Lysette Anthony Shares Heartbreaking Memories as Marcus Gilbert Passes Away After Cancer Battle in London

Lysette Anthony, the 62-year-old actress known for her striking presence on screen, is navigating an overwhelming wave of grief following the death of her partner Marcus Gilbert.

Gilbert, who played Rupert Campbell-Black in the first television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s Riders, passed away in January at age 67 after a brave battle with cancer.

Their renewed relationship, which began in January 2023, had been a deeply cherished chapter in both of their lives.

A Rekindled Love After Three Decades

Lysette and Marcus first met decades earlier on the set of A Ghost in Monte Carlo, sharing a brief romantic connection.

Fate brought them back together years later when Marcus, recently widowed, reached out after learning of Lysette’s Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Their reunion quickly blossomed into a passionate, life-affirming relationship that Lysette describes as a “partnership of dreams.”

She recalls feeling “like a prize” for the first time in her life, while Marcus was “giddy” with happiness, embracing a love he thought might never come again.

Triumphs and Challenges Amid Illness

Despite Marcus’s cancer diagnosis and Lysette’s Parkinson’s struggles, the couple lived life fully together during their time as partners.

They celebrated moments of joy, from scenic drives and walks with Marcus’s golden retriever, Delilah, to intimate evenings and shared laughter.

Marcus’s determination to live vibrantly, even through chemotherapy and pain, left a profound impression on Lysette, who describes him as “stoic and magnificent.”

Yet their journey wasn’t without heartache.

Marcus had longstanding friendships with women who had been part of his late wife’s life, creating tensions that occasionally left Lysette feeling excluded.

A disagreement just weeks before his death—over Marcus spending time with these old friends—was the last time Lysette saw him.

She recounts the anguish of being distanced at such a critical moment, compounded by the difficulty of navigating her own health challenges.

Heartbreak and Unanswered Questions

The couple’s last months were marked by extraordinary love and extraordinary challenges.

Marcus’s illness worsened, spreading to his liver and bones, while Lysette battled Parkinson’s symptoms that increasingly restricted her daily life.

She recalls the profound sorrow of learning about his death not through him or his family, but from a mutual friend, adding a layer of shock and confusion to her grief.

“I feel broken,” she admits, reflecting on the unanswered questions and unspoken words that remain between them.

Memories of Joy and the Third Act

Despite the sorrow, Lysette clings to memories of happiness and shared adventures.

Their “third act” together was filled with laughter, film projects, and even small daily joys like walks in meadows and shared meals.

They marked milestones like completing chemotherapy and celebrated life in intimate ways that underscored their deep connection.

Lysette speaks fondly of their time together as a rare and luminous period in her life, even as she struggles to reconcile it with the pain of loss.

The Family Factor and Social Media Shock

Navigating Marcus’s existing family dynamics was another layer of complexity.

Lysette was often reminded of her position in the pecking order, a reality shaped by decades of pre-existing relationships.

This tension culminated in the painful moment when Marcus’s family shared a photograph of him after his death on social media—a decision that brought Lysette shock and heartbreak, though she ultimately recognizes it as part of how people grieve differently.

What’s Next?

Lysette Anthony faces the challenging road of mourning while managing her Parkinson’s symptoms, which have become increasingly severe.

She continues to honor the memory of Marcus Gilbert, cherishing their time together and the love they shared.

Looking ahead, Lysette may focus on her creative projects and advocacy for Parkinson’s awareness, channeling her grief into work and personal growth.

Summary

Lysette Anthony is navigating profound grief after the death of Marcus Gilbert, her partner of three years.

Their rekindled love followed decades after a brief early romance and was marked by joy, illness, and challenges with family dynamics.

Despite moments of exclusion and tension, their relationship represented a rare period of happiness in Lysette’s life.

As she continues to cope with both loss and Parkinson’s disease, she reflects on their extraordinary time together and the enduring impact of Marcus’s love.