Home / Arts and Entertainment / Doctor Who's K9 Voice Actor Remembered
Doctor Who's K9 Voice Actor Remembered
2 Nov
Summary
- John Leeson, known as the voice of K9, has passed away at 83.
- He voiced the iconic robot dog in Doctor Who from 1977 to 1981.
- Leeson was praised as a 'true gent' by former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies.
John Leeson, renowned for voicing the iconic K9 in Doctor Who, has passed away at 83. His son confirmed the news, stating his father died peacefully after an illness over the summer. Leeson, born John Ducker in 1943, trained at Rada before a diverse career spanning stage and television.
He first lent his voice to K9, created by Bob Baker and Dave Martin, in the 1977 Tom Baker story "The Invisible Enemy." Initially planned for one episode, K9’s popularity led to his continued presence until 1981, endearing him to younger viewers with his catchphrase, "Affirmative, Master."
Leeson reprised the role for Doctor Who's 20th anniversary and the spin-off "K-9 and Company." He later reunited with Elisabeth Sladen for the 2006 episode "School Reunion" and "The Sarah Jane Adventures." Colleagues like Russell T Davies and Keith Barnfather remembered Leeson as a professional, talented, and 'true gent.'
His career also included a memorable stint as Bungle on the children's show Rainbow. Despite early assurances that K9's role would be limited, Leeson continued to voice the character in Big Finish audio dramas as recently as last year, a testament to K9's enduring appeal.
