John Leeson, who gave Doctor Who’s robot dog K9 its distinctive voice, has died aged 83. His son said he died peacefully after being ill during the summer. Leeson first played K9 in 1977 and returned across television spin-offs and audio dramas, alongside a wider career on stage and screen.
John Leeson, the actor who voiced robot dog K9 in the science-fiction series Doctor Who, has died aged 83.[1], [2]
His son Guy Ducker said he had been ill during the summer and died peacefully. Ducker thanked the programme’s fans for their support over the decades. Leeson’s association with K9 began in 1977 and continued through later television appearances and audio productions.[1]
Created by Bob Baker and Dave Martin, K9 first appeared in The Invisible Enemy alongside Tom Baker. Intended for one story, the character stayed with the Tardis team until 1981; David Brierly supplied its voice for part of that run. Leeson returned for the twentieth-anniversary special and K-9 and Company with Elisabeth Sladen. They reunited in the 2006 David Tennant episode School Reunion and later The Sarah Jane Adventures.[1]
Born John Ducker in 1943, Leeson worked as a hospital porter before training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, a drama school. His credits included Dad’s Army, Crown Court, The Bill and Blake’s 7, as well as continuity announcing for Channel 4. He played Bungle in Rainbow and was still voicing K9 for Big Finish audio dramas last year. Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies praised the precision and humour of his voice.[1]
