Simon MacCorkindale, the British actor known for his roles in Death on the Nile, Jaws 3-D, and the BBC medical drama Casualty, died on 14 October 2010 at the age of 58. His death marked the end of a career that spanned four decades, moving from stage to film to television, and included work as a producer and director.
Born in Ely, Cambridgeshire, MacCorkindale built a reputation as a versatile performer who worked across genres. His private battle with cancer, his marriage to actress Susan George, and his contributions to British television remain key parts of his legacy.
How Did Simon MacCorkindale Die?
Simon Charles Pendered MacCorkindale
12 February 1952, Ely, England – 14 October 2010 (aged 58)
Actor in Death on the Nile, Jaws 3-D, Casualty
Susan George (m. 1984–2010)
- Simon MacCorkindale died from bowel cancer at age 58 after a private battle.
- He was married to actress Susan George for 26 years until his death; they had no children.
- His most iconic roles include Simon Doyle in Death on the Nile and Dr. Charles Barker in Casualty.
- Beyond acting, he worked as a director and producer, founding his own production company.
- His net worth at death is estimated between $1–5 million, derived from acting and production work.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cause of death | Bowel cancer (colon cancer) |
| Date of death | 14 October 2010 |
| Spouse | Susan George (married 1984–2010) |
| Children | None |
| Education | Trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama |
Reports from multiple sources, including Wikipedia and The Guardian obituary, confirm that MacCorkindale died from bowel cancer. Some sources, such as IMDb, also reference bowel and lung cancer. He passed away at home in London with his wife by his side.
MacCorkindale kept his illness largely private. He did not publicly disclose the date of his diagnosis, and very few details about his treatment were shared during his life.
Who Was Simon MacCorkindale Married To? Did He Have Children?
MacCorkindale was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Fiona Fullerton from 1976 to 1982. They separated amicably, and Fullerton later described him as a kind and decent man.
On 5 October 1984, he married actress Susan George. They remained together until his death in 2010. According to The Scotsman obituary, the couple had no children. Multiple sources, including Spanish Wikipedia, confirm this. MacCorkindale had no children from either marriage.
What Was Simon MacCorkindale’s Net Worth?
No official figure for MacCorkindale’s net worth has ever been disclosed by his estate or family. Estimates vary widely, with some sources suggesting a range of $1 million to $5 million. These are speculative, as no reliable or audited financial records are publicly available.
Net worth figures for public figures are often estimated by third-party sites and may not reflect actual assets or estate values. In MacCorkindale’s case, no official statement was made.
His income came from acting roles, directing, and producing. He and Susan George founded a production company called Amy International Artists, which produced several film projects.
What Movies and TV Shows Did Simon MacCorkindale Appear In?
MacCorkindale’s first major film role was in 1978’s Death on the Nile, an Agatha Christie adaptation in which he played Simon Doyle. The film was a commercial success and remains one of his most recognized performances.
He went on to appear in Jaws 3-D in 1983, a role that brought him international visibility. He also appeared in The Riddle of the Sands and, in 1988, starred alongside his wife Susan George in Stealing Heaven.
Television Career and Casualty
On television, MacCorkindale played Dr. Charles Barker in the BBC’s Casualty from 1998 to 2000. This role introduced him to a new generation of British viewers. He also appeared in the U.S. series Manimal (1983), Falcon Crest, and Counterstrike, a series he co-produced.
Stage Work
His final West End stage role was in The Sound of Music, which he performed shortly before his death. He had begun his career in theatre and always considered the stage a vital part of his craft.
MacCorkindale worked across film, television, and theatre. He also directed and produced, notably co-founding the production company Amy International Artists with his wife Susan George.
What Was Simon MacCorkindale’s Net Worth?
As noted earlier, no verified net worth figure exists. The absence of any estate disclosure or probate filing in accessible public records means that all online estimates should be treated as approximations. His income sources included acting fees, directing work, and production company earnings.
Where Was Simon MacCorkindale’s Funeral Held and Are There Last Photos?
No public or official account of MacCorkindale’s funeral has been made available. The available sources, including Wikipedia and The Scotsman, report his death and obituary coverage but do not include funeral details. It is widely believed that the service was private, at the request of his family.
Similarly, no verified “last photo” of MacCorkindale exists in the public domain. Most images available online date from his career years or professional headshots. His family did not release any posthumous photographs.
Timeline of Simon MacCorkindale’s Life and Career
- 1952 – Born in Ely, Cambridgeshire, England.
- 1970s – Early theatre and television roles; breakthrough in The Spoils of Poynton (1971).
- 1978 – Played Simon Doyle in Death on the Nile.
- 1983 – Starred in Jaws 3-D.
- 1984 – Married actress Susan George.
- 1988 – Directed and produced Stealing Heaven with Susan George.
- 1998 – Played Dr. Charles Barker in BBC’s Casualty (role until 2000).
- 2010 – Died from bowel cancer at his home in London.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Cause of death: bowel cancer (confirmed by obituaries and family statements) | Exact net worth figures vary; no official estate disclosure |
| Marriage to Susan George until his death | Funeral details remain private; no public service reported |
| No biological children | No verified last photo exists in public domain |
| Major film and TV roles (Death on the Nile, Jaws 3-D, Casualty) | The precise date of his cancer diagnosis is not publicly known |
What Was Simon MacCorkindale’s Place in the Entertainment Industry?
Simon MacCorkindale was part of a generation of British actors who moved fluidly between film, television, and stage during the 1970s and 1980s. His marriage to Susan George was a prominent show business partnership, but the couple maintained a low-key private life. His role in Casualty introduced him to a new generation of TV viewers in the UK, and his character’s tenure is often remembered fondly. His death at 58 from a treatable form of cancer prompted some discussion about awareness and early detection, though his family kept his illness private.
What Did Those Close to Him Say After His Death?
“Simon MacCorkindale, who has died of cancer aged 58, on the brink of a new career in television in the United States…”
“He was a wonderful husband and my best friend.”
— Susan George, in a statement following his death (as reported by BBC News)
Summary – Who Was Simon MacCorkindale?
Simon MacCorkindale was a British actor, director, and producer whose career spanned four decades. He is remembered for his roles in Death on the Nile, Jaws 3-D, and Casualty. He was married to actress Susan George for 26 years, and the couple had no children. He died from bowel cancer in 2010 at age 58. Read more about his professional journey and the legacy he left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simon MacCorkindale
What was Simon MacCorkindale’s last movie?
His last credited acting role is uncertain, as his final film work is not clearly documented across reliable sources. He continued television work after his film roles ended.
Did Simon MacCorkindale have children from previous relationships?
No, he had no children from any relationship.
What was Simon MacCorkindale’s net worth at death?
Estimates from various sources range from $1 million to $5 million, though no official figure has been confirmed.
How long was Simon MacCorkindale on Casualty?
He played Dr. Charles Barker on the BBC series from 1998 to 2000, appearing in two seasons.
What type of cancer did Simon MacCorkindale have?
He had bowel cancer. Some sources also mention lung cancer as a secondary condition.
Was Simon MacCorkindale’s funeral public?
No. No public funeral was reported, and it is believed the service was private for family only.
Did Simon MacCorkindale direct any films?
Yes. He directed and produced Stealing Heaven (1988) and worked as a producer on several other projects through his company Amy International Artists.
What was Simon MacCorkindale’s first marriage?
He was married to actress Fiona Fullerton from 1976 to 1982.
Where was Simon MacCorkindale born?
He was born in Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, on 12 February 1952.
Is there a last known photo of Simon MacCorkindale?
No verified last photograph exists in the public domain. His family did not release any posthumous images.
Victoria Winslow is Editor-in-Chief at ShowbizUK.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, editorial standards, publication decisions, source review and content quality across the publication.