David Scarboro, the actor who originated the role of Mark Fowler in EastEnders, was found dead at the foot of Beachy Head in East Sussex in April 1988, aged just 20. His death came after a turbulent exit from the BBC soap, which followed his refusal to film a storyline involving racist abuse.
Early career and rise to fame
Born on February 3, 1968, in Sidcup, David began his acting career in 1984 with the BBC drama Good Neighbours and appeared in cameo roles on programmes such as Grange Hill. He joined the original cast of EastEnders in February 1985, taking on the part of Mark Fowler, the eldest son of Pauline and Arthur Fowler.
His portrayal of Mark Fowler brought him into the spotlight at just 17. However, the rapid rise to fame proved difficult for the actor to manage, with press attention adding to his personal struggles.
Controversial exit from EastEnders
Soon after joining the soap, David reportedly grew uncomfortable with his character's direction. Scriptwriters had planned a storyline in which Mark would become racist, with a scene requiring David to hurl racial slurs at fellow character Kelvin Carpenter, played by Paul J Medford. David refused to shoot the scene, which allegedly led to his abrupt departure from the soap in April 1985.
His character was hurriedly removed, with Mark Fowler deserting his family one evening without warning. Despite occasional returns to the programme until 1987, David never returned permanently. His final appearance was on Christmas Day 1987.
His co-star Paul Medford later said: "David couldn't understand why [his character was made a racist], or how he was going to cope with it. I didn't have any of the lines to say. I just had to receive the racist attacks and abuse, and David said he wouldn't say them – under no circumstances – which I found was one of the warmest things someone had ever done for me. He's actually put his job on the line because he didn't want to become a racist."
Personal struggles and tragic death
Alongside the controversy, David faced personal issues, including intrusive attention. Speculation circulated that he had been dismissed from the soap due to chronic tardiness and an "uncooperative" demeanour on set. He denied these claims and became involved in a legal battle over false reports about his personal life. His father recalled David "literally crying" to his parents about the fabricated stories.
The actor was admitted to a psychiatric ward, but escaped when photos of the institution were published in a national newspaper. On 27 April 1988, his body was found at the foot of Beachy Head. The coroner delivered an 'open' verdict at the inquest into his death.
In 1989, his brother Simon created a BBC documentary called My Brother David, exploring his sibling's life and struggles. His parents moved away from the UK soon after his death.
Fans continue to remember David with affection. A Reddit thread from 2025 saw admirers sharing memories, with one writing: "David Scarboro is one of my favourite actors, he absolutely shined in this role, he left this earth eons before his time and I like to imagine what he'd be doing now. I reckon he'd be one of Britain's big stars by now, both in films and series. He was our James Dean." Another commented: "Magnificent actor. heartbreakingly gone too soon and you can only imagine what his portrayal of Mark would have been like over 20 years."
