David Graham was a British voice actor best known for his work on “Doctor Who,” where he voiced the Daleks; for voicing Grandpa Pig on “Peppa Pig;” and for playing several characters on the “Thunderbirds” shows and films.
- Died: September 20, 2024 (Who else died on September 20?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 99.
- We invite you to share condolences for David Graham in our Guest Book.
David Graham’s legacy
Though born in London, David Graham trained as an actor at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, leading to an acting career that began with live action television. However, Graham was almost immediately hired to do voice work on children’s science fiction shows like “Four Feather Falls” and “Supercar,” puppet and marionette-driven adventure programs that were popular in England at the time.
Perhaps his best-known work came via his time on the classic British science fiction show, “Doctor Who,” where, starting in 1963, he provided the voices for the Doctor’s most iconic villains, the Daleks. His direct, robotic approach has become an essential part of the world of “Doctor Who,” and remains highly imitated to this day.
“Thunderbirds,” which began in 1965, was another breakout TV hit. On it, Graham voiced butler and chauffeur Aloysius Parker, along with the characters Gordon Tracy, Brains, and Kyrano. Fifty years after his debut on the TV show, he returned for the 2015 remake, “Thunderbirds Are Go.” In the late ‘60s, he’d voiced major roles in the two “Thunderbirds” films.
Other well-known Graham roles include Grandpa Pig on the popular children’s show “Peppa Pig.”
Prior to acting, he served as a radar mechanic with the Royal Air Force during World War II.
On keeping his voice healthy:
“I have never smoked. I wouldn’t have the voice I have if I did. Everyone smoked when I was young. I just didn’t like it – it made me dizzy.” — Interview with The Mirror, 2015
Tributes to David Graham
Full obituary: BBC
