Tributes pour in for Death in Paradise star Adrian Schiller after 'unexpected' death

Tributes have poured in for Death in Paradise star Adrian Schiller following the news of his death.

The British actor’s agent announced today (April 4) that his death was “sudden and unexpected”.

The 60-year-old is known for playing rich ealdorman Aethelhelm in Netflix historical series The Last Kingdom and steward Cornelius Penge in ITV royal drama Victoria.

Schiller was also known for his appearances in BBC Caribbean-set detective series Death In Paradise and historical dramas The Musketeers on the BBC and The Devil’s Whore on Channel 4.

Scott Marshall Partners, who represented him for more than three decades, said in a statement: “He has died far too soon, and we, his family and close friends are devastated by the loss.

“His death was sudden and unexpected and no further details around its cause are yet available.

“A prodigiously talented actor, he had just returned from Sydney, where he had been appearing in The Lehman Trilogy and was looking forward to continuing the international tour in San Francisco.”

Tributes pour in as Death in Paradise star Adrian Schiller dies aged 60

Also known for his theatre work, Schiller was among the cast in Second World War play The White Factory at Marylebone Theatre last year.

His agent also said he “enjoyed a varied and successful career across all media”.

“Our deepest condolences go to his family, who ask for privacy at this most difficult of times,” the statement also said.

The White Factory writer Dmitry Glukhovsky wrote on Instagram that Schiller performed “brilliantly” as Chaim Rumkowski and “without him, our piece would have not been the same”.

Paying tribute, the outgoing director of the National Theatre Rufus Norris said he was “deeply saddened and shocked” by the loss of a company member.

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“Adrian was a wonderful actor, and the National Theatre had the pleasure of working with him throughout the breadth of his career,” he added, in the statement shared on social media.

“His recent performance as Henry Lehman in the Australian premiere of The Lehman Trilogy was superb and his presence within the company will be greatly missed.”

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The Marylebone Theatre took to X, formerly Twitter, to pay tribute to Schiller, saying: “The Marylebone Theatre team is devastated to hear of the passing of the incredible actor, Adrian Schiller.

“We were privileged to work with Adrian on "The White Factory”.

“Our thoughts go out to all of Adrian's friends and family.”

Actress Tilly Steele who starred in Doctor Who also took to X to pay tribute, writing: “I cannot believe that Adrian Schiller has died. He was a remarkable actor and person. I’m completely in shock and I’m thinking of everyone who knew him and was close to him.”

EastEnders star Tracy-Ann Oberman paid tribute via the social media platform, saying: “Absolutely gutted to hear about the sudden passing of @Grumblet*** #AdrianSchiller - the most wonderful actor , ally and mensch. So sorry to hear this news. May your memory be a blessing.”