Grandpa Pig, Thunderbirds and Daleks voice actor David Graham dies

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

Graham lent his voice to the menacing Daleks in Doctor Who, frightening many children from the 1960s through the late 1970s.

He was also recognized for his role as the voice of Aloysius Parker, the butler and driver in the 1960s television series Thunderbirds and its subsequent movie adaptations.

However, to today's kids, he's likely best known as the voice of Grandpa Pig from the animated show Peppa Pig.

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

Graham made an appearance in two episodes of the inaugural season of Doctor Who as a performer, but he became far more famous for providing the cold, stern voice of the Daleks.

In a 2015 interview with the Mirror, Graham shared his experience of voicing the Daleks, saying, “I came up with it alongside Peter Hawkins, who is also a voice actor.”

"We started using a sharp, broken rhythm and then processed it through a synthesizer to give it a darker edge."

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

In 2015, he returned to play the character Parker in an ITV reboot of the series titled Thunderbirds Are Go! He was the sole original cast member to make a comeback.

Parker, known for his catchphrase "Yes, m'lady," served Lady Penelope, a character portrayed in the latest adaptation by Rosamund Pike, the star of Saltburn and a former Bond actress.

Graham mentioned then, "I’m thrilled to be part of the new series… and to take on my role as the beloved Parker alongside such an impressive cast."

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

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

"Gerry invited me out for lunch so I could listen to someone—a wine steward," the actor shared.

He had served as a steward for the previous Prince of Wales.

He asked, "Would you be interested in looking at the wine list, sir?" and that moment marked the beginning of Parker.

"I just added a little more evil to his character. I'm not sure if he ever found out—he might have asked for a cut of the profits!"

Jamie Anderson, a TV producer and Anderson's son, expressed that Graham was consistently kind and generous with both his time and skills.

In a recent statement, he mentioned, "Not too long ago, I was among 2,000 fans of Anderson at a Gerry Anderson concert in Birmingham, where we celebrated his birthday with a song. It was a truly wonderful event."

"And now, only a couple of weeks have passed, and he is gone."

He mentioned, "From voicing the Daleks to Grandpa Pig, and bringing to life many characters in Anderson shows like Brains, Gordon Tracy, and the legendary Parker, he will be greatly missed."

The official account of Gerry Anderson, who passed away at the age of 83 in 2012, shared on X: "David was a great friend to everyone at Anderson Entertainment."

"We will truly miss you, David. Our hearts are with your friends and family during this difficult time."

The actor, originally from London, shared with The Mirror that he realized at a young age what profession he wanted to follow.

"I often felt the urge to recite poems or read stories during school. I was always eager to perform," he shared with the newspaper.

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

However, after realizing he didn't find fulfillment in his job as an office clerk after the war, he moved to New York to be with his sister and her American GI husband. There, he enrolled in a theater school.

Upon returning home, he found employment in a repertory theater before landing a role in the first series of Doctor Who.

Graham was also part of Laurence Olivier's troupe at the National Theatre.

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

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