Actor Nabil Shaban, best known for playing the unforgettable villain Sil in Doctor Who, has sadly died at the age of 72.
Born in Jordan and raised in the UK, Shaban first appeared as Sil in the 1985 story Vengeance on Varos, returning a year later in The Trial of a Time Lord: Mindwarp. His creepy laugh and slimy business-minded character made him one of the most memorable villains in Doctor Who history. He later brought Sil back to life through several Big Finish audio dramas, delighting fans once again.
Outside of Doctor Who, Shaban appeared in films like City of Joy, Wittgenstein, Born on Fire, and Children of Men. But his biggest legacy goes far beyond acting. In 1980, he co-founded the Graeae Theatre Company, a groundbreaking British theatre group dedicated to giving deaf and disabled artists a platform to tell their stories.
Shaban himself lived with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare brittle bone condition, which inspired him to fight for better representation and equality in the arts.
The Graeae Theatre Company shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a portrait of him with the message: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nabil Shaban, the glorious founder of Graeae. His legacy is extraordinary… Without him, the world of theatre, breaking down barriers, would have been a dull place.”
Many of his friends and colleagues also shared their memories. Doctor Who actress Nicola Bryant, who played Peri Brown, wrote: “So sorry to hear of the passing of dear Nabil Shaban. A wonderful actor, good friend and probably one of the best Doctor Who villains of all time. He worked tirelessly for disabled actors and always brought such dedication and humour to whatever he was doing.”
Set designer Phil Newman added: “RIP the incredible Nabil Shaban. An amazing actor, a gent and a star… He was a lovely man and completely professional.”
Director Keith Barnfather also paid tribute, writing: “Nabil was a phenomenon. A life force like no other. He should have died at birth… but he wouldn’t let death win. He smashed his way through prejudice, judgement, the system and his own extreme disability.”
Nabil Shaban’s life and work left a lasting mark on both the entertainment world and the fight for disability rights. His talent, humour, and determination continue to inspire those who knew him, and those who watched him light up the screen.
