a touch of sparkle in his eyes.” Hadoke also recalled fun times with Gilbert in Liverpool and his appearance in “Doctor Who” and “Evil Russell T Davies, executive producer of “Doctor
Family and the loss of his wife
Before finding love with Lysette Anthony, Marcus Gilbert was married for 28 years to Homaa, a doctor. Their union resulted in the birth of two children, Maximilian and Aaliya. The loss of Homaa in 2020 was a profound blow to the actor, who described her as a woman with an “intoxicating, tireless” laugh.
Homaa passed away following complications from surgery to remove pancreatic cancer, after spending five weeks in an Unidade of Terapia Intensiva. Gilbert expressed that her death left him unprepared to get involved with anyone else, as he could not imagine loving anyone other than her.
Posthumous tributes to Marcus frequently mentioned
Repercussion among fans and colleagues
The announcement of Marcus Gilbert’s death generated a wave of solidarity and sadness among his followers and professionals in the entertainment industry. Mensagens of grief and admiration spread across social media, cementing recognition of his talent and the impact he had on the lives of many.
