Adrian Schiller dead at 60: The Last Kingdom and Victoria actor dies ‘suddenly and unexpectedly’

British actor Adrian Schiller has died “suddenly and unexpectedly” at the age of 60.

The star was best known for his roles in The Last Kingdom and three series of the ITV drama Victoria, in which he played Cornelius Penge, a member of the royal household.

News of his death came through his agent Scott Marshall Partners on Thursday, with a statement saying: “He has died too soon, and we, his family and close friends are devastated by the loss.”

“His death was sudden and unexpected and no further details regarding his 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 hoping to continue the international tour in San Francisco.”

Schilling leaves behind his partner Milena and his son Gabriel.

The actor’s sister, Ginny, also confirmed the news in a message posted on Schiller’s Twitter account, writing that they were focused on supporting the couple and Schiller’s son:

‘Dear All. This is Ginny. I am very sorry to inform you all that our dear brother Adrian died suddenly at home yesterday.’

‘He had many very dear friends; I feel sorry for 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 are going step by step, supporting Milena and Gabriel as best we can and trying to understand the unimaginable. Please don’t send flowers but if anyone wants to make a gesture we will set up Trust for Gabriel and there is a link below.’

In 2018, Schiller joined the third season of the historical drama series The Last Kingdom, playing Aethelhelm.

His credits include Prime Suspect in 1992 and 1993, Ghosts the following year, and the television movie RKO 281 in 1999.

In the 2000s, Schiller appeared in notable British dramas including Death In Paradise, The Musketeers, The Devil’s Whore, A Touch of Frost, My Family, Judge John Deed and Silent Witness.

His last credited role before his death was in an episode of the BBC detective series Father Brown in which he played criminal Drake Underwood in an episode titled The Father, The Son.

He was also known for his stage work and last year took part in The White Factory at the Marylebone Theatre.