Wednesday, February 23, 2011
It is with sadness that I write this article. Nicholas Courtney, known for his generosity and work on Doctor Who, has died at the age of 81.There are many fans who will no doubt be sharing personal memories of this wonderful man right now, chatting about their encounters with Nicholas at conventions etc... There are those who will have worked with him, and got to know the real Nicholas Courtney. And, like myself, there are the millions of fans who never got a chance to meet this great man but still admire him from afar, watching his portrayal of that indomitable Scottish soldier Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.
The Dæmons (1971)
Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart:
"Jenkins...chap with wings there, five rounds, rapid!"
Nicholas first appeared in Doctor Who as Space Security Agent Bret Vyon in the 1965 serial The Daleks' Master Plan, opposite then Doctor William Hartnell. In 1968 he returned to the series, this time as a different character entirely, the role that he would most be remembered for, that of Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart - and later, as Brigadier.
Between 1965-89 Nicholas starred alongside each and every Doctor of the Classic era except one: Colin Baker (Sixth Doctor). That was later rectified in the (not so popular) 1993 charity special Dimensions In Time. Personally, it is a blessing that audio production team Big Finish had the opportunity to cast Colin and Nicholas together in the fantastic story The Spectre of Lanyon Moor, released in June 2000.
Robot (1975)
Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart:
"You know, just once I'd like to meet an alien menace that wasn't immune to bullets."
Nicholas was later invited to star with fellow actor Paul McGann in the BF audio Minuet In Hell, once more reprising the role of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. And then there is the UNIT audio series.
Although the character has been referred to several times in the new series of Doctor Who, Nicholas sadly never appeared in one single episode. He did, however, make an appearance in 2008's Enemy of The Bane, a Sarah Jane Adventures story starring Elisabeth Sladen.
Of course for this actor there was life beyond the realms of Doctor Who; he guest-starred in such shows as Only Fools & Horses, Minder, and All Creatures Great and Small.
At the beginning I may have stated "It is with sadness that I write this article". However, after completion, I no longer feel sadness. My heart is warm with memories, happiness and celebration for a man who gave all, showed kindness and unmatched generosity. And an actor who was Doctor Who!
Raise a glass - thank you, Nicholas!!!
Posted in: Doctor Who,Obituary
