Adrian Schiller's cause of death revealed after The Last Kingdom star  died 'suddenly and unexpectedly' aged 60

Adrian Schiller’s cause of death has been revealed as a 'major ischaemic stroke', his agent confirmed on Friday. 

The actor, who was best known for his roles in The Last Kingdom and three series of ITV drama Victoria, in which he played Cornelius Penge, died aged 60 at home on the morning of April 3.

Scott Marshall Partners, who represented him for more than three decades, added in a statement to PA Media: 'While his death has left his family and friends shocked and grief-stricken, it is of some comfort to know that he will have died almost instantly and not felt any pain.

'We can also confirm that his funeral will be in May, with a larger memorial and celebration of his life to be held later in the year.'

Schiller also starred in BBC series Death In Paradise and historical dramas The Musketeers on the BBC and The Devil’s Whore on Channel 4.

Adrian Schiller’s cause of death has been revealed as a 'major ischaemic stroke', his agent confirmed on Friday 

He was recently seen in an episode of BBC detective series Father Brown in January.

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

He also appeared in TV series including A Touch Of Frost, Raised By Wolves, Residue, The Hollow Crown, Doctor Who, New Tricks, Being Human, Silent Witness, Judge John Deed and My Family.

According to the Stroke Association, an ischaemic stroke happens 'when a blockage cuts off the blood supply to part of your brain, killing brain cells'.

The charity adds that 'around 85% of strokes in the UK are ischaemic strokes', making them the most common type of stroke.

News of his death came from his agent Scott Marshall Partners with a statement reading: '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.'

Scott Marshall Partners, who represented him, added in a statement: 'It is of some comfort to know that he will have died almost instantly and not felt any pain'

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

Schilling leaves behind his partner Milena and young 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 Schiller's partner and son: 

'Dear all. This is Ginny. 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.'

Ginny added that a trust has been set up in Schiller's son's name: '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. Please don't send flowers but if anyone wants to make a gesture, we will be setting up Trust for Gabriel and there's a link below.' 

The actor rarely shared photos of his family, but in 2018, shortly after his son Gabriel was born, he posted photos of his baby boy after he underwent open heart surgery, writing: 'Two weeks ago he had open heart surgery. And he’s back, and he’s fighting, and my heart is so full. It’s personal, but I want to share it with the world. #GoGabriel.' 

Schiller was best known for his role in The Last Kingdom, joining the third season of the historical drama series in 2018 to play the antagonistic ruler Aethelhelm.

The TV star had also made appearances in Doctor Who and starred alongside Harry Potter actress Emma Watson in the Disney live-action version of Beauty and the Beast in 2017.

In 2021 Adrian appeared in episodes of the mystery series Death in Paradise.

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 Schiller's partner and son

Adrian's X account shared a 2021 photo of the actor with his young son Gabriel as they asked for donations to a trust set up in his son's name 

Just prior to his death, Adrian had been starring in an international tour of three-hour play The Lehman Trilogy (pictured in February 2024 in the role)

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

The TV star had also made appearances in Doctor Who and starred alongside Harry Potter actress Emma Watson in the Disney live-action version of Beauty and the Beast

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

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

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

He was also known for his stage work, and last year was cast in The White Factory at Marylebone Theatre.

Just prior to his death, Adrian had been starring in an international tour of three-hour play The Lehman Trilogy.

The official X account for The Lehman Trilogy shared: 'We are deeply saddened and shocked to have lost our company member and friend, Adrian Schiller.'

'Adrian played Henry Lehman in the international production of The Lehman Trilogy. He was a highly respected and much-loved part of the company.'

Friends and colleagues of the actor posted messages on X with actress Tracy-Ann Oberman writing: 'Absolutely gutted to hear'

Schiller is pictured with his Victoria co-star Anna Wilson-Jones, promoting the drama on This Morning in 2016

Rufus Norris, Director of National Theatre, said: 'We are deeply saddened and shocked to have lost our company member and friend, Adrian Schiller. Adrian was a wonderful actor, and the National Theatre had the pleasure of working with him throughout the breadth of his career.

'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.'

'Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.'

Friends and colleagues of the actor paid tribute, with actress Tracy-Ann Oberman, who starred opposite Adrian in The Merchant Of Venice, writing: 'Absolutely gutted to hear about the sudden passing of @Grumbletwat #AdrianSchiller - the most wonderful actor , ally and mensch. So sorry to hear this news. May your memory be a blessing'.

Tilly Steele, who appeared in Victoria with Adrian, wrote: '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.'

Screenwriter Sarah Phelps said: 'Oh god, dreadful, dreadful news about Adrian Schiller. Brilliant actor. I used to be his dresser at the RSC and he was lovely and so funny. Heartfelt condolences to all his family and his friends.'

He was also known for his stage work, pictured in Love Labour's Lost at the Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park with Rebecca Johnson in 2001 

Pictured playing Ian Dury in Hit Me! at the Leicester Square Theatre in 2009 

Director Stephen Unwin posted: 'RIP the wonderful, wondrous, Adrian Schiller.' 

Other fans and colleagues also shared their own touching tributes to Adrian.

'I worked with Adrian Schiller and kept in touch with him here. He was a brilliant actor and a brilliant person - kind, funny and socially concerned. I'm heartbroken that he's gone;'

'Sad news about Adrian Schiller. Such a terrific actor and he was on mighty find form in ''The White Factor'' last year. Thoughts with Ginny & all of their family and friends. May he RIP.'