Actor Nicholas Courtney passes away, aged 81

February 23rd, 2011
actor-nicholas-courtney-passes-away-aged-81

It is with great sadness that we report the death of veteran actor Nicholas Courtney, who passed away in London yesterday, aged 81, after a short illness.

Courtney is, of course, well known and well loved by Doctor Who fans for his portrayal of Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, a role which made him one of Doctor Who’s longest serving co-stars. He introduced the character to a new generation when he appeared in The Sarah Jane Adventures story, Enemy of the Bane, in 2008.

Various people associated with Doctor Who have paid tribute to the actor. Writer and actor Mark Gatiss has said that he will be remembered as “a childhood hero and the sweetest of gentlemen”, while writer Phil Ford has referred to him as “a true gent”.

All of our thoughts are with Courtney’s family and friends at this time.

Nicholas Courtney (16th December 1929-22nd February 2011)

12 comments on this article
  1. Shauna Curtis
    February 23rd, 2011 at 3.26pm | #1

    I always Liked Brigadier with UNIT in the old Doctor Who series! They had a comeback with him in one of the Doctor Who comics where he met the Tenth Doctor! My Husband and i are very sadden by his passing although i have only come to know his role recentlu he played a big part in Doctor Who history! R.I.P. Nicholas!

  2. The 13th Doctor
    February 23rd, 2011 at 3.57pm | #2

    Was very saddened to hear the news of Nicholas’s passing, and Im very proud to say I share a first name with him!

    Nicholas Courtney
    R.I.P

  3. Chris
    February 23rd, 2011 at 6.08pm | #3

    nicholas is the first major figure in dr who to die during my time as a fan. it’s a shame cos he was brilliant as the brigadier

  4. Robert
    February 23rd, 2011 at 8.00pm | #4

    I’am very sad over this news

    The Brigadder has been a big chunk of the Doctor
    and to lose him is a great loss not just to his family, freinds, the show but to us the fans who like me remember his character so fondly.

    You will be greatly missed Nicolas Courtney espically by me.

    God rest you Nicholas

  5. Rose
    February 23rd, 2011 at 9.12pm | #5

    I cried when I found out I love Nicholas he is so awesome and is a great loss to the Doctor Whoc ommunity.

    HE’LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

    God Keep You Safe Nicholas

  6. martin
    February 23rd, 2011 at 9.14pm | #6

    I’m sorry to read of his death. I watched the Claws of Axos again after several years just last week. A really good UNIT story. I first saw Nicholas Courtney as the Brigadier in Mawdryn Undead (1983). He was clearly proud of his association with DW.

  7. TWWL
    February 23rd, 2011 at 9.32pm | #7

    Terribly sa; I’ve always loved the Brig as a character, a great foil fr the Doctor, beautifully played by Courtney.

    RIP

  8. DocWhoGater
    February 24th, 2011 at 12.31am | #8

    So sad. He was a brilliant actor who helped shape Doctor Who History.
    You will be much missed, Mr.Courtney.

  9. Professor Zed
    February 24th, 2011 at 5.27am | #9

    Sad news, of course, for all of us still here on Earth. Wonderful for all the family members and friends of his who welcomed him as he crossed over. A terrific actor who brought so much to his “Brig” character and to “Doctor Who” itself. I would agree with the Doctor himself as he might say, “Wonderful chap. I all thought so.”

  10. TSG
    February 24th, 2011 at 12.15pm | #10

    Preserved in time through the medium of film; he will be remembered.

    My thoughts and commiserations go to his family.

  11. Rose Weasley
    February 24th, 2011 at 4.39pm | #11

    I nearly cried when I heard.
    Commiserations to his family.
    R.I.P Mr Courtney

  12. Telly Addict
    February 24th, 2011 at 4.54pm | #12

    Nicholas Courtney was as iconic as an ambassador to the series of Doctor as the Brig was as iconic as the Doctor himself, the TARDIS and the Daleks.

    My thoughts to Mr Courtney’s family at this time.

    Nicholas Courtney and Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart – Splendid fellows… both of them.

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