David Graham, the actor known for his iconic voice work in beloved TV shows like Peppa Pig, Thunderbirds, and Doctor Who, has passed away at the age of 99. Graham, who had a career spanning decades, brought to life some of the most memorable characters in children’s television, including Grandpa Pig and the menacing Daleks. His contributions to entertainment reached generations of audiences, both young and old.
A Versatile Career in Voice Acting
David Graham’s voice became a fixture in British television, especially in the 1960s. He is perhaps most famously known for voicing the Daleks in Doctor Who, terrifying viewers with their emotionless, staccato speech. Reflecting on the role, Graham once said, “I created it with Peter Hawkins, another voice actor. We adopted this staccato style, then they fed it through a synthesizer to make it more sinister.”
In addition to his work on Doctor Who, Graham voiced multiple characters on Thunderbirds, including the butler and chauffeur Aloysius Parker, whose iconic line, “Yes, m’lady,” became synonymous with the show. He also voiced Brains, the genius engineer, and Gordon Tracy, one of the Thunderbirds pilots. Graham later reprised his role as Parker in the 2015 remake Thunderbirds Are Go! — a return that delighted fans, as he was the only original cast member to return for the revival.
Beloved by a New Generation as Grandpa Pig
To today’s children, David Graham will be best remembered as the voice of Grandpa Pig on Peppa Pig. His warm and gentle portrayal of the character, often affectionately referred to as “Papa Ig” by his grandson George, made him a household name to young audiences. Grandpa Pig, married to Granny Pig, was the father of Mummy Pig and Aunt Dottie, and his presence on the show brought joy to countless viewers over the years.
The Birth of Parker’s Iconic Voice
One of Graham’s most cherished roles was that of Parker in Thunderbirds. He once shared the amusing story of how he developed the character’s distinctive voice. The show’s creator, Gerry Anderson, had taken him to lunch and introduced him to a wine waiter who had once served as a butler to the former Prince of Wales. “He said, ‘Would you like to see the wine list, sir?’ and that was the birth of Parker. I just made him a bit more villainous,” Graham recalled.
This playful, slightly mischievous interpretation of Parker became a fan favorite, especially when paired with Lady Penelope, voiced in the 2015 series by Rosamund Pike. Graham took great pride in returning to the role, stating then, “I am triple chuffed to be on board the new series… and reprising my role of dear old Parker.”
From the Stage to the Screen
David Graham’s acting career began early, but it was interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a radar mechanic. After the war, he tried office work but quickly realized his passion for acting was stronger. He moved to New York, where he attended theater school before returning to the UK and pursuing a career in repertory theater.
He later joined Lawrence Olivier’s company at the National Theatre, marking a significant milestone in his stage career. Graham’s long and varied career also included roles in British TV staples such as Coronation Street, The Bill, London’s Burning, Doctors, and Casualty.
A Legacy in Children’s Television
Aside from Peppa Pig and Thunderbirds, Graham lent his voice to other children’s shows, including Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom, where he voiced the Wise Old Elf and Mr. Gnome. His contributions to children’s programming earned him a special place in the hearts of audiences both in the UK and around the world.
David Graham’s ability to bring warmth, humor, and at times, fear to his roles made him one of his generation’s most versatile voice actors. From his chilling portrayal of the Daleks to the lovable Grandpa Pig, Graham’s characters will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for years to come.
David Graham’s career spanned over 60 years, and his contributions to television and entertainment were immeasurable. As a voice actor, he created characters that became cultural icons, and his work brought joy to multiple generations. Though he is no longer with us, the characters he brought to life, from Grandpa Pig to the Daleks, will ensure that his legacy lives on.
