Dr. Who dies
- Publication: Irish Independent
- Date: 1975-04-25
- Author:
- Page: 9
- Language: English
ACTOR William Hartnell, television's original Dr. Who, died in hospital yesterday near his Marsden, Kent, home. He was 67 and had been ill for about three years.
Hartnell was a familiar face to two generations. first as a tough sergeant major in dozens of war time films, and secondly as Dr. Who.
He created the Doctor Who role and in spite of predictions that the programme would run only six weeks, he kept the part for three years. Three other actors have since taken turns in the serial which is still running.
"Billy" Hartnell as he used to be known, began his career in 1924, went into films in 1931 and had his first London stage part the next year.
"THE WAY AHEAD"
He was invalided out of the Royal Tank Corps during the war. In 1944 fame came with the role of Sergeant Fletcher in "The Way Ahead."
"He was a real bastard," Hartnell said of the character. "But it was a marvellous role."
A string of hard-nosed. characters followed - N.C.O.s foremen, and others leading naturally to the Sergeant Major Bullimore in ITV's "The Army Game."
His first picture. was "The Man I Killed" in 1932, and many others followed including "Brighton Rock." His stage successes included "Power and Glory" (1938). "Seagulls Over Sorrento" (1950), and "Brother and Sister" (1968).
He was 55 when he became a hero to millions of children as the eccentric time traveller Dr. Who.
Hartnell is survived by his wife, Heather McIntyre. the former actress and playwright, a daughter Anne, and two grandchildren.
Caption: The late William Hartnell, TV's first Dr. Who.
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- APA 6th ed.: (1975-04-25). Dr. Who dies. Irish Independent p. 9.
- MLA 7th ed.: "Dr. Who dies." Irish Independent [add city] 1975-04-25, 9. Print.
- Chicago 15th ed.: "Dr. Who dies." Irish Independent, edition, sec., 1975-04-25
- Turabian: "Dr. Who dies." Irish Independent, 1975-04-25, section, 9 edition.
- Wikipedia (this article): <ref>{{cite news| title=Dr. Who dies | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Dr._Who_dies | work=Irish Independent | pages=9 | date=1975-04-25 | via=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=24 April 2025 }}</ref>
- Wikipedia (this page): <ref>{{cite web | title=Dr. Who dies | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Dr._Who_dies | work=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=24 April 2025}}</ref>
