William Russell, Original "Doctor Who" Companion, Dead at 99
by Nick Caruso
June 5, 2024


William Russell, the actor who played one of "Doctor Who’s" first companions, died Monday. He was 99 years old.

“We’re sad to report the passing of William Russell,” the show’s official X account posted, “a legend in #DoctorWho history who played one of the first and original companions to the Doctor, Ian Chesterton.”



Russell starred in 77 episodes of the sci-fi series’ original run, and also reprised the character (in voice only) for various podcasts and offshoots including "Doctor Who: Short Trips", "Doctor Who: The Lost Stories" and more.

In 2022, Russell earned the Guinness World Record for the longest gap between TV appearances. He reprised Ian in the flesh in an episode titled “The Power of the Doctor” 57 years after the character’s previous appearance.



His other TV credits include "The Adventures of Sir Lancelot", "Coronation Street", and "Harriet's Back in Town".

https://tvline.com/news/william-russell-dead-doctor-who-obituary-1235254208/