"Heartbreak in the Saddle: Marcus Gilbert, Beloved 'Riders' Star and Rupert Campbell-Black Actor, Dies at 67 After Courageous Cancer Battle—Just Years After Finding Love with Co-Star Lysette Anthony"
The equestrian world—and British television—are mourning the loss of Marcus Gilbert, the dashing actor best known for his iconic portrayal of the arrogant yet magnetic Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1993 cult classic Riders. Gilbert passed away peacefully at the age of 67 following a private but valiant battle with cancer, his family confirmed this week.
His death has sent shockwaves through fans of the Jilly Cooper adaptation—a steamy, horse-filled drama that became a defining role of his career—and comes just three years after he found unexpected late-in-life happiness with his Riders co-star, actress Lysette Anthony.
A Star Born in the Saddle
For many, Marcus Gilbert was Rupert Campbell-Black—the brooding, ruthlessly competitive showjumper whose charm, swagger, and complicated morality made him both infuriating and irresistible. Based on Jilly Cooper’s bestselling novel, Riders captured the glamour, scandal, and raw passion of the British equestrian elite, with Gilbert at its center like a thoroughbred in full flight.
Though he appeared in numerous TV shows—including The Bill, Casualty, and Midsomer Murders—it was his turn as Rupert that cemented his place in pop culture history. Women swooned; men envied him. And even decades later, fans still quote his lines and rewatch scenes of him galloping across sun-drenched fields in that signature white jodhpur ensemble.
“Marcus didn’t just play Rupert—he embodied him,” said a longtime friend and fellow actor. “He had that rare mix of arrogance and vulnerability. You hated him… until you understood him. That’s great acting.”
A Late-Life Love Story
Behind the scenes, Gilbert’s personal life was far less dramatic—until recently. After decades of quiet solitude following an earlier marriage, he reconnected with Lysette Anthony, who played his on-screen love interest Phoebe in Riders. What began as nostalgic friendship blossomed into a tender romance in their golden years.
“They found each other again when they least expected it,” shared a mutual friend. “After years of being single, Marcus was suddenly smiling more, calling her ‘my Phoebe’ off-camera. It was beautiful to witness.”
The couple kept their relationship largely private, rarely appearing in public but often spotted walking dogs in the Cotswolds or enjoying quiet dinners with close friends. For Gilbert, who had long shunned the Hollywood spotlight, Anthony represented peace, understanding—and a second chance at love.
Tragically, their time together was cut short. Gilbert was diagnosed with cancer in late 2024. He fought with characteristic dignity, refusing public attention while undergoing treatment. Anthony stood by his side throughout, sources say, reading to him, playing music from their Riders days, and holding his hand through the hardest nights.
Tributes Pour In
News of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from co-stars, fans, and equestrian communities alike.
Jilly Cooper herself wrote on social media:
“My heart is broken. Marcus was Rupert—charming, flawed, brilliant. He brought my words to life with such fire and grace. I’ll miss his laugh, his kindness, and the way he truly loved horses.”
Lysette Anthony has not yet issued a public statement, but insiders say she is “devastated” and “drawing strength from their memories.”
Meanwhile, fans have begun leaving flowers and riding boots outside the gates of Badminton House—the real-life estate where much of Riders was filmed—as a tribute to the man who made Rupert Campbell-Black unforgettable.
Legacy Beyond the Screen
Beyond his acting, Gilbert was a passionate advocate for animal welfare and supported several equine rescue charities. He often said his happiest moments weren’t on set—but on horseback, alone in the countryside, “where the only script was the wind.”
Now, as the sun sets on his remarkable life, Marcus Gilbert leaves behind more than a cult TV role. He leaves a story of resilience, late-blooming love, and the quiet courage to face mortality with grace.
In the words of one fan’s tribute:
“He rode into our lives like a storm—and left like a sunset. Rest in peace, Rupert. Rest in peace, Marcus.”
A private funeral will be held for family and close friends, with plans for a public memorial at Badminton later this year—where, fittingly, horses will lead the procession.
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