David Graham, the beloved voice actor behind some of TV’s most iconic characters, has passed away at the age of 99.
Graham was best known for voicing Grandpa Pig on Peppa Pig from 2004 to 2021 and Aloysius Parker in the classic 1960s series Thunderbirds.
He also lent his voice to the menacing Daleks in Doctor Who during the ‘60s and ‘70s, helping to bring one of TV’s most famous villains to life.
A Legendary Career in Voice Acting
On Friday, Sept. 20, Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson confirmed Graham’s passing on X (formerly Twitter) with a heartfelt tribute. “We’re incredibly sad to confirm the passing of the legendary David Graham,” Anderson wrote.
“The voice of Parker, Gordon Tracy, Brains, and so many more. David was always a wonderful friend to us at Anderson Entertainment. We will miss you dearly.”
Before his successful career in TV and film, Graham served as a radar mechanic in World War II and worked as an office clerk. His passion for acting led him to theater school, setting the stage for an incredible career.
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Crafting the Voice of the Daleks
In a 2015 interview with Mirror, Graham reflected on his time voicing the Daleks in Doctor Who. “I created the voice with Peter Hawkins, another voice actor,” Graham shared.
“We used this staccato style, and then they fed it through a synthesizer to make it more sinister.”
His role on Thunderbirds opened up even more opportunities, including working alongside legendary actor Laurence Olivier at the National Theatre. “A wonderful man,” Graham said of Olivier.
“He asked me, ‘Are you doing anything at the moment?’ as if I was the busiest actor in the country!”
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A New Generation with Peppa Pig
In his later years, Graham voiced Grandpa Pig on Peppa Pig, introducing him to a new generation of young fans. He took great pride in this role, telling Mirror:
“Just because it’s a cartoon or puppet doesn’t mean you don’t take it seriously. I take it as seriously as working at the National Theatre.”
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David Graham’s incredible career spanned decades, and his unforgettable characters will continue to live on for generations to come. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and fans worldwide.