Stephen Moore, famous for his role as Silurian Eldane in Doctor Who and beloved portrayal of Android Marvin in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series, passed away at the age of 81. The cause of Moore’s death is still unknown.
On Oct. 12, producer Dirk Maggs (Bob the Builder, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) confirmed the death on Twitter. “Our dear friend Stephen Moore has died. A fine actor, a lovely man and the original and most iconic voice of Marvin The Paranoid Android in The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy,” he wrote, sharing pictures of Moore. “Our thoughts are with his family and our memories of him will always make us smile. RIP Stephen.”
Moore began his journey in the Hitchhiker series in 1978, when he first voiced the role of the manically depressed android Marvin. His start came from the second episode of the iconic radio series and television spin-off.
Apart from his role in Doctor Who, starting from season five of the series starring Matt Smith (Doctor Who, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies), Moore participated in numerous small productions and played minor characters throughout his career. These include Gag Halfrunt, the Ruler of the Universe, the whale and Frankie Mouse.
The actor retired from the role in 2018, but his legacy inspired the title of Radiohead’s 1997 hit Paranoid Android, according to Variety. The lead singer of the British rock band, Thom Yorke, spoke about the title, saying “that’s how people would like me to be.”
Moore’s first impact on a wide audience was through his role in the British sketch show Harry Enfield and Chums. The actor played the role of Kevin’s dad in the 1997 show.
Moore also enjoyed a successful on-stage career. His role in the revival of Henrik Ibsen’s The Doll’s House, won him the 1983 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actor. He also starred in various significant plays like As You Like It, The Merry Wives of Windsor, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night.
Born in Brixton, Moore was married four times and has five children Robyn, Guy, Hedda, Charlotte and Sophie.