Thunderbirds actor David Graham dies aged 99 as tributes pour in
David Graham, the voice behind Doctor Who villains the Daleks and children’s cartoon Grandpa Pig, has died aged 99.
Graham starred in the first two episodes of Doctor Who as an actor before taking on the role of voicing the evil-villains – the Daleks – in later episodes.
He later became the voice of the beloved Grandpa Pig on Channel 5’s Peppa Pig from 2004 until 2024 and appeared in a staggering 65 episodes.
The Avengers were graced with Graham’s skills as he worked as a producer, whilst also voicing the popular children’s show – Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom.
Graham was passionate about his TV career – despite working behind the camera a lot of the time – and previously discussed his work as voicing the Daleks.
He told The Mirror in 2015: “I created it with Peter Hawkins, another voice actor. We adopted this staccato style then they fed it through a synthesiser to make it more sinister.”
Later in his life, Graham reprised the role of Thunderbirds’ Parker for an ITV remake of the show in 2015 – Thunderbirds Are Go! – and was the only original cast member to return.
His character – who was most known for saying ‘Yes m’lady’ – worked for Lady Penelope, who was played by ex-Bond actress Rosamund Pike.
Speaking about his reprisal at the time, Graham said: “I am triple chuffed to be on board the new series… and reprising my role of dear old Parker with such a distinguished cast.
“My driving skills are in good nick and I am delighted to be behind the wheel again with m’lady.”
He told The Mirror that the show’s creator, Gerry Anderson, had helped with the inspiration for Parker’s voice back in the 1960s.
“Gerry took me to lunch because he wanted me to hear the voice of somebody, a wine waiter. He had been 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. I’m not sure the guy ever knew – he might have demanded a royalty!”
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Fans of the actor were quick to send their condolence, with one penning on X: “Lady Penelope: Thank you Parker, that’ll be all. Parker: Yes, m’lady. Farewell to David Graham, the voice of Parker, Daleks and so much more.”
“RIP David Graham, voice of the Daleks,” another added before a third said: “So sad another legend passed away this. We’ll shall remember David Graham as our national treasure Daleks and Mechanoids voice.”
Someone else noted: “For myself, David Graham was always closely associated with Doctor Who as a young fan, through his narration of the Century 21 mini album ‘The Daleks’ which featured most of the TV soundtrack to episode 6 of The Chase.”
“RIP David Graham – from the voice of Parker, to one of the original voices of the Daleks, he marked my childhood,” a fifth expressed before another added: “Parker and the Daleks. What a star.”
A saddened fan wrote: “Yo be the voice of one TV icon would be impressive, but the Daleks, Parker off of Thunderbirds AND Grandpa Pig from Peppa Pig..
“David Graham was a maestro. He was also a lovely, unassuming fellow and a top-notch character actor. RIP to a proper TV legend: at 99!!! #davidgraham.” (sic)
