BBC Wolf Hall star Claire van Kampen dies at 71 on birthday of actor husband Sir Mark Rylance
Director Claire van Kampen has died aged 71 after being diagnosed with cancer, passing away on the 65th birthday of her husband Sir Mark Rylance.
Van Kampen died on Saturday morning in the German town of Kassel, surrounded by her family.
The news was confirmed in a statement shared on behalf of Sir Mark and her daughter Juliet.
The family statement described her as “one of the funniest and (most) inspiring women we have ever known.”
“We thank her for imbuing our lives with her magic, music, laughter, and love,” the statement continued.
It concluded with a poetic tribute: “Ring the bell, sound the trumpets reverie, something is done, something is beginning. One of the great wise ones has passed.”
Van Kampen trained at the Royal College of Music in London, studying music theory and piano with a specialisation in 20th century music performance.
She began her theatre career in 1986 with the Royal Shakespeare Company, joining the Royal National Theatre the following year.
From 1996 to 2006, she served as artistic associate at Shakespeare’s Globe during Sir Mark’s tenure as artistic director.
She later continued her connection with the Globe as musical consultant and resident composer under artistic director Dominic Dromgoole from 2007 to 2015.
She also composed the music for BBC series Wolf Hall, as well as music for her husband’s performance in the 1989 Hamlet.
Throughout her career, she worked as a composer and performer, creating music for theatre, radio, television, film soundtracks and concert halls.
She was also appointed as a creative associate at London’s prestigious Old Vic theatre.
Van Kampen was previously married to architect Christopher van Kampen, with whom she had two daughters, Juliet and Nataasha.
Her youngest daughter Nataasha, who worked as a filmmaker, died in 2012 at the age of 28 after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
It didn’t take long for social media users to flood platforms with heartfelt tributes, with Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans, co-artistic directors at Royal Shakespeare Company, writing a lengthy tribute on X.
It read: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Claire van Kampen today.Claire was a true genius, not only in her music but also in her understanding of Shakespeare and of the relationship between actor, audience, text, music and silence in so many forms of storytelling.
“Her score for Pericles this season was a thing of wonder and beauty, which captivated audiences at the Swan and in Chicago alike.
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“The world is a far more beautiful place for having had her in it. Our thoughts are with all those, near and far, who were lucky enough to know her.”
One fan penned: “Heartbroken to hear of Claire van Kampen’s passing. Such a kind, funny and genius talented person. I’m blessed that I knew her at all. Huge Love to Mark and their family.”
“So sad to hear about claire van kampen. she was super talented and will be missed by so many, sending love to her fam and everyone who knew her,” another shared.
Someone else posted: “Sending love to mark rylance & his stepdaughter juliet today as his wife/her mom, claire van kampen, has passed away from cancer. losing a loved one on any given day is heartbreaking, but to lose your wife on your birthday is awful.”
“Sending love and condolences to Mark Rylance,” another added. (sic)