Mark Rylance Mourns Wife Claire Van Kampen After Her Passing at Age 71

By Jurassic JennJan 19, 2025 17:42 PMStar Facts
Share:
Mark Rylance, Claire Van Kampen. Source: independent

Mark Rylance confirmed the passing of his wife, Claire Van Kampen, on Saturday, January 18. She succumbed to cancer at the age of 71. A statement from Rylance and their daughter Juliet was shared with PEOPLE.

Rylance and Juliet revealed that Claire died "surrounded by family" in Kassel, Germany. This date marks Rylance's 65th birthday.

"Claire Louise van Kampen, Lady Rylance, passed away this morning at 11:47 in Kassel, Germany, surrounded by her family," they stated. They shared that Claire died of cancer just as Mark Rylance entered a new year of his life. They fondly noted that she leaves behind her eldest daughter, Juliet, two husbands, and numerous cherished friends across England and America.

Mark Rylance, Claire Van Kampen. Source: telegraph

Her family described Claire as "one of the funniest and inspiring women we have ever known." They expressed gratitude for the enduring "magic, music, laughter, and love" she brought into their lives.

Claire's battle with cancer was known before her death, as reported by BBC News.

Born in London, Claire trained at the Royal College of Music and specialized in piano and music theory. She launched her theatre career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1986, becoming the first female musical director there. In 1987, she joined the Royal National Theatre and met Rylance while working on a play he featured in.

Claire later served as associate to Rylance at the Globe Theatre, where she worked for two decades. They married in 1989, with Rylance stepping in as a father figure to her daughters from a previous relationship. Tragically, her youngest daughter, Nataasha, passed away at 28 in 2012.

Mark Rylance, Claire Van Kampen. Source: nationalworld

In recent years, Claire contributed her talents as a Globe associate and worked as a senior research fellow for early modern music. She also served as a creative associate at the Old Vic Theatre in London.

Reflecting on his late wife in 2023, Rylance stated, "Claire completely changed my life. She introduced me to that world of classical and modern music, and it was around music that we fell in love." He acknowledged the children they raised together and noted that their projects felt like their own children, emphasizing Claire's role as "the rock of my life."

Earlier, SSP wrote that Katy Perry expressed excitement for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour after their feud.

Top Articles

Meaning of double rainbow as a spiritual sign from above

Oct 16, 2024 13:27 PM

Symbolism and meaning of the cricket as a spirit animal

Oct 15, 2024 13:01 PM

Meaning of the yellow butterfly. Symbolism and spiritual meaning of the encounter

Oct 15, 2024 15:05 PM

Keep seeing the number of angel 2222? Read its spiritual meaning

Oct 14, 2024 17:01 PM
More News

Beyond Beauty: The Spiritual Symbolism of Belly Button Piercings

Apr 1, 2025 21:16 PM

What does a Palm Mean in Your Dream?

Apr 1, 2025 20:54 PM

Three zodiac signs are entering a period ripe for self-reflection and inner growth

Apr 1, 2025 19:52 PM

The Spiritual Meaning of Mushrooms in Your Yard

Apr 1, 2025 17:53 PM

Embracing life's pleasures while being mindful: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 17:42 PM

Three Zodiac Signs Facing Tests of Patience

Apr 1, 2025 16:17 PM

Exploring new career paths and seek fresh opportunities: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 14:29 PM

Three zodiac signs are set for transformative growth and fulfillment

Apr 1, 2025 12:21 PM

The emotional highs and lows may happen more frequently: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 11:18 AM

Three zodiac signs will find themselves imbued with a sense of adventure: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 10:34 AM

The Rotten Egg Smell in Your Home: A Spiritual Meaning

Apr 1, 2025 10:13 AM

Familial Conflicts Ahead for Three Zodiac Signs

Apr 1, 2025 09:51 AM

Three zodiac signs will experience a surge in humor: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 09:08 AM

Three zodiac signs are encouraged to tap into their visionary thinking: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 08:26 AM

The Sacred Posture: The Spiritual Power of Kneeling Across Faiths

Apr 1, 2025 08:03 AM

Three zodiac signs will experience a surge of energy: horoscope for April 1

Apr 1, 2025 07:43 AM

What Does a Jackal Symbolize in Your Dream?

Apr 1, 2025 07:22 AM

A sense of contentment and happiness: horoscope for April

Apr 1, 2025 07:03 AM

Three zodiac signs can expect promising career developments

Mar 31, 2025 21:37 PM

What does a Cobra mean in your dream?

Mar 31, 2025 20:54 PM

Three zodiac signs are poised to embark on a transformative journey

Mar 31, 2025 20:33 PM

Helen Mirren Critiques James Bond Films for ‘Profound Sexism’

Mar 31, 2025 20:15 PM

Three zodiac signs should be ready for a life-altering surge in luck and success at the beginning of 2026

Mar 31, 2025 20:15 PM

Kanye West States He Never Wanted Children with Kim Kardashian

Mar 31, 2025 19:25 PM

Three zodiac signs expected to embrace spontaneity without fear: horoscope for March 31

Mar 31, 2025 19:08 PM

Three zodiac signs should embrace new worldviews

Mar 31, 2025 18:46 PM