William Russell, original Doctor Who actor and Sir Lancelot, passes away at the age of 99

William Russell, who played Ian Chesterton in the early Doctor Who stories, has passed away at the age of 99. He was one of the original cast members of Doctor Who, appearing alongside the Time Lord, William Hartnell, from 1963 to 1965. Russell was also known for his roles in TV series like The Adventures of Sir Lancelot and Coronation Street, as well as in films such as The Man Who Never Was, The Great Escape, and Superman. In Doctor Who, Russell's character, Ian, was the first to escape by hiding inside a Dalek casing. He enjoyed filming with his co-stars and shared a sense of humor with them. Russell recalled the challenges of working with the Tardis, describing its "wobbly doors" and unique features. He particularly enjoyed episodes involving historical settings and elaborate costumes, like the "Marco Polo" serial. Despite leaving Doctor Who in 1965, Russell returned to reprise his role in 2022, marking a 57-year gap between appearances as the same character. Born in Sunderland in 1924, Russell began his acting career in the 1950s and later gained recognition for his work on stage and screen. His recent cameo in Jodie Whittaker's final episode was a nostalgic moment for fans of the long-running sci-fi series. Russell's death was confirmed by the Guardian newspaper, prompting tributes from colleagues and fans. Actor and writer Nicholas Pegg praised Russell as a talented actor and a kind-hearted individual. Known for his charming smile and twinkling eyes, Russell's presence always brightened the room.