Simon MacCorkindale, the British actor known for his distinctive presence on both stage and screen, passed away on October 14, 2010, at the age of 58. His death, after a prolonged battle with cancer, marked the end of a career that spanned four decades and crossed between the United Kingdom and Hollywood. He died peacefully at the London Clinic, held in the arms of his wife, actress Susan George.
MacCorkindale’s life was defined by versatility. He moved from West End theatre to Agatha Christie film adaptations, from cult sci-fi television to a long-running role in one of the BBC’s most popular medical dramas. He also worked as a director, producer, and writer, building a career that reflected a steady commitment to his craft. His death at a relatively young age brought renewed attention to his work and to the illness that ultimately took his life.
This article draws on verified sources to provide a clear account of how Simon MacCorkindale died, who he was married to, what he achieved in his career, and what is known about his legacy and finances. Where information remains uncertain, that is made explicit.
How Did Simon MacCorkindale Die? A Detailed Look at His Cause of Death
- Simon MacCorkindale passed away at age 58 after a five-year battle with colorectal cancer.
- He was married to fellow actor Susan George for over 26 years until his death.
- Although he had no biological children, he was a stepfather to Susan George’s son from a previous relationship.
- His most recognized roles include Simon Doyle in ‘Death on the Nile’ and Dr. William ‘Will’ Dexter in BBC’s ‘Casualty’.
- Beyond acting, he built a successful career as a producer and director, founding his own production company.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Simon Charles Pendered MacCorkindale |
| Born | 12 February 1952, Ely, Cambridgeshire, England |
| Died | 14 October 2010 (aged 58), London, England |
| Cause of Death | Colorectal cancer (bowel cancer) that metastasized to the lungs |
| Spouse | Susan George (m. 1984; his death 2010) |
| Children | None (stepfather to one son) |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Producer, Writer |
| Net Worth (Est.) | ~$5 million at time of death |
MacCorkindale was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006 while he was filming Casualty. He underwent surgery that initially sent the cancer into remission, according to reporting by BBC News. However, a year later, the cancer metastasized to his lungs. In November 2009, he publicly announced that the disease was terminal. He died after the cancer spread to both his bowel and lungs, succumbing to bowel and lung cancer, as confirmed by CBS News and Wikipedia.
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, affects the colon or rectum. When detected early, it is highly treatable. In MacCorkindale’s case, the cancer returned and spread to the lungs despite initial successful surgery. His decision to speak publicly about his diagnosis helped raise awareness about the disease and the importance of screening.
Who Was Simon MacCorkindale Married To? His Life with Susan George
Marriage to Susan George
Simon MacCorkindale married British actress Susan George on October 5, 1984. The couple remained together until his death in 2010, a marriage that lasted over 26 years. According to the Television Academy, George was his second wife. His first marriage was to actress Fiona Fullerton, which lasted from 1976 until their divorce in 1981 or 1982.
Did They Have Children?
Simon MacCorkindale and Susan George did not have biological children together. Sources consistently note that he had no children of his own. He was, however, a stepfather to Susan George’s son from a previous relationship. The couple shared a close bond and raised Arabian horses together at their home in England. George also produced some of his films, as noted on his IMDb page.
MacCorkindale and George met in the early 1980s and married in 1984. Their marriage was one of the more stable unions in the British entertainment industry, lasting until his death. George was with him at the London Clinic when he passed away, holding him in her arms.
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