Adrian Schiller

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Adrian Schiller
Schiller in 2016
Born
Adrian Townsend Schiller

(1964-02-21)21 February 1964
Oxford, England
Died3 April 2024(2024-04-03) (aged 60)
Norwich, Norfolk
OccupationActor
Years active1992–2024

Adrian Townsend Schiller (21 February 1964 – 3 April 2024) was an English actor. His most notable work was as Ealdorman Aethelhelm for three seasons of The Last Kingdom (2018-2022).

His tv and film credits also include A Touch of Frost (2000), Bright Star (2009), Terry Pratchett's Going Postal (2010), Being Human (2010), A Little Chaos (2014), Son of God (2014), The Danish Girl (2015), Suffragette (2015), Doctor Who (episode "The Doctor's Wife" 2011), Victoria (2016–2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017), The Mercy (2017), Tolkien (2019), Raised by Wolves (2020), Censor (2021), and The New Look (2024).

Early life and career

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Adrian Townsend Schiller was born in Oxford on 21 February 1964.[1][2] He described himself as "a Jew, but not Jewish", as he "was brought up outside of any sort of Jewish tradition".[3]

An actor on stage and screen with a career spanning over thirty years, Schiller began his television career appearing in an episode of Prime Suspect in December 1992.

Theatre

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As a British stage actor, he did substantial work at major UK companies including Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, Young Vic, Shakespeare’s Globe, ETT, and Hampstead. Notable performances include Kulygin in Three Sisters at the Young Vic (2012), and Shylock in The Merchant of Venice at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (2022). Throughout his career, he continued taking demanding stage roles alongside his screen work. Shortly before his death, he toured internationally in a production of The Lehman Trilogy, directed by Sam Mendes.[4]

Television and Film

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Schiller was the face on the anti-drink-driving PIF Moment of Doubt on British TV, part of the DfT's 'Think! Road Safety' campaign from 2007. The advert won Best Casting at the BTACA awards in December 2008.[5][6]

From 2018-2022, he played Ealdorman Aethelhelm for three seasons of The Last Kingdom.[7] In his obituary in The Guardian, journalist Michael Coveney wrote that his performance "would suggest that here was a naturally authoritative actor, blessed with gravitas and style."[4]

In 2021, he played Pasha Verdinikov in two episodes of Death in Paradise.[8]

Death

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Schiller died "suddenly and unexpectedly" on 3 April 2024, at the age of 60.[7] His death was announced the following day in a statement by his agent.[9][10][11][4] The cause of death was a major ischaemic stroke.[12] According to the Stroke Association, this happens when a blockage stops blood from reaching part of the brain, causing brain cells to die. It also notes that roughly 85% of strokes in the UK are ischaemic, making this the most common type.[12]

Stage

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Adrian Schiller at Rose Theatre 2013

Selected stage appearances:[4]

Filmography

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Computer games

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References

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  1. ^ Rosario, Alexandra Del (4 April 2024). "Adrian Schiller, British actor known for 'The Last Kingdom' and 'Victoria,' dies at 60". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  2. ^ Coveney, Michael (8 April 2024). "Adrian Schiller obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  3. ^ Maltby, Kate (3 March 2022). "The Jew(ish) actor playing Shylock at the Globe". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 4 March 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d Coveney, Michael (8 April 2024). "Adrian Schiller obituary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  5. ^ "Adrian Schiller's drink driving advert resurfaces following actor's sudden death". The Independent. 4 April 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  6. ^ Lucas, Gavin (2 December 2008). "And the BTACA winners are…". Creative Review. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  7. ^ a b "Adrian Schiller death: The Last Kingdom star dies 'suddenly' aged 60". Independent.co.uk. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  8. ^ "Death in Paradise star Adrian Schiller dies, aged 60". 4 April 2024.
  9. ^ Notice of death of Adrian Schiller, metro.co.uk Accessed 4 April 2024.
  10. ^ "ITV's Victoria actor Adrian Schiller dies 'suddenly' aged 60". ITV News. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  11. ^ "Victoria actor Adrian Schiller dies aged 60". BBC News. 4 April 2024.
  12. ^ a b "The Last Kingdom star Adrian Schiller's cause of death was ischaemic stroke". The Independent. 12 April 2024. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
  13. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (21 October 2015). "Rufus Sewell Joins ITV's 'Victoria' As Period Drama Adds More Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media, LLC. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
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