William Russell, one of the original cast members of Doctor Who, has passed away at the age of 99. The news was confirmed by the Guardian newspaper on Tuesday, marking the end of an era for fans of the long-running sci-fi series.
Russell played the role of Ian Chesterton, the Doctor’s first companion, in the first two series of Doctor Who. He left the show in 1965 but made a cameo appearance in Jodie Whittaker’s final episode in 2022, breaking a Guinness World Record for the longest gap between TV appearances.
In addition to his role in Doctor Who, Russell had a successful career in television and film. He starred in ITV’s 1956 drama The Adventures of Sir Lancelot and appeared in films such as The Great Escape and Superman. His versatility as an actor was praised by many, including Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies, who described him as a “fine, nimble, witty, heartfelt actor.”
Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans, with actor and writer Nicholas Pegg raising a glass to Russell and Doctor Who actress Nicola Bryant remembering him as a “wonderful man with a delightful family.” Artist Stuart Humphryes also praised Russell as “the first and the greatest of all the many companions” in the series.
Russell’s legacy lives on not only through his work on screen but also through his children, including Alfred Enoch, known for his roles in the Harry Potter series and How to Get Away with Murder. The passing of William Russell marks the end of an era for Doctor Who fans, but his contributions to the show and the entertainment industry as a whole will never be forgotten.
