Claire Van Kampen, wife of Mark Rylance passes away at 71

Mark Rylance lost his wife, Claire van Kampen on his birthday.

Claire passed away at the age of 71 after battling cancer, as confirmed by Mark himself.

In a statement, the actor revealed that Claire, who passed away on his 65th birthday, was surrounded by family in Kassel, Germany.

The statement to PEOPLE magazine read, "Claire Louise van Kampen, Lady Rylance, has died this morning, Saturday the 18th of January at 11:47, in the ancient town of Kassel, Germany, surrounded by her family."

"Claire has died of cancer on Mark Rylance’s 65th Birthday. Her youngest daughter having died in 2012, she leaves her eldest daughter, Juliet Rylance, her two husbands, and countless beloved friends in England and America," it further read.

Her family described her as "one of the funniest and inspiring women we have ever known," adding, "We thank her for imbuing our lives with her magic, music, laughter, and love."

Claire was a renowned theatre director, known for her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre.

It is worth mentioning that she was the first female musical director at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Additionally, her death comes after a difficult period for the family, with the loss of her youngest daughter, Nataasha, in 2012.