David Scarboro, the actor who originally played Mark Fowler on EastEnders, was found dead at the bottom of Beachy Head in East Sussex in April 1988 at the age of 20. His death came after a turbulent period following his departure from the BBC soap, where he had refused to film a racist storyline.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born on 3 February 1968 in Sidcup, David Scarboro showed early promise as a performer. He began his acting career in 1984 with the BBC drama Good Neighbours and appeared in guest roles on shows like Grange Hill. His big break came when he was cast as Mark Fowler, the eldest child of Pauline and Arthur Fowler, in the very first episode of EastEnders in February 1985. At just 17, he was thrust into the spotlight and hailed by fans as 'Britain's James Dean'.
The Controversial Departure
Scarboro's time on EastEnders was brief and fraught with difficulty. The show's writers developed a storyline in which Mark Fowler would become racist, requiring Scarboro to hurl racial slurs at fellow character Kelvin Carpenter, played by Paul J Medford. Scarboro strongly objected and refused to film the scene. According to Medford, 'David couldn't understand why [his character was made a racist], or how he was going to cope with it. He's actually put his job on the line because he didn't want to become a racist.'
As a result, Scarboro was reportedly dropped from the series in April 1985, just two months after his debut. His character was written out abruptly, with Mark Fowler leaving his family without warning. Scarboro made brief returns in 1986 and 1987, with his final appearance on Christmas Day 1987, but he never regained his permanent role.
Personal Struggles and Legal Battles
After leaving EastEnders, Scarboro faced intense media scrutiny and personal challenges. Speculation circulated that he had been dismissed due to lateness and an 'uncooperative' attitude, which he denied. He became embroiled in a legal battle over false reports about his private life. His father recalled David 'literally crying' to his parents about the fabricated stories in the press.
Scarboro was admitted to a psychiatric unit, but when photographs of the facility appeared in a national newspaper, he fled due to the invasion of privacy. The constant tabloid intrusion exacerbated his fragile mental health.
Tragic Death and Aftermath
On 27 April 1988, Scarboro's body was discovered at the base of Beachy Head in East Sussex. It was believed he had taken his own life, but the coroner returned an open verdict at the inquest, leaving many questions unanswered. He was just 20 years old.
His death devastated his family. In 1989, his brother Simon produced a moving BBC documentary titled My Brother David, which explored Scarboro's experiences and the difficulties he faced. His parents moved away from the UK soon after his death, heartbroken by the loss.
Legacy and Fan Remembrance
Despite his short life, David Scarboro left a lasting impression. Decades later, fans continue to remember him with affection. A 2025 Reddit discussion featured tributes, with one user writing: 'David Scarboro is one of my favourite actors, he absolutely shined in this role. He left this earth eons before his time. I reckon he'd be one of Britain's big stars by now.' Another fan called him a 'magnificent actor' and lamented his 'heartbreakingly gone too soon' fate.
Scarboro's role as Mark Fowler was later taken over by Todd Carty, who played the character for over a decade from 1990 onward. Yet the original portrayal remains etched in the memories of those who watched the show's early days.
