‘Doctor Who’ actress Mary Tamm passes away at 62

Mark Wallinger Installs His Latest Work At The Hayward Gallery — LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: 2007 Turner Prize winner, Mark Wallinger’s life-sized mirrored Tardis sculpture on February 11, 2009 in London. Mark Wallenger is curator of ‘The Russian Linesman’ exhibition at the gallery which takes as it’s theme the story of the Russian football linesman, whose controversial ruling at the 1966 World Cup between England and Germany changed the course of footballing history. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

By, Heather Maloney

The “Doctor Who” family has suffered a devastating loss today. The beloved Mary Tamm has lost her battle with cancer at the age of 62. Mary portrayed Romana I alongside Tom Baker’s doctor and was the companion through one of the most popular series of “Doctor Who” titled “The Key to Time”.

While she is known in America mainly for her work in “Doctor Who”, Mary Tamm was also an accomplished actor in many other films and television programs. She appeared in the films “The Odessa File” and “The Likely Lads” prior to her adventures in the TARDIS. After her work with the doctor she appeared in television programs such as “Brookside”, “Paradise Heights” and “East Enders”.

As the daughter of refugees from Estonia, Mary moved to London at the age of 22 to begin her career. In addition to her work on stage and screen, she published an autobiography in 2009 titled “First Generation”. She has been working on the second part of her autobiography; however it is not know at this time if it was finished or will be published.

Many “Doctor Who” stars and fans have posted tributes to Mary on Twitter following her death.

Colin Baker, the sixth Doctor, wrote “Shell-shocked to hear Mary Tamm is gone. A funny, caring, talented, lovely and down to earth lady. My heart goes out to Marcus and Lauren.”

Nicola Bryant, who is known and The Doctor’s companion Peri, wrote “Just heard the terrible news that Mary Tamm has died. Completely shocked. Very sad. Thoughts go to Marcus & Lauren. RIP Mary.”

Nicolas Briggs, known to Whovians as the voice of the modern Daleks, wrote “Very sad indeed about the death of Mary Tamm. She was so much fun and lovely to work with. I shall miss her.”

While the world of “Doctor Who” is in shock this morning, the worldwide family gathers together to celebrate the life and work of an amazing actress. Fans can look up to the sky and hope that she will forever travel with The Doctor.