Actor William Russell, who appeared in the first Doctor Who series in 1963, died on Monday, June 3, 2024. He was 99 years old.

Russell played science teacher Ian Chesterton in the British science fiction series, originating the concept of the Doctor traveling through time and space with companions. He starred on the show until 1965, appearing in 77 episodes, then he returned for a cameo many years later in 2022.

He was born William Russell Enoch on November 19, 1924, in Sunderland, England. Throughout his career he performed as William Russell, William Enoch, and Russell Enoch.

Russell attended Fettes College and Trinity College, was an RAF officer during World War II and started performing in plays and revues during that period. His onscreen career debut was in 1952’s Glory at Sea, followed by The Saint’s Girl Friday, They Who Dare, One Good Turn, and The Man Who Never Was.

He starred in the title role in The Adventures of Sir Lancelot series, then played the lead in the Nicholas Nickleby TV adaptation, and played Hamlet in a miniseries of the same name. After Doctor Who he starred in the series Harriet’s Back in Town, was in the TV movie Three Men in a Boat, he played the 8th Elder in Superman, and starred in Coronation Street.

Later in his career, Russell voiced Ian Chesterton and others for Doctor Who audio adventures, and his final role was playing Ian one more time in a 2022 episode of the show.