🧵This is a thread remembering every credited cast member of #NuWho to have passed away since the reboot in 2005. There are more than you think (49 in fact). Sadly, we’ve lost somebody from all but two series between Series 1-13. We’ll go in story order, starting with…
MEIC POVEY (1950-2017)
Played the Coachman in The Unquiet Dead, and featured in that very first exciting trailer for Series 1 back in 2005. Meic, co-creator of Welsh soap @pobolycwm, died of cancer aged 67.
Played the Coachman in The Unquiet Dead, and featured in that very first exciting trailer for Series 1 back in 2005. Meic, co-creator of Welsh soap @pobolycwm, died of cancer aged 67.
BASIL CHUNG (1932-2014)
Played Bau Chan in Aliens of London (apologies: it’s hard to get a clear screenshot of his fleeting appearance). His only other screen credit was as a supporting actor in the 2002 film Gangs of New York. He died at the age of 81.
Played Bau Chan in Aliens of London (apologies: it’s hard to get a clear screenshot of his fleeting appearance). His only other screen credit was as a supporting actor in the 2002 film Gangs of New York. He died at the age of 81.
ELISABETH SLADEN (1946-2011)
We all know she played classic series companion Sarah Jane Smith in School Reunion, The Stolen Earth/ Journey’s End and The End of Time. Her loss remains one of #DoctorWho’s most painful, even 11 years on. She died of pancreatic cancer aged 65.
We all know she played classic series companion Sarah Jane Smith in School Reunion, The Stolen Earth/ Journey’s End and The End of Time. Her loss remains one of #DoctorWho’s most painful, even 11 years on. She died of pancreatic cancer aged 65.
HELEN GRIFFIN (1959-2018)
Played Mrs Moore in Rise of the Cybermen/ The Age of Steel, one of NuWho’s hardest hit casts. BAFTA Cymru-winning Helen was only 59 when she died of lung cancer.
Played Mrs Moore in Rise of the Cybermen/ The Age of Steel, one of NuWho’s hardest hit casts. BAFTA Cymru-winning Helen was only 59 when she died of lung cancer.
MONA HAMMOND OBE (1931-2022)
Played Mickey’s gran Rita-Anne in Rise of the Cybermen. Mona was a key player in the development of black theatre in the UK, helping found @TalawaTheatreCo with The Enemy of the World’s Carmen Munroe. Mona died aged 91.
Played Mickey’s gran Rita-Anne in Rise of the Cybermen. Mona was a key player in the development of black theatre in the UK, helping found @TalawaTheatreCo with The Enemy of the World’s Carmen Munroe. Mona died aged 91.
ROGER LLOYD-PACK (1944-2014)
Played John Lumic, creator of the Cybermen, in Rise of the Cybermen/ The Age of Steel. Best known for playing Trigger in sitcom Only Fools and Horses, he died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 69.
Played John Lumic, creator of the Cybermen, in Rise of the Cybermen/ The Age of Steel. Best known for playing Trigger in sitcom Only Fools and Horses, he died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 69.
CHRISTOPHER DRISCOLL (1945-2015)
Played a security guard in The Idiot’s Lantern. He died at the age of 69.
Played a security guard in The Idiot’s Lantern. He died at the age of 69.
MARGARET JOHN (1926-2011)
Played Grandma Connolly in The Idiot’s Lantern, as well as Megan Jones in 1968’s Fury from the Deep. A BAFTA Cymru Lifetime Achievement Award winner, she died of liver cancer aged 84.
Played Grandma Connolly in The Idiot’s Lantern, as well as Megan Jones in 1968’s Fury from the Deep. A BAFTA Cymru Lifetime Achievement Award winner, she died of liver cancer aged 84.
BELLA EMBERG (1937-2018)
Played Mrs Croot in Love & Monsters, as well as uncredited parts in 1970’s Doctor Who and the Silurians and The Time Warrior (1973/4). Bella also recorded scenes as Mrs Croot for The Runaway Bride, but they were cut. She died of alcohol poisoning aged 80.
Played Mrs Croot in Love & Monsters, as well as uncredited parts in 1970’s Doctor Who and the Silurians and The Time Warrior (1973/4). Bella also recorded scenes as Mrs Croot for The Runaway Bride, but they were cut. She died of alcohol poisoning aged 80.
EDNA DORE (1921-2014)
Played Maeve in suburban thriller Fear Her. Best known for playing fierce matriarch Mo Butcher in @bbceastenders, Edna died with emphysema aged 92.
Played Maeve in suburban thriller Fear Her. Best known for playing fierce matriarch Mo Butcher in @bbceastenders, Edna died with emphysema aged 92.
DEREK ACORAH (1950-2020)
Renowned spiritual medium Derek had a cameo as himself in Army of Ghosts. Most famous for his work on ghost-hunting show Most Haunted, Derek died of pneumonia and sepsis aged 69.
Renowned spiritual medium Derek had a cameo as himself in Army of Ghosts. Most famous for his work on ghost-hunting show Most Haunted, Derek died of pneumonia and sepsis aged 69.
ANTHONY DEBAECK (1967-2013)
Played the French newsreader in Army of Ghosts, as well as The Sarah Jane Adventures: Secrets of the Stars and Torchwood: Children of Earth, making him one of two actors to play the same assumed character in all three series. He died of cancer aged 46.
Played the French newsreader in Army of Ghosts, as well as The Sarah Jane Adventures: Secrets of the Stars and Torchwood: Children of Earth, making him one of two actors to play the same assumed character in all three series. He died of cancer aged 46.
DAME BARBARA WINDSOR (1937-2020)
Babs played her @bbceastenders character Peggy Mitchell in Army of Ghosts. As well as her work on EastEnders, she was a core member of the popular Carry On film series. She died with Alzheimer’s Disease aged 83.
Babs played her @bbceastenders character Peggy Mitchell in Army of Ghosts. As well as her work on EastEnders, she was a core member of the popular Carry On film series. She died with Alzheimer’s Disease aged 83.
HOWARD ATTFIELD (1946-2007)
Played Donna’s dad Geoff Noble in The Runaway Bride. He also recorded scenes for Partners in Crime, but was too ill to carry on (you can see them on the Series 4 box set). He died of cancer aged 60, five months before Series 4 began.
Played Donna’s dad Geoff Noble in The Runaway Bride. He also recorded scenes for Partners in Crime, but was too ill to carry on (you can see them on the Series 4 box set). He died of cancer aged 60, five months before Series 4 began.
ROBERT DEMEGER (1951-2014)
Played the preacher in The Shakespeare Code. He was one of the first patients in the UK to trial immuno-therapy to fight his illness, but sadly succumbed to brain cancer at the age of 63.
Played the preacher in The Shakespeare Code. He was one of the first patients in the UK to trial immuno-therapy to fight his illness, but sadly succumbed to brain cancer at the age of 63.
JUDY NORMAN (1949-2021)
Played Ma – one half of the American Gothic spoof – in Gridlock. Judy was 71 when she passed away.
Played Ma – one half of the American Gothic spoof – in Gridlock. Judy was 71 when she passed away.
BRIDGET TURNER (1939-2014)
Played Alice Cassini in Gridlock. Bridget was the wife of Frank Cox, who directed episodes of The Edge of Destruction and The Sensorites in 1964. She was originally offered the part of Sybil in sitcom Fawlty Towers. She died at the age of 75.
Played Alice Cassini in Gridlock. Bridget was the wife of Frank Cox, who directed episodes of The Edge of Destruction and The Sensorites in 1964. She was originally offered the part of Sybil in sitcom Fawlty Towers. She died at the age of 75.
LOUIS MAHONEY (1938-2020)
Played Old Billy in Blink, but also the Newscaster in Frontier in Space (1973) and Ponti in Planet of Evil (1975). Anti-Apartheid campaigner Louis died at the age of 81. "Life is short, but you are hot…"
Played Old Billy in Blink, but also the Newscaster in Frontier in Space (1973) and Ponti in Planet of Evil (1975). Anti-Apartheid campaigner Louis died at the age of 81. "Life is short, but you are hot…"
BERNARD CRIBBINS OBE (1928-2022)
#DoctorWho’s most recent loss, Bernard played Donna’s gramps Wilf Mott in six stories between 2007-10, and recorded scenes for the 60th anniversary before he died. He also played Tom Campbell in film Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150AD. He died aged 93.
#DoctorWho’s most recent loss, Bernard played Donna’s gramps Wilf Mott in six stories between 2007-10, and recorded scenes for the 60th anniversary before he died. He also played Tom Campbell in film Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150AD. He died aged 93.
GEOFFREY PALMER OBE (1927-2020)
Played Captain Hardaker in Voyage of the Damned, and also Masters in Doctor Who and the Silurians (1970) and the Administrator in 1972’s The Mutants. His son is Charles Palmer, who directed Doctor Who in 2007 and 2017. Geoffrey was 93 when he died.
Played Captain Hardaker in Voyage of the Damned, and also Masters in Doctor Who and the Silurians (1970) and the Administrator in 1972’s The Mutants. His son is Charles Palmer, who directed Doctor Who in 2007 and 2017. Geoffrey was 93 when he died.
CLIVE SWIFT (1936-2019)
Played Mr Copper in Voyage of the Damned, and also Jobel in Revelation of the Daleks (1985). Best remembered as long-suffering Richard Bucket in sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, he was once married to author Margaret Drabble. He died aged 82.
Played Mr Copper in Voyage of the Damned, and also Jobel in Revelation of the Daleks (1985). Best remembered as long-suffering Richard Bucket in sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, he was once married to author Margaret Drabble. He died aged 82.
NIGEL TERRY (1945-2015)
Played Cobb in The Doctor’s Daughter. He is the only credited actor to make their debut in Series 4 who has passed away (to date). He died with emphysema aged 69.
Played Cobb in The Doctor’s Daughter. He is the only credited actor to make their debut in Series 4 who has passed away (to date). He died with emphysema aged 69.
EDMUND KENTE (1947-2020)
Played Mr Scoones in The Next Doctor. He was 72 when he passed away.
Played Mr Scoones in The Next Doctor. He was 72 when he passed away.
BARRY HOWARD (1937-2016)
Played Oliver Barnes in The End of Time. Barry is best remembered as ballroom dancer Barry Stuart-Hargreaves in sitcom Hi-De-Hi! He died of blood cancer aged 78.
Played Oliver Barnes in The End of Time. Barry is best remembered as ballroom dancer Barry Stuart-Hargreaves in sitcom Hi-De-Hi! He died of blood cancer aged 78.
DAME JUNE WHITFIELD (1925-2018)
Played Minnie Hooper in The End of Time. Comedy legend June was known for roles in the Carry On films, sitcoms Terry and June and Last of the Summer Wine, and for playing Edina’s Mother in Absolutely Fabulous. She died at the age of 93.
Played Minnie Hooper in The End of Time. Comedy legend June was known for roles in the Carry On films, sitcoms Terry and June and Last of the Summer Wine, and for playing Edina’s Mother in Absolutely Fabulous. She died at the age of 93.
ARTHUR COX (1934-2021)
Played Mr Henderson in The Eleventh Hour, after having played Cully in 1968’s The Dominators. Arthur was acting right until the end. He died two days after his 87th birthday.
Played Mr Henderson in The Eleventh Hour, after having played Cully in 1968’s The Dominators. Arthur was acting right until the end. He died two days after his 87th birthday.
DAVID DE KEYSER (1927-2021)
Provided the voice of the Atraxi in The Eleventh Hour, as well as that of the Cybermen in the 2012 video game The Eternity Clock. He died at the age of 93.
Provided the voice of the Atraxi in The Eleventh Hour, as well as that of the Cybermen in the 2012 video game The Eternity Clock. He died at the age of 93.
SIR PATRICK MOORE (1923-2012)
Cameoed as himself in The Eleventh Hour. Astronomer Patrick is believed to be the only person to have met the first man to fly (Orville Wright), the first man in space (Yuri Gagarin) and the first man on the moon (Neil Armstrong). He died aged 89.
Cameoed as himself in The Eleventh Hour. Astronomer Patrick is believed to be the only person to have met the first man to fly (Orville Wright), the first man in space (Yuri Gagarin) and the first man on the moon (Neil Armstrong). He died aged 89.
JONATHAN BATTERSBY (1952-2010)
Played a Winder in The Beast Below, and also appeared uncredited as “Tall thin man” in Victory of the Daleks. He died aged 57 of prostate cancer, just weeks after his episodes aired.
Played a Winder in The Beast Below, and also appeared uncredited as “Tall thin man” in Victory of the Daleks. He died aged 57 of prostate cancer, just weeks after his episodes aired.
HELEN McCRORY OBE (1968-2021)
Played Rosanna in The Vampires of Venice. Helen was best known for her roles in Peaky Blinders and Penny Dreadful, and was married to actor Damian Lewis. She died of breast cancer aged just 52.
Played Rosanna in The Vampires of Venice. Helen was best known for her roles in Peaky Blinders and Penny Dreadful, and was married to actor Damian Lewis. She died of breast cancer aged just 52.
MICHAEL PERCIVAL (died 2015)
Played the Inspector in The Vampires of Venice. For a few years Australian Michael was the partner of Tegan actor Janet Fielding. His birth year is not currently known.
Played the Inspector in The Vampires of Venice. For a few years Australian Michael was the partner of Tegan actor Janet Fielding. His birth year is not currently known.
AUDREY ARDINGTON (1937-2019)
Played Mrs Poggitt in Amy’s Choice, but she had already appeared as the ghoulish Abbess in The Sarah Jane Adventures story Eye of the Gorgon. She passed away just 12 days before her 82nd birthday.
Played Mrs Poggitt in Amy’s Choice, but she had already appeared as the ghoulish Abbess in The Sarah Jane Adventures story Eye of the Gorgon. She passed away just 12 days before her 82nd birthday.
STEPHEN MOORE (1937-2019)
Played Silurian leader Eldane in Cold Blood. Fondly remembered as the voice of Marvin the Paranoid Android in The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Trivia: his stepbrother is dance DJ Mark Moore, founder of S'Express.
Played Silurian leader Eldane in Cold Blood. Fondly remembered as the voice of Marvin the Paranoid Android in The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Trivia: his stepbrother is dance DJ Mark Moore, founder of S'Express.
WILLIAM MORGAN SHEPPARD (1932-2019)
Played Old Canton Delaware in The Impossible Astronaut. William’s son is actor Mark Sheppard, who played the young Canton in this story. The hugely prolific William passed away aged 86.
Played Old Canton Delaware in The Impossible Astronaut. William’s son is actor Mark Sheppard, who played the young Canton in this story. The hugely prolific William passed away aged 86.
RASHID KARAPIET (1928-2013)
Played Rita’s father in The God Complex. He was a familiar voice on English language radio in India and Pakistan in the 1940s/50s, before moving to the UK. He died at the age of 84.
Played Rita’s father in The God Complex. He was a familiar voice on English language radio in India and Pakistan in the 1940s/50s, before moving to the UK. He died at the age of 84.
LYNDA BARON (1939-2022)
Played Val in Closing Time, but also Captain Wrack in Enlightenment (1983). Lynda also sang the earworm The Ballad of the Last Chance Saloon in 1966’s The Gunfighters. She passed away 19 days before her 83rd birthday.
Played Val in Closing Time, but also Captain Wrack in Enlightenment (1983). Lynda also sang the earworm The Ballad of the Last Chance Saloon in 1966’s The Gunfighters. She passed away 19 days before her 83rd birthday.
SEAN BUCKLEY (died 2016)
Played the red-skinned Barman at Calisto B in The Wedding of River Song. Sean died of pneumonia; his birthdate is not currently known.
Played the red-skinned Barman at Calisto B in The Wedding of River Song. Sean died of pneumonia; his birthdate is not currently known.
BYRD WILKINS (1965-2015)
Played the Preacher in A Town Called Mercy. He died of pancreatic cancer at the age of just 50, having declined chemotherapy treatment.
Played the Preacher in A Town Called Mercy. He died of pancreatic cancer at the age of just 50, having declined chemotherapy treatment.
PETER CARTWRIGHT (1935-2013)
Played Arnold Underwood, the patient who is abducted by the orderlies and taken to the Shakri ship, in The Power of Three. His most memorable role was occasionally playing the Bishop of Skipton in soap @emmerdale. He died of cancer aged 78.
Played Arnold Underwood, the patient who is abducted by the orderlies and taken to the Shakri ship, in The Power of Three. His most memorable role was occasionally playing the Bishop of Skipton in soap @emmerdale. He died of cancer aged 78.
JAMES GREENE (1931-2021)
Played the Abbot in The Bells of Saint John. A prolific actor, he was also continuity announcer for Ulster TV in the 1960s. He died at the age of 89.
Played the Abbot in The Bells of Saint John. A prolific actor, he was also continuity announcer for Ulster TV in the 1960s. He died at the age of 89.
DAVID WARNER (1941-2022)
Played Professor Grisenko in Cold War. He also voiced Lord Azlok in the 2009 animation Dreamland, and played an alternative Doctor in @bigfinish's Unbound strand. He died of cancer five days before his 81st birthday.
Played Professor Grisenko in Cold War. He also voiced Lord Azlok in the 2009 animation Dreamland, and played an alternative Doctor in @bigfinish's Unbound strand. He died of cancer five days before his 81st birthday.
DAME DIANA RIGG (1938-2020)
Played Miss Gillyflower in The Crimson Horror. Her daughter Rachel Stirling played her character’s daughter Ada in this story. Best known for her roles in The Avengers and Game of Thrones, she died of lung cancer aged 82.
Played Miss Gillyflower in The Crimson Horror. Her daughter Rachel Stirling played her character’s daughter Ada in this story. Best known for her roles in The Avengers and Game of Thrones, she died of lung cancer aged 82.
SIR JOHN HURT (1940-2017)
Played the War Doctor in The Name of the Doctor and The Day of the Doctor. He's remembered for so many roles, including Quentin Crisp in The Naked Civil Servant and Caligula in I, Claudius. He died of pancreatic cancer three days after his 77th birthday.
Played the War Doctor in The Name of the Doctor and The Day of the Doctor. He's remembered for so many roles, including Quentin Crisp in The Naked Civil Servant and Caligula in I, Claudius. He died of pancreatic cancer three days after his 77th birthday.
JOHN SESSIONS (1953-2020)
Provided the voice of Gus in Mummy on the Orient Express, as well as that of General Tannis in the BBCi story Death Comes to Time (2002). He died of heart failure aged 67.
Provided the voice of Gus in Mummy on the Orient Express, as well as that of General Tannis in the BBCi story Death Comes to Time (2002). He died of heart failure aged 67.
HARRY DICKMAN (1930-2020)
Played George the security man at the London Zoological Museum in In the Forest of the Night. On stage, Harry recreated the roles of both Albert Steptoe from Steptoe and Son and Compo from Last of the Summer Wine.
Played George the security man at the London Zoological Museum in In the Forest of the Night. On stage, Harry recreated the roles of both Albert Steptoe from Steptoe and Son and Compo from Last of the Summer Wine.
JOAN BLACKHAM (1946-2020)
Played the distraught woman who witnessed Danny Pink getting run over in Dark Water. Perhaps best remembered for her recurring roles in sitcom Home to Roost and drama Judge John Deed. She died of cancer aged 74.
Played the distraught woman who witnessed Danny Pink getting run over in Dark Water. Perhaps best remembered for her recurring roles in sitcom Home to Roost and drama Judge John Deed. She died of cancer aged 74.
NEIL FINGLETON (1980-2017)
Played the Fisher King in Before the Flood. Neil was 7ft 7.56in tall, and was already 7ft tall by the age of 11! He died of heart failure at the age of just 36.
Played the Fisher King in Before the Flood. Neil was 7ft 7.56in tall, and was already 7ft tall by the age of 11! He died of heart failure at the age of just 36.
DAVID DUKAS (1970-2021)
Played Elias Griffin Jr in Rosa. He was a prolific and well-known South African actor who died of heart failure at the age of 51.
Played Elias Griffin Jr in Rosa. He was a prolific and well-known South African actor who died of heart failure at the age of 51.
THAPELO MAROPEFELA (1996-2021)
Played Aramu in Praxeus. Thapelo was a promising young actor and model who was brutally assaulted in Johannesburg on the eve of his 25th birthday. His family continues to campaign for the police to investigate his murder.
Played Aramu in Praxeus. Thapelo was a promising young actor and model who was brutally assaulted in Johannesburg on the eve of his 25th birthday. His family continues to campaign for the police to investigate his murder.
Statistically, the hardest hit series so far is Series 2 (11 deaths), then Series 5 (8 deaths), while we thankfully still have every actor who debuted in Series 10 and 13. For more facts about the cast and crew of our favourite TV show, go to: doctorwhocastandcrew.blogspot.com
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