Nabil Shaban 1953-2025

Saturday, 25 October 2025 - Reported by Marcus

The actor and writer Nabil Shaban has died at the age of 72.

Nabil Shaban will be best remembered by Doctor Who fans for his delicious portrayal of Sil, the odious and unctuous character created by Philip Martin for the 1984 story Vengeance on Varos. So successful was the character that he returned in the following season in Mindwarp.

Shaban would later recreate the character in audio form for Big Finish.

Nicola Bryant, who played Peri alongside Shaban, said

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

Nabil Shaban was born in Amman, Jordan

As a child, he was diagnosed with brittle bone disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, resulting in him moving to England for medical care, where he grew up in a series of hospitals and residential homes.

After graduating from the University of Surrey, Shaban founded the Graeae Theatre Company, an organisation composed of disabled artists and theatre makers. He performed major roles in many Graeae productions, including: Hamlet, Godspell, The Emperor, and Fleshfly.

Shaban’s film work includes parts in City of Joy, Wittgenstein and Born on Fire, whilst on television he has had numerous roles in Channel 4 and BBC productions

Nabil Shaban died on the 18th October 2025. He is survived by his wife Marcela Krystkova and their child.

Sil and the Governor Negotiate

FILTER: - Obituary