nick courtney trunted
Ala
dies aged 81
By Daily Mail Reporter
Created 4:23 PM on 23rd February 2011
Nicholas Courtney, known for decades for his role as The Brigadier in Dr
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