Doctor Who and Coronation Star William Russell has died at the age of 99. Russell, who was part of the original Doctor Who cast in 1963, also made a cameo appearance in the show in 2022, setting a television record. He first gained fame in the series The Adventures of Sir Lancelot in 1956 and had a successful career on stage and screen for many years.
His most notable role was as Ian Chesterton alongside William Hartnell's Doctor Who in the first episode of the series in 1965. In 2022, he reprised his role to bid farewell to Jodie Whittaker, who was making her final appearance as The Doctor. He returned to the role of Ian, a science teacher and companion of the first Doctor, portrayed by William Hartnell from November 1963 to October 1966, 57 years after his first appearance on the sci-fi show.
During his initial stint on Doctor Who in the 60s, which included 77 episodes over two series, Russell returned to his role 57 years later for Jodie's grand exit at the end of 2022. His triumphant return not only thrilled fans but also earned him a place in The Guinness Book of Records, reports . The actor holds the record for the longest hiatus between television appearances, thanks to his 57-year and 120-day break from playing The Doctor's companion Ian.
On the show's 59th anniversary, it was confirmed: "The longest gap between TV appearances is 57 years 120 days, and was achieved by William Russell (UK) as the Doctor Who character Ian Chesterton in the 'The Power of the Doctor' epis.
