Mark Rylance Mourns Wife Claire Van Kampen After She Dies at Age 71 on His Birthday: ‘Her Magic, Music, Laughter’

Claire van Kampen, renowned theatre director and wife of Mark Rylance, has passed away following a battle with cancer. She was 71 years old.

Her passing was confirmed by Rylance and her daughter Juliet in a statement, noting she passed away “surrounded by family” in Kassel, Germany, on Rylance’s 65th birthday, Saturday, Jan. 18.

“Claire Louise van Kampen, Lady Rylance, passed away this morning, Saturday the 18th of January at 11:47, in the historic town of Kassel, Germany, surrounded by her family,” the statement read.

“Claire’s passing leaves behind her eldest daughter, Juliet Rylance, her two husbands, and numerous cherished friends across England and America.”

Described as “one of the most humorous and inspiring women we have ever known,” her family expressed their gratitude for her influence in their lives, stating, “We are thankful for her magic, music, laughter, and love.”

Claire was diagnosed with cancer prior to her passing, as reported by BBC News.

Born in London, she studied piano and music theory at the Royal College of Music. Her theatre career began in 1986 when she became the first female musical director at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

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Claire met Rylance in 1987 while working as a musical director at the Royal National Theatre, where he was performing in a play.

The couple married in 1989, and Rylance became stepfather to her two daughters from a previous marriage. Tragically, her youngest daughter, Nataasha, passed away in 2012 due to a brain hemorrhage.

Reflecting on their relationship, Rylance shared in an interview that Claire profoundly impacted his life and introduced him to a world of classical and modern music.

“Claire changed my life entirely. Our projects became our children, and she was the foundation of my life,” Rylance remarked.