By, Heather Maloney
As another year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on those that were lost in 2012. It is with great sadness that Whovians had to say goodbye to actors and contributors that helped bring happiness to many through “Doctor Who”. While these amazing individuals left too soon, they will never be forgotten.
Mary Tamm
The beloved Mary Tamm lost her battle with cancer in July 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”.
Sir Richard Rodney Bennett
As a world renowned composer, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett was celebrated for his soundtrack work as well as classical pieces. He composed the incidental music to the first Doctor’s story “The Aztecs”. For his work in “Murder or the Orient Express”, “Far from the Madding Crowd” and “Nicholas and Alexandra” he was nominated for Academy Awards. Sadly, Sir Bennett passed away in December at the age of 76.
Kenneth Kendall
Famed newsreader Kenneth Kendall delighted viewers for decades. He is known not only for his work on the news but also as the host of “Treasure Hunt”; a game show that ran from 1982-1989. Kendall appeared in “Doctor Who” for the first Doctor’s adventure titled “The War Machines”. Kenneth Kendall passed away in December at the age of 88.
Peter Halliday
As a highly respected Shakespearean actor, Peter Halliday had an amazing career on stage and screen. He played many roles in “Doctor Who” including Pletrac in “Carnival of Monsters” and Vicar in “Remembrance of the Daleks”. After an acting career that spanned over 60 years, Peter Halliday died at the age of 87 in February.
Caroline John
As Liz Shaw, Caroline John joined “Doctor Who” as a companion to the third Doctor. Because she was an intelligent civilian member of UNIT, Liz was able to relate with the Doctor on a higher level. Although her travels with the Doctor only lasted for 4 stories in 1970, Caroline John continued to reprise her role. Most recently she appeared in numerous Big Finish Productions’ audio dramas from 2001-2012. The world lost Caroline John in June when she passed away at the age of 71.
George Murdock
George Murdock was an American actor whose career on television spanned over 50 years. He appeared on an amazing array of programs such as “Seinfeld”, “Knight Rider”, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, “CSI”, “The X Files” and even “T J Hooker”. He recently graced the screen as Preacher in “Torchwood: Miracle Day”. George Murdock passed away in May at the age of 81.
Phillip Madoc
This March, Phillip Madoc passed away at the age of 77. A welsh actor known for his roles in “Dad’s Army”, “A Mind to Kill” and “The Life and Times of David Lloyd George”, he was also frequent guest of “Doctor Who”. He appeared in the film “Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150 AD”, “The Krotons”, “The War Games”, “The Brain of Morbius” and “The Power of Kroll”.
While they have left the world, their contribution through the arts will live on forever. Whovians can now look up to the sky and know that they will travel will the Doctor until the end of time.
The Geek Port 