Simon MacCorkindale: Death, Wife and Career Facts

Some actors leave a lingering curiosity, especially when their story intersects with a beloved co‑star and a private battle. Simon MacCorkindale, the British actor known for Death on the Nile and Jaws 3‑D, is one of them — despite his passing in 2010, questions about his death, marriage to Susan George, and legacy remain common.

Born: 12 February 1952 ·
Died: 14 October 2010 (aged 58) ·
Spouse: Susan George (m. 1984) ·
Children: None ·
Notable films: Death on the Nile, Jaws 3-D

Six verified facts, one pattern: the public record is solid on his death and career, but gaps remain around his widow’s private life.

What happened to Simon MacCorkindale?

Cause of death

Simon MacCorkindale died on 14 October 2010 at the London Clinic, a private hospital on Harley Street, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 58 years old. According to BBC News (UK public broadcaster), he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006, which later spread to his lungs and was described as terminal. The actor’s publicist, Max Clifford, told the BBC that MacCorkindale died “in the arms of his wife, actress Susan George.”

Reuters (global news agency) confirmed that he died at a private clinic on Harley Street on Thursday evening, and that Susan George said he “had fought bravely against the illness.” The Guardian (UK newspaper) obituary noted that he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2007, with the cancer later metastasizing to his lungs.

Funeral and last photo

MacCorkindale’s funeral was a private affair, attended by close family and friends. No public funeral details were released, and the last known photo of the actor was taken before his diagnosis became widely known. Digital Spy (UK entertainment site) reported that he had kept his condition secret for three years after his initial diagnosis.

The implication: the public has limited access to further details, respecting the family’s privacy.

Did Simon MacCorkindale have any children?

His marriage to Susan George

Simon MacCorkindale married British actress Susan George in 1984. The couple met on the set of the film The Jigsaw Man and were together until his death. The Guardian (UK newspaper) described their marriage as a lasting partnership in an industry known for short-lived unions.

No children from marriage

MacCorkindale and George did not have any children together. Multiple sources, including BBC News, confirm that Susan George had no children from any of her relationships. This has been a frequent point of public curiosity, particularly given the couple’s high-profile status.

The pattern: the absence of descendants means his legacy is solely in his widow’s hands.

What is Simon MacCorkindale most famous for?

Early career in theatre

Before breaking into film and television, MacCorkindale trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and performed in stage productions. Reuters noted that his early career included roles in repertory theatre and the West End.

Notable films: Death on the Nile and Jaws 3-D

His big-screen breakthrough came in 1978 with Death on the Nile, an Agatha Christie adaptation starring Peter Ustinov. He played Simon Doyle, a role that brought him international recognition. In 1983, he starred in Jaws 3-D, a sequel to the blockbuster franchise, playing Philip FitzRoyce. Both films remain his most recognized works. BBC News listed these as career highlights.

Television roles

MacCorkindale was also a familiar face on British television. He appeared in the soap opera Casualty as Dr. Harry Harper, a role he played from 2002 to 2004. He also had a recurring role in the US series Falcon Crest in the 1980s. Digital Spy covered his Casualty role extensively.

The implication: his film and TV roles continue to introduce him to new audiences.

Has Susan George got a partner?

Widowhood since 2010

Since MacCorkindale’s death in 2010, Susan George has remained a widow. The Mirror (UK tabloid) reported that she was with him at the end and has not publicly discussed a new relationship. She has not remarried.

Current relationship status

No credible source has confirmed a new partner for Susan George. Rumours occasionally surface, including an alleged past relationship with footballer George Best, but these remain unsubstantiated. Reuters noted that she has kept a low profile since 2010.

The pattern: without public confirmation, speculation remains unsubstantiated.

Where does Susan George currently live?

Life after Simon’s death

Susan George has remained in the United Kingdom after her husband’s death. The Telegraph (UK broadsheet) reported that the couple’s home was in the English countryside, and she has continued to reside there. She has not moved to a new country or publicly disclosed an address change.

Residence location

While the exact property is not publicly listed, it is known that MacCorkindale and George lived in a house in the South East of England. The Telegraph mentioned that the cost of cancer treatment consumed much of their fortune, but the family home was maintained.

The implication: her decision to stay in the UK anchors her narrative and keeps her in the public eye.

Timeline

• 12 February 1952: Born in Ely, Cambridgeshire (BBC News)
• 1978: Appeared in Death on the Nile (BBC News)
• 1983: Starred in Jaws 3-D (Reuters)
• 1984: Married Susan George (The Guardian)
• 2006: Diagnosed with bowel cancer (Digital Spy)
• 2007: Cancer spread to lungs; given five years to live (The Telegraph)
• 14 October 2010: Died at age 58 (BBC News)

Clarity: Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

Quotes from those who knew him

“He died in the arms of his wife, actress Susan George.”

— Max Clifford, publicist, quoted by BBC News

“He had fought bravely against the illness.”

— Susan George, quoted by Reuters

“He projected the very English persona of an ex-public schoolboy.”

— Guardian obituary writer, The Guardian

Summary

Simon MacCorkindale’s life was one of professional achievement and personal privacy. The verified record shows a man who built a career across film, television, and theatre, married his longtime partner, and faced a terminal diagnosis with dignity. For those still searching for answers about his widow Susan George, the evidence is clear: she remains in the UK, has not remarried, and has chosen a private life. For the curious public, the implication is simple: Simon MacCorkindale’s legacy is secure, and his widow’s privacy deserves respect.

Frequently asked questions

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