British actor Adrian Schiller best known for his role in ‘The Last Kingdom’ dies ‘suddenly’ aged 60

The acting world is mourning the loss of British star Adrian Schiller, who died “suddenly and unexpectedly” at his home, aged 60.

Schiller, described as a “prodigiously talented actor”, was best known for his roles in British historical drama series The Last Kingdom and Victoria.

In an announcement on Thursday, his agent Scott Marshall Partners, who had represented the actor for 30 years, confirmed Schiller had sadly died on Wednesday.

“He has died far too soon and we, his family and close friends, are devastated by the loss,” a statement from the agency read.

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

The agency noted Schiller had just returned home from touring internationally in the Sam Mendes-directed production ‘The Lehman Trilogy’, taking his last stage bow at the Theatre Royal Sydney.

Both The Lehman Trilogy and Theatre Sydney Royal mourned the loss of the actor on social media posting they were “deeply saddened and shocked” to hear the news.

“He was a highly respected and much-loved member of the production and we are privileged to have known him,” the Theatre Sydney Royal post read.

“Adrian played the role of Henry Lehman in @thelehmantrilogy during its season here last month.”

In emotional posts to Schiller’s social media accounts, a person who said they were Schiller’s sister Ginny, also confirmed the tragic news.

“Dear all. This is Ginny,” she began. “I’m so sorry to let you all know that our beloved brother Adrian died suddenly at home yesterday.”

“He had so many very dear friends — sorry to those of you who are learning about this here. We will say more about funeral and/or memorial plans in due course.

“For now, we’re taking things one step at a time, supporting Milena and Gabriel as best we can and trying to get our heads around the unimaginable.”

Schiller, born February 21, 1964, had a varied career, ranging from TV and film to theatre and also lent his voice to video games, including Assassin’s Creed, Castlevania and Fable. As well as the Last Kindom and Victoria, his on-screen roles included The Musketeers, the live-action Beauty And The Beast, Death In Paradise, Doctor Who and A Touch Of Frost.

Actors including Richard Armitage and Alasdair Scott, who had worked with Schiller, responded online to the devastating news.

“Oh, Ginny. I’m so sorry to hear about Adrian. My thoughts are with you and your family,” wrote Richard Armitage.

“Absolutely shocked to hear this awful news,” Scott, who played Aethelhelm in the Netflix series The Last Kingdom and one year later Cornelius Penge in the drama series, Victoria, wrote.

“Thoughts and prayers with the family at this most heartbreaking of times.”

Ginny has also set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to “honour Adrian” and to help support his partner Milena and their son, Gabriel.