Susan Tirbutt pays tribute to the actor Patrick Troughton
PATRICK Troughton, the actor, died aged 67 on Saturday morning of heart disease at a Dr Who appreciation society convention in Columbus, Georgia. He was taken to hospital after being found in his hotel room.
He played the part of the mysterious doctor from 1966 to 1969, travelling through time and space in a police telephone box equipped with the then new technology of computer consoles. Like all the Dr Whos, his character lied two hearts and a body temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
He returned briefly to the part for the tenth and twentieth anniversary productions in 1973 and 1983. John Nathan Turner, the BBC Television programme's producer, said "Patrick Troughton will be sorely missed by the profession in general and the Dr Who family in particular. He was an actor of tremendous integrity with a natural sense of fun and a true professional."
An actor who specialised in television and film work, Patrick Troughton had before Dr Who often been cast in the parts of slightly seedy, uncomfortable men, often huddled in an overcoat.
After three years as Dr Who his screen characters seemed to have filled out physically,, cheered and cleaned up. His film and television appearances included The Omen, Edward And Mrs Simpson. The Six Wives Of Henry VIII. He occasionally appeared In comedy shows such as The Two Ronnies, the Dick Emery Show and Only When I Laugh.
Born in Mill Hill, London, he was educated at Mill Hill School, going on to study at the Embassy School of Acting under Eileen Thorndike.
He served in the Royal Navy from 1941 to 46 in the coastal forces on board motor torpedo hoots. After the war he joined the Bristol Old Vic.
He leaves a widow, Sheila, his third wife, six children and two stepchildren.
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