Celebrating David Graham: The Legendary Voice Behind Daleks and Grandpa Pig

David Graham, the beloved actor known for his iconic voice work in various television series, has passed away at the age of 99. His contributions to the world of entertainment include providing the chilling voices for the Daleks in Doctor Who, a role that has terrified children since the 1960s.

Graham's versatility also shone through in his portrayal of Aloysius Parker, the loyal butler in the classic series Thunderbirds, and he remains a cherished figure for today’s youth as Grandpa Pig in the hit children’s show Peppa Pig. His character, endearingly referred to as "Papa Ig" by his grandson George, was married to Granny Pig and fathered Mummy Pig and Aunt Dottie.

Initially appearing in two episodes of Doctor Who as an actor, Graham became synonymous with the Daleks, lending them a unique, staccato voice created in collaboration with fellow voice actor Peter Hawkins. “We adopted this staccato style then they fed it through a synthesiser to make it more sinister,” he recalled in a 2015 interview.

In addition to voicing Parker in Thunderbirds, Graham took on multiple roles within the series, including pilot Gordon Tracy and Brains the engineer. He returned to the character of Parker for the 2015 remake, Thunderbirds Are Go!, where he expressed his delight at being part of a distinguished cast, saying, "I am triple chuffed to be on board the new series."

Graham's unique voice was inspired by a real-life encounter, where the show's creator, Gerry Anderson, introduced him to a former butler, leading to the development of Parker's character. Jamie Anderson, Gerry's son, fondly remembered Graham as "always kind and generous with his time and talent," noting a recent joyful celebration where they sang him happy birthday.

Born in London, Graham's early aspirations of becoming an actor were delayed by World War II, during which he served as a radar mechanic. After the war, he pursued his passion by studying at a theatre school in New York and returned to the UK to work in repertory theatre and eventually Doctor Who. He also contributed his voice to characters in Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom, along with appearances in series like Coronation Street, The Bill, and Doctors.

Graham’s remarkable legacy will be remembered by fans of all ages, as he leaves behind a rich tapestry of memorable characters that have shaped British television history.