Virgin Radio
5 Jun 2024, 09:06
Credit: BBC/Instagram @bbcdoctorwho
William Russell, the actor who played one of Doctor Who’s original companions Ian Chesterton, has died aged 99.
The actor, also well known for his role as Lancelot in the 1950s ITV show The Adventures of Sir Lancelot, died on Monday 3rd June 2024.
His death was announced yesterday evening (4th June), with the official Doctor Who account later posting: “We’re sad to report the passing of William Russell, a legend in #DoctorWho history – who played one of the first and original companions to the Doctor, Ian Chesterton.”
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Despite leaving the famous sci-fi show after its second season’s penultimate episode The Chase, The Great Escape star recently became a Guinness World Record holder when he became the actor with the longest gap between TV appearances as the same character (57 years and 120 days) when he returned to cameo as Ian in 2022’s The Power of the Doctor.
Tributes for the beloved actor have poured in from fans and friends alike across social media. Current Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said in a statement: “An absolute legend, for Doctor Who and the whole of television. In 1963, William created the template for the Doctor’s companion, and that’s still going strong, 61 years later. He’s adored by fandom, and will never be forgotten.”
He also added on Instagram: “What a sad loss… A fine, nimble, witty, heartfelt actor who absolutely sold the truth of those early years… Absolutely lovely man. A fine, long life. Well done, sir, well played.”
Third Doctor companion actress Katy Manning shared on X (formerly Twitter): “This beautiful funny gentle man #WilliamRussell has sadly find on his awfully big adventure. A wonderful actor, always with such an impish little twinkle in his eye. So grateful to have known him my heartfelt thoughts to his wife Etheline & dear family.”
Meanwhile Fifth and Sixth Doctor companion actress Nicola Bryant said: “What sad news to say farewell to William Russell. What a wonderful man with a delightful family an extraordinary life & career. The most charming smile and twinkling eyes, he always lit up the room. I hope there will be many celebrations of this beautiful man.”
“Let’s all light a candle for William Russell tonight. What a lovely man,” said First and Second Doctor companion actress Anneke Wills.
Meanwhile a statement posted on Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy’s official social media page said: “RIP William Russell. We lived near each other and I’d bump into him. He always gave me a beautiful generous smile of welcome. Sadly no more.”
The thoughts of everyone at Virgin Radio are with the family and friends of William Russell.