British actor John Leeson (K9, Blake’s 7), who voiced the iconic companion K9 from Doctor Who (1963-1989), died at 83 years old. According to Deadline, the cause of death was confirmed by his family.
A Facebook post from Guy Ducker (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, What I am), Leeson’s son, said: “I regret to announce the death of my father, John Ducker, a.k.a. John Leeson, at 3:30 pm today after a summer of illness. The end was peaceful. Good night sweet prince: And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”
Leeson was born on March 16, 1943, in Stoneygate, Leicester, England. He studied acting in Rada, which was short for Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He started his acting career on stage and screen with different roles from a range of TV shows such as Dad’s Army (1968-1977), Sorry! (1981-1988), Rainbow (1972-1992), Crown Courts (1972-1984), and Longitude (2000). He also was involved The Bill (1984-2010), Vanity Fair (1998), Crossroads (1964-1988), Doctors(2000-2024) and Blake’s 7 (1978-1981).
Leeson was known mostly known for his role as K9. In 1977, he played the voice of the popular robot dog, K9, who accompanies Doctor Who, who was at the time played by Tom Baker (Sir Sherlock, Dark Gallifrey). From showrunner Russel T. Davies (Torchwood, The War Between the Land and the Sea), he was featured in a story called “The Invisible Enemy.” He was originally only supposed to appear in on episode but was believed to be popular character to keep for the younger audience. Then his role went on spin-off shows including The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007-2011) and K9 (2009-2010). The two shows ended from cancellation due to
He got married to Producer’s Assistant Judy Griffiths (Blue Peter) in 1969, and had one son, which was Guy Ducker.
From another post, Ducker shared to Doctor Who fans (Whovians) his gratitude on the love they gave to his father over the years. Davies even said he will miss the actor.