Doctor Who and Blake’s 7 star Paul Darrow dies aged 78

Doctor Who and Blake’s 7 star Paul Darrow dies aged 78 after battling a short illness

  • The actor was best known as computer expert Kerr Avon in sci-fi drama Blake’s 7
  • Appeared in over 200 television shows, including Emmerdale and Little Britain
  • Paul passed away on Monday morning after a sudden illness, spokesperson said

Doctor Who star Paul Darrow has died aged 78 after a short illness, it has been confirmed.

The actor was best known for his portrayal of computer expert Kerr Avon in the BBC sci-fi drama Blake’s 7, and was the voice of independent radio stations Jack FM and Union Jack.

He sadly passed away on Monday morning following a sudden illness, a spokesperson for Jack FM confirmed.

Sad news: Doctor Who and Blake’s 7 star Paul Darrow has died aged 78 after a short illness, it has been confirmed (Pictured in 2012)

Maureen Marrs, his long-time friend and PA, described knowing Paul as a ‘privilege’ and said the world would be a ‘darker place’ without him. 

She said: ‘Over three decades I have been Paul’s confidante and have had the immense privilege of being part of his life. A star has gone out today; the world will be a darker place without him.’

Paul appeared in more than 200 television shows and took to the stage at the Bristol Old Vic and London’s West End throughout his illustrious career.

Role: The actor was best known for his portrayal of Kerr Avon in the BBC sci-fi drama Blake’s 7 (Pictured)

Tragic: He sadly passed away on Monday morning after a short illness, a spokesperson for Jack FM, where he was known as the ‘Voice of Jack’, confirmed (Pictured as Captain Hawkins in Doctor Who and the Silurians) 

He featured as Judge Prentice in Law & Order: UK and Eddy Fox in Emmerdale, and starred as the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1975 mini-series The Legend of Robin Hood. 

Paul had a guest role as Captain Hawkins in Doctor Who and the Silurians in 1970, before returning to the sci-fi drama as Tekker in 1985. 

The actor had also recently appeared on BBC’s Pointless Celebrities in a wheelchair after he suffered an aortic aneurysm in 2014.

Star: Maureen Marrs, his long-time friend and PA, described knowing Paul as a ‘privilege’ and said the world would be a ‘darker place’ without him (Pictured as Eddy Fox in Emmerdale)

Throwback: Paul appeared in more than 200 television shows and took to the stage at the Bristol Old Vic and London’s West End throughout his illustrious career (Pictured with Steven Pacey)

Surgeons had been forced to amputate both of his legs, one above the knee and the other below, due to complications at the time, the Daily Express reported.

The BBC told the Mirror it was ‘very sorry’ to hear of Paul’s death. 

Tim Parker, programme director at Jack FM, said: ‘What an amazing, colourful character Paul was.

‘He has mixed with the greats over the last 50 years and had a story to tell you for every occasion. His voice acting skills were like no other.

‘He had the ability to take our written JACK lines and deliver them in his own, unique style loaded with his own personality. This was always better than we ever imagined.

Co-star: Paul had a recurring role as Captain Hawkins in Doctor Who and the Silurians in 1970, before returning to the sci-fi drama as Tekker in 1985 (Pictured with Jacqueline Pearce)

‘What a sad loss to the team here at JACK. We will remember and celebrate his character, personality and amazing skills for years to come.’

Ian Walker, CEO of the JACK brand, added: ‘Paul Darrow has been JACK’s shining star.

‘Over the past 12 years I have had the pleasure of spending countless hours with Paul listening to his life stories and have shared many bottles of his favourite Bordeaux, whilst enjoying his quirky jokes and sense of humour.

‘When we first launched JACK in the UK, we cast over 85 voices for the role and we could not have asked for anyone more unique. Paul’s rich tones and flippant delivery style always brought a smile to everyone who knew him and of course heard him on JACKfm and Union JACK radio.

Illness: The actor had also recently appeared on BBC’s Pointless Celebrities in a wheelchair after he suffered an aortic aneurysm in 2014

‘I could not have asked for a better friend.’

Born in Surrey in 1941, Paul went to Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School before studying at RADA, where he shared a flat with fellow actors Ian McShane and John Hurt.

He married actress Janet Lees-Price after they co-starred on ITV show Emergency Ward 10 and they were together for 48 years before her death in 2012.   

Family: Paul married actress Janet Lees-Price after they co-starred on ITV show Emergency Ward 10 and they were together for 48 years before her death in 2012 (Pictured L-R: David Jackson, Paul Darrow, Jan Chappell, Gareth Thomas, Sally Knyvette and Michael Keating)

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