All ‘Doctor Who’ Actors Who Have Passed Away

‘Doctor Who’ has a long history spanning several decades and multiple regenerations of its lead character. Over the years several actors who portrayed the iconic Time Lord have passed away leaving behind a lasting legacy in the science fiction genre. These performers shaped the early foundations of the series and established the various personalities of the Doctor. Their contributions helped ‘Doctor Who’ become a global phenomenon that continues to thrive today.

William Hartnell

William Hartnell originated the role of the Doctor when the series first premiered in 1963. He portrayed a mysterious and grandfatherly figure who traveled through time and space in the TARDIS. Hartnell remained the lead actor for three years before health issues led to the introduction of the regeneration concept. He later returned to ‘Doctor Who’ for the tenth anniversary special titled ‘The Three Doctors’ in 1972. The actor passed away in 1975 leaving a permanent mark on British television history.

Patrick Troughton

Patrick Troughton took over the mantle in 1966 as the Second Doctor and introduced a more whimsical persona. His interpretation of the character was often described as a cosmic hobo who hid a sharp intellect behind a bumbling exterior. Troughton appeared in several multi Doctor specials including ‘The Five Doctors’ and ‘The Two Doctors’ after his original tenure ended. He stayed active in the fan community and attended conventions until his sudden death in 1987. His performance is frequently cited by later actors as a primary inspiration for their own versions of the character.

Jon Pertwee

Jon Pertwee became the Third Doctor in 1970 and brought a sense of action and gadgetry to the long running series. His era saw the Doctor exiled to Earth where he worked closely with the military organization known as UNIT. Pertwee was known for his flamboyant outfits and his love for various vehicles like the iconic car Bessie. He played the character for five seasons and remained a beloved figure among fans for his authoritative yet charming portrayal. The actor died in 1996 but his influence remains visible in the modern era of the show.

John Hurt

John Hurt joined the franchise in 2013 to play a previously unknown incarnation known as the War Doctor. He appeared in the fiftieth anniversary special titled ‘The Day of the Doctor’ alongside other versions of the character. Hurt depicted a battle weary warrior who was forced to make impossible choices during the legendary Time War. His performance added a significant layer of depth to the history of the Time Lord and was highly praised by critics. The legendary actor passed away in 2017 after a long and distinguished career in film and television.

Richard Hurndall

Richard Hurndall was cast to play the First Doctor in the twentieth anniversary special titled ‘The Five Doctors’ in 1983. He stepped into the role originally held by William Hartnell to allow the story to feature the very first incarnation of the character. Hurndall captured the essence of the original Doctor while bringing his own interpretation to the screen. His contribution allowed the special to celebrate the full history of the show up to that point. He passed away in 1984 shortly after the landmark episode was broadcast.

Roger Delgado

Roger Delgado was the first actor to play the Master who is the arch nemesis of the Doctor. He debuted during the era of the Third Doctor and appeared in many stories as a recurring villain. Delgado portrayed the character as a suave and manipulative renegade Time Lord with a dark sense of humor. His chemistry with Jon Pertwee became a highlight of the series in the early 1970s. The actor died in a car accident in 1973 which led the showrunners to temporarily retire the character.

Anthony Ainley

Anthony Ainley took over the role of the Master in 1981 and became the primary antagonist for several incarnations of the Doctor. He played the villain throughout the remainder of the classic era of ‘Doctor Who’ with a theatrical and menacing style. Ainley appeared in many memorable stories including the twentieth anniversary special alongside multiple former cast members. His portrayal of the character was defined by his distinctive laugh and his persistent desire for universal domination. The actor passed away in 2004 leaving a significant mark on the history of the show.

Elisabeth Sladen

Elisabeth Sladen portrayed the iconic companion Sarah Jane Smith during the 1970s and later returned for the modern revival. She traveled alongside both the Third and Fourth Doctors before starring in her own spin off series titled ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’ starting in 2007. Sladen is widely considered one of the most popular and influential companions in the entire history of the program. Her character bridged the gap between the classic era and the new series for many viewers. She passed away in 2011 after a battle with cancer.

Nicholas Courtney

Nicholas Courtney played the role of Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge Stewart for several decades. He first appeared during the era of the Second Doctor and became a series regular as the leader of UNIT during the 1970s. The Brigadier served as a grounded military foil to the alien nature of the Doctor across many regenerations. Courtney appeared in more episodes than almost any other guest actor and remained a fan favorite until his final appearance. He passed away in 2011 and his character was later honored within the show’s narrative.

William Russell

William Russell was an original cast member who played Ian Chesterton in the debut season of ‘Doctor Who’ in 1963. He portrayed a science teacher who was thrust into incredible adventures through time and space alongside his colleagues. Russell was a crucial figure in the early success of the show and provided a heroic and relatable presence for the audience. He made a historic return to the series in 2022 to reprise his role after nearly sixty years. The actor passed away in 2024 at the age of one hundred.

Jacqueline Hill

Jacqueline Hill was one of the original cast members who appeared in the very first episode of ‘Doctor Who’ in 1963. She played the role of Barbara Wright who was a history teacher at Coal Hill School. Her character was instrumental in helping the Doctor understand human morality and compassion during his early travels. Hill remained with the series for two years before returning in a different guest role during the 1980s. The actress passed away in 1993 leaving behind a legacy as a foundational part of the show.

Mary Tamm

Mary Tamm appeared as the first incarnation of Romana who was a fellow Time Lord companion to the Fourth Doctor. She debuted in 1978 during the season long quest for the Key to Time. Tamm brought a sophisticated and highly intelligent energy to the role which contrasted with the eccentricities of the Doctor. Her character was one of the few companions who could match the Doctor in terms of academic knowledge and technical skill. The actress passed away in 2012 after a brave fight with illness.

Ian Marter

Ian Marter played the companion Harry Sullivan during the era of the Fourth Doctor in the mid 1970s. He was an officer in the medical branch of UNIT and accompanied the Doctor on many dangerous adventures. Marter also contributed to the franchise by writing several novelizations of ‘Doctor Who’ stories for Target Books. His character was known for his bravery and his slightly old fashioned approach to the challenges they faced. The actor died in 1986 on his birthday but remains remembered for his memorable role.

Caroline John

Caroline John played the companion Liz Shaw who was a brilliant scientist recruited by UNIT to work with the Third Doctor. She appeared throughout the seventh season and provided a more intellectual and grounded dynamic compared to earlier companions. Her character was known for her skepticism and her ability to understand the complex scientific concepts discussed by the Doctor. John returned for the twentieth anniversary special and maintained a close connection to the series for many years. She passed away in 2012 leaving behind a legacy of intelligence and professionalism on screen.

Deborah Watling

Deborah Watling portrayed the companion Victoria Waterfield who traveled with the Second Doctor during the 1960s. She came from the Victorian era and was often depicted as a gentle soul who found the dangers of the universe quite terrifying. Her character provided a strong emotional core to several famous stories including those featuring the Cybermen and the Yeti. Watling made several appearances at fan events and continued to engage with the community for several decades. She passed away in 2017 following a short illness.

Please share which of these legendary performers was your favorite in the comments.