David Graham: Peppa Pig, Thunderbirds and Doctor Who voice actor dies

David Graham made an appearance at a Thunderbirds event during WonderCon in Los Angeles back in 2016.

David Graham, the talented voice actor known for his roles in popular TV shows like Peppa Pig, Thunderbirds, and Doctor Who, has passed away at the age of 99.

Graham, the person who provided the voice for the menacing Daleks in Doctor Who, frightened countless children from the 1960s until the late 1970s.

He was also recognized for voicing Aloysius Parker, the butler and driver in the 1960s television show Thunderbirds and its movie adaptations.

However, for today's kids, he is likely best known as the voice of Grandpa Pig in the animated series Peppa Pig.

Channel 5 features Grandpa Pig, Peppa, and Mummy Pig alongside an enormous pumpkin.

The character, who is married to Granny Pig and the father of Mummy Pig and Aunt Dottie, is called "Papa Ig" by his little grandson George.

Graham made an appearance in two episodes of the first season of Doctor Who, where he played a character. However, he became far more famous for lending the cold, stern voice to the Daleks.

In a 2015 interview with the Mirror regarding his portrayal of the Daleks, Graham shared, "I developed the voice alongside Peter Hawkins, another voice artist."

"We began using a choppy style, and then they processed it with a synthesizer to give it a more eerie feel."

In a 1963 episode of the BBC TV series, William Hartnell portrayed the Doctor, while Carole Ann Ford played his granddaughter, Susan Foreman. They found themselves encircled by Daleks.

In addition to providing the voice for Parker in the futuristic children's puppet show Thunderbirds, he portrayed the pilot Gordon Tracy and the engineer Brains from 1965 to 1966.

He returned to play the character Parker in a 2015 ITV remake of the series titled Thunderbirds Are Go!, being the sole member of the original cast to reprise his role.

Parker, well-known for his catchphrase "Yes m'lady," served Lady Penelope, a role that was portrayed by Rosamund Pike, a star from Saltburn and a former Bond actress, in the latest adaptation.

Graham expressed his excitement by saying, "I'm incredibly happy to be part of the new series... and to return to my role as the beloved Parker alongside such an impressive cast."

"My driving skills are in great shape, and I'm thrilled to be back on the road with my lady."

He mentioned to The Mirror that Gerry Anderson, the creator of the show, played a role in inspiring Parker's voice back in the 1960s.

"Gerry invited me out for lunch so that I could listen to someone speak, a waiter who specialized in wine," the actor mentioned.

"He used to serve as a butler for the previous Prince of Wales."

He asked, 'Would you like to take a look at the wine list, sir?' and that moment marked the beginning of Parker.

"I’ve added a touch more wickedness to his character. I’m not convinced he was aware of it – he might have even asked for a cut!"

Jamie Anderson, the TV producer and son of Anderson, remarked that Graham was consistently warm-hearted and generous with both his time and skills.

In a recent statement, he mentioned, "Only a few weeks back, I joined 2,000 fans of Anderson at a Gerry Anderson concert in Birmingham, and together we celebrated his birthday by singing to him—it was a truly happy event."

"And now, only a few weeks have passed, and he's gone."

He expressed, "From the Daleks to Grandpa Pig, as well as various characters in Anderson's shows, like Brains, Gordon Tracy, and the legendary Parker. His absence will be deeply felt."

The official account of Gerry Anderson, who passed away at the age of 83 in 2012, posted on X: "David has always been a fantastic friend to everyone at Anderson Entertainment."

"We will deeply feel your absence, David. Our hearts are with your friends and family during this time."

Parker was employed by the elegant Lady Penelope in the Thunderbirds series.

The London-born actor expressed to The Mirror that he realized from a young age what profession he wanted to follow.

"I’ve always had a desire to recite poems or read stories in school. Performing has always been a passion of mine," he shared with the newspaper.

He had to put his passion for acting on hold when World War Two broke out and instead took a job as a radar technician.

Afterward, feeling unfulfilled in his job as an office clerk following the war, he moved to New York to be with his sister and her husband, who was an American GI. There, he enrolled in a theater school.

Upon coming back home, he joined a repertory theater company before landing a role in the inaugural series of Doctor Who.

Graham was part of Lawrence Olivier's team at the National Theatre.

Throughout his extensive career, he lent his voice to characters like Wise Old Elf and Mr. Gnome in the children's show Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom, which aired in the UK on Channel 5.

He made short guest appearances in shows like ITV's Coronation Street, The Bill, and London's Burning, as well as in BBC series such as Doctors and Casualty.