DAVID Graham, the voice behind Doctor Who villains the Daleks, has died aged 99.
Graham was also known for voicing the beloved character in the children’s series Peppa Pig and as the butler Aloysius Parker in the 1960s series Thunderbirds.
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Doctor Who and Thunderbirds actor David Graham has died aged 99
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Graham provided the voice of the Daleks – the fearsome villain in the BBC’s cult classic Doctor WhoCredit: BBC
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Graham voiced the puppet character ‘Parker’, the butler and chauffeur in Thunderbirds in 1965. Credit: Alamy
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Santa Pig (right) is voiced by David Graham, next to Peppa Pig (left) Credits: YouTube
Graham appeared in the first two episodes of Doctor Who as an actor before becoming best known for voicing the robotic, evil Daleks in later episodes.
From 2004 to 2024, he played Grandfather Pig in Channel 5’s Peppa Pig, appearing in 65 episodes.
Graham also worked on The Avengers as a producer and voiced two characters on another popular children’s show – Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom.
The English actor previously served in the Royal Air Force as a radar mechanic.
After leaving the army, he trained as an actor in New York, and after returning to England, he began a career in the theater.
In an interview with the Mirror in 2015 about the Doctor Who Daleks, Graham said: “I created it with Peter Hawkins, another voice actor.
“We adopted this staccato style, and then they ran it through a synthesizer to make it more ominous.”
Graham played a variety of roles in the Thunderbirds original series as well as the film sequels.
He voiced Parker in the children’s puppet show version – as well as playing series pilot Gordon Tracy and engineer Brains between 1965 and 1966.
Graham reprized his iconic role as Parker for the 2015 ITV remake of Thunderbirds Are Go! and was the only original cast member to return.
The butler and chauffeur was famous for his catchphrase “Yes m’lady”, directed at the character Lady Penelope.
World famous actress Rosamund Pike played her in the latest Thunderbirds remake.
Speaking about his return as Parker, Graham said: “I’m horrified to be called back.
“The producers came to meet me, I think they see what kind of condition I’m in. But even though I’m old, I can provide the same level of energy.
“I didn’t have to rehearse for Parker – it’s in my vocal DNA. I can plug it in. People just say, ‘Let your voice go.’ “
Fans paid tribute to the actor on social media, with many writing “Rest in Peace” on Twitter.
Someone else added: “Gone too soon.”
Producers and directors who have worked with him have also hailed his decades-long career.
Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson said: “We are incredibly saddened to confirm the passing of the legendary David Graham.
“The voice of Parker, Gordon Tracy, Brains and many more. David has always been a wonderful friend to us here at Anderson Entertainment.
“We will miss you very much, David. Our thoughts are with David’s friends and family.”
Jamie Anderson, Gerry’s son, also wrote on X: “Farewell dear David! What heartbreaking news that the legendary David Graham has left us at the age of 99.
“The last Tracy brother, the voice of Parker and so much more. A great actor, an iconic voice and an all around wonderful man. We will all miss him dearly.”
Graham previously shared how Gerry Anderson helped create the inspiration for Parker’s iconic voice in the 1960s.
He said: “Gerry took me to lunch because he wanted me to hear someone’s voice, the wine waiter.
“He was a butler to the former Prince of Wales.
“He said, ‘Would you like to see the wine list, sir?’ and that was the birth of Parker.
“I just made him a little meaner. I’m not sure the guy ever knew – maybe he was asking for a fee!”
Graham, born in 1925, wanted to pursue an acting career from an early age, but put it on hold due to World War II to work as a mechanic.
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David Graham holding the Parker doll Credit: X
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Parker was famous for his catchphrase ‘Yes, ma’am’, directed at the character Lady Penelope (right) Credit: Alamy
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Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson has paid tribute to David Graham, sharing this image of the voice actor with his son James Anderson on XCredit: X
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