Nicholas Courtney, known for decades for his role as The Brigadier in "Doctor Who," has died aged 81 after a long battle with cancer.
The actor featured in more than 100 episodes as Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart, the chief of UNIT whose job it was to protect Earth against attack.
His friend Tom Baker, one of five Time Lords to star with Courtney, led the tributes today.
Nicholas Courtney as The Brigadier with Dr. Who Tom Baker in the Seventies. Courtney appeared in more than 100 episodes
'Of all the characters in Doctor Who there is no doubt he was the most loved by the fans for his wonderful portrayal of the rather pompous Brigadier,' said Baker, who played opposite him as the fourth incarnation of The Doctor.
The Brigadier, who first appeared in the Sixties, was a key figure in the adventures during Jon Pertwee's run as The Doctor, but the character appeared regularly opposite other Time Lords.
Courtney died yesterday in a north London hospice, with his wife Karen at his side.
His last official appearance in the show was in 1989, the year the series was cancelled. It was revived to a new level of popularity in 2005.
Courtney did reprise the role briefly - this time as Sir Alistair - in the 2008 spin-off children's series The Sarah Jane Adventures. But a stroke put paid to further appearances.
The Egypt-born star went to drama school after his national service and went into repertory theatre. In the Sixties he picked up a string of TV roles including appearances in The Saint, The Champions and The Avengers.
His first Doctor Who appearance was as a 'space security agent', but he went on to land the role as a Colonel, later promoted to The Brigadier in a story called The Invasion.
Tom Baker said today: 'He had a marvellous resonant voice which he used brilliantly when it was his turn to spin a yarn.
'And his background was fascinating too: born in Alexandria, Egypt, he was brought up speaking French and Arabic. Later he perfected English and after a few drinks he would speak in Latin tags to great comic effect.'
The Brigadier, played by Nicholas Courtney, was a key figure in the adventures during Jon Pertwee's run as The Doctor in the Sixties
Baker said he visited Courtney only last week to say his goodbyes at the hospice.
'The lady in charge said he was very stoical. And indeed he was. It was so distressing to see him so weak and yet so strong in resignation. My jokes were received with a generous effort from Nick to smile.'
Writing in a newsletter on his website, Baker said: 'There was a certain innocence in his personality that was utterly endearing. He was very easy to tease, and I did my share, which made him shake his head in disbelief when he realised he had been had.'
As the Brigadier he was known for his suave appearance with a well-groomed moustache, and Courtney's association with the series continued when he became honorary president of the Doctor Who Appreciation Society from 1997.
Later roles included appearances in shows such as All Creatures Great And Small, Yes, Prime Minister and Only Fools And Horses.
Others who paid tribute today included actor and Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss who said he was 'desperately sad' to learn of the death.
'A childhood hero and the sweetest of gentlemen. Splendid chap. All of him,' he said.
Impressionist and Doctor Who buff Jon Culshaw said: 'Nicholas Courtney will be very much missed. A brilliant actor and warm, charming man.'
And film director Edgar Wright said: 'He was a true gent.'
Twice-married Courtney leaves two children, Philip and Bella, from his first marriage.
Labels: Adventures, Brigadier, doctor who, dr who, dr. who, jon, mark gatiss, Nicholas Courtney, pertwee, Sarah Jane, the avengers, the champions, the doctor, the saint, time lord, Tom Baker, unit
