Doctor Who’s William Russell dies aged 99 – tributes pour in for show’s ‘original companion’

Virgin Radio

5 Jun 2024, 09:06

William Russell, the actor who performed certainly one of Physician Who’s authentic companions Ian Chesterton, has died aged 99.

The actor, additionally well-known for his position as Lancelot within the Fifties ITV present The Adventures of Sir Lancelot, died on Monday third June 2024.

His dying was introduced yesterday night (4th June), with the official Physician Who account later posting: “We’re unhappy to report the passing of William Russell, a legend in #DoctorWho historical past – who performed one of many first and authentic companions to the Physician, Ian Chesterton.”

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Regardless of leaving the well-known sci-fi present after its second season’s penultimate episode The Chase, The Nice Escape star just lately turned a Guinness World Document holder when he turned the actor with the longest hole between TV appearances as the identical character (57 years and 120 days) when he returned to cameo as Ian in 2022’s The Energy of the Physician.

Tributes for the beloved actor have poured in from followers and associates alike throughout social media. Present Physician Who showrunner Russell T Davies mentioned in an announcement: “An absolute legend, for Physician Who and the entire of tv. In 1963, William created the template for the Physician’s companion, and that’s nonetheless going robust, 61 years later. He’s adored by fandom, and can by no means be forgotten.”

He additionally added on Instagram: “What a tragic loss… A fantastic, nimble, witty, heartfelt actor who completely offered the reality of these early years… Completely pretty man. A fantastic, lengthy life. Effectively completed, sir, nicely performed.”

Third Physician companion actress Katy Manning shared on X (previously Twitter): “This lovely humorous light man #WilliamRussell has sadly discover on his awfully huge journey. A beautiful actor, at all times with such an impish little twinkle in his eye. So grateful to have identified him my heartfelt ideas to his spouse Etheline & expensive household.”

In the meantime Fifth and Sixth Physician companion actress Nicola Bryant mentioned: “What unhappy information to say farewell to William Russell. What a beautiful man with a pleasant household a unprecedented life & profession. Probably the most charming smile and twinkling eyes, he at all times lit up the room. I hope there can be many celebrations of this lovely man.”

“Let’s all gentle a candle for William Russell tonight. What a beautiful man,” mentioned First and Second Physician companion actress Anneke Wills. 

In the meantime an announcement posted on Seventh Physician Sylvester McCoy’s official social media web page mentioned: “RIP William Russell. We lived close to one another and I’d stumble upon him. He at all times gave me a fantastic beneficiant smile of welcome. Sadly no extra.”

The ideas of everybody at Virgin Radio are with the household and associates of William Russell.