Nabil Shaban, the iconic actor known for portraying the villain Sil in Doctor Who, passed away at the age of 72. A British national born in Jordan, Shaban made his mark on the science fiction series in the acclaimed 1985 storyline titled Vengeance on Varos. He returned to the role a year later in the Mindwarp segment of The Trial of a Time Lord. His performance as Sil has left a lasting impression on fans and was further celebrated in various audio adventures produced by Big Finish.
Contributions Beyond Doctor Who
In addition to his role in Doctor Who, Shaban appeared in numerous films including City of Joy, Wittgenstein, Born on Fire, and Children of Men. However, his legacy extends beyond acting. In 1980, he co-founded the Graeae Theatre Company with Richard Tomlinson. This organization is recognized as Britain’s leading theatre company dedicated to deaf and disabled artists.
Shaban’s motivation for establishing Graeae stemmed from his own experiences living with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that results in fragile bones. His work with the company has significantly impacted the representation of disabled performers in the arts.
A Tribute to His Legacy
The official Instagram account of Graeae Theatre Company honored Shaban with a heartfelt tribute, featuring a portrait of him and acknowledging his extraordinary contributions. The post emphasized that his efforts were instrumental in breaking down barriers within theatre, and expressed condolences to his family and friends.
- Tributes from colleagues and fans poured in over social media.
- Nicola Bryant, known for her role as Peri Brown in Doctor Who, shared her sadness at his passing, calling him a “wonderful actor” and a “good friend.”
- Phil Newman, a set and costume designer, remembered him as an incredible actor and professional, offering condolences to his family.
- Director Keith Barnfather praised Shaban for his resilience and indomitable spirit throughout his life.
Nabil Shaban’s journey was not just about acting. He transformed perceptions surrounding disability in the arts, leaving an indelible mark on both theatre and television. His contributions to the landscape of British theatre will be cherished and remembered long after his passing.
