William Russell

William Russell was a British actor who is best known for his roles in Doctor Who, The Adventures of Sir Lancelot, and Nicholas Nickleby. He captivated audiences with his performances from the 1950s onwards and enjoyed a long career in theater and television.

Personal and Family Life

William Russell Enoch was born on November 19, 1924, in Sunderland, England. He was married twice: first to Balbina M. Gutierrez, with whom he had three children, and then to Dr. Etheline Margareth Lewis, with whom he had one child, Alfred Enoch, who is also an actor. Throughout his life, he was known for his deep love of theater, often involving himself in various productions.

Career Overview

Russell started his acting journey at an early age, gaining experience during his national service in the Royal Air Force. He broke into the professional realm with roles in theatre and quickly became a recognizable face on television, particularly noted for his performance as Ian Chesterton in the iconic series Doctor Who, which he joined in 1963. He also had notable appearances in other series and films over the decades, remaining active in the industry well into his later years.

Death and Legacy

William Russell passed away on June 3, 2024, in the UK. He is remembered not only for his contributions to the entertainment industry but also for the lasting impact he made as one of the original actors in Doctor Who, holding the Guinness World Record for the longest gap between appearances in the series, spanning over 57 years. His legacy continues through his work and the influence he had on future generations of actors.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The Great Escape 1963-07-03 Sorren
Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child 1963-11-23 Ian Chesterton
The Adventures of Sir Lancelot 1956-09-15 Sir Lancelot du Lac
Robin of Sherwood 1984-04-28 The Duke of Gloucester
Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor 2022-10-23 Ian Chesterton
Casualty 1986-09-06 Mo Meredrew
Three Men in a Boat 1975-12-31 Doctor
Heart of the World 1997-12-01 Henry