William Russell, known for his role as Ian Chesterton in the British series, has died at the age of 99.
William Russell, best known for playing Ian Chesterton, one of the original companions in Doctor Who, has died at the age of 99. With his death, a significant chapter in the history of one of the most popular science fiction series in history closes.
Ian Chesterton’s arrival in the series
In the year Born William Russell Enoch in 1924, he attended Trinity College, Oxford and served as an officer in the Royal Air Force during World War II before embarking on an acting career. With a traditional English leading man and air of authority, Russell had a successful decade in theatre, television and film before joining Doctor Who. He was featured in series such as The Adventures of Lancelot and the BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby.
The series premiered in 1963 as an educational series for children, with the aim of teaching science and history through the adventures of the Doctor and his friends. Ian Chesterton, along with his girlfriend and fellow teacher Barbara Wright (played by Jacqueline Hill) and Susan Foreman (Carol Ann Ford), the Doctor’s granddaughter, were the first companions in the series. Ian presents a rational and authoritative perspective in his role as a science teacher, contrasting with the unpredictable nature of the Doctor.
“Doctor Who?” The first character to ask was Ian. When he encounters a strange old man who lives in a police box in an East London ruin. It was a season of mystery that became one of the most recognizable phrases on British television.
A journey through time and space
In their adventures, Ian, Barbara, Susan and the Doctor form a television family, with Ian and Barbara representing the parents and Susan the teenager. Their family dynamic is shattered by the Doctor’s eccentricities, taking them to travel through time and space.
Ian is the first character to be attacked by a Dalek in the episode “The Daleks”, an event that introduced the infamous enemies and catapulted the series to fame. After three adventure-filled seasons, Russell and Hill left the series in 1965, surprised by their characters returning to 1960s London and back in their own time.
The legacy of William Russell
Russell hasn’t stopped working since leaving the BBC series. He continued to appear in stage productions, television shows, and films into the 2020s.He was also a frequent guest at fan conventions, keeping the spirit of Ian Chesterton alive for generations of fans.
Last seen as Ian in the 2022 episode “The Power of the Doctor”, Jodie Whittaker’s final episode as the Doctor came full circle for one of the series’ most beloved characters.
A tribute to the pioneer of science fiction
William Russell’s contribution to Dr. cannot be underestimated. His portrayal of Ian Chesterton helped establish the series and define the roles of the Doctor’s companions. His presence in the series is the first success and his legacy will live on in stories and in the hearts of fans.
Episodes of Russell’s acclaimed Doctor Who series can be viewed on BBC iPlayer in the UK, Britbox and free in the US on Tubi. This is a testament to his enduring influence on pop culture and his role as a pioneer in the world of television science fiction.