David Graham dead: Doctor Who legend & voice of the Daleks dies aged 99 as tributes pour in for Thunderbirds actor
DAVID Graham, the voice behind Doctor Who villains the Daleks, has died aged 99.
Graham was also known for voicing a beloved character on children’s show Peppa Pig and as butler Aloysius Parker on the 1960s show Thunderbirds.
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.
He played Grandpa Pig on Channel 5’s Peppa Pig from 2004 until 2024 and appeared 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 forces he trained as an actor in New York City and began a career in theatre after returning to England.
In an interview with the Mirror in 2015 on the Doctor Who Daleks, Graham said: “I created it with Peter Hawkins, another voice actor.
“We adopted this staccato style then they fed it through a synthesiser to make it more sinister.”
Graham played a host of different roles on Thunderbirds the original series, as well as the film sequels.
He voiced Parker on the children’s puppet show version – as well as playing the series pilot Gordon Tracy and engineer Brains between 1965 and 1966.
Graham reprised his iconic role as Parker for 2015 ITV remake Thunderbirds Are Go! and was the only original member of the cast to return.
The butler and chauffeur was known for his catchphrase “Yes m’lady”, directed at character Lady Penelope.
World-famous actress Rosamund Pike played her in the most recent remake of Thunderbirds.
Speaking about his return as Parker, Graham said: “I’m chuffed to bits to be asked back.
“The producers came to meet me, I think to see what kind of shape I am in. But although I’m old I can deliver the same energy level.
“I didn’t have to practise for Parker – it’s in my vocal DNA. I can turn it on. People just say, ‘Do the voice.’ ”
Fans paid tribute to the actor on social media, with many on Twitter writing “Rest in peace”.
Someone else added: “Gone too soon”.
Producers and directors who worked with him also applauded his decades-long career.
Creator of Thunderbirds Gerry Anderson said: “We’re incredibly sad to confirm the passing of the legendary David Graham.
“The voice Parker, Gordon Tracy, Brains and so many more. David was always a wonderful friend to us here at Anderson Entertainment.
“We will miss you dearly, 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 aged 99.
“The last Tracy brother, voice of Parker and so much more. A great actor, iconic voice, and all round lovely man. We’ll all miss him very much.”
Graham previously told how Gerry Anderson helped create the inspiration for character Parker’s iconic voice in the 1960s.
He said: “Gerry took me to lunch because he wanted me to hear the voice of somebody, a wine waiter.
“He had been 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 bit more villainous. I’m not sure the guy ever knew – he might have demanded a royalty!”
Graham, born in 1925, had wanted to pursue a career in acting from a young age but postponed it because of World War Two to work as a mechanic.