David Graham, voice actor for Grandfather Pig, Thunderbirds and Daleks, dies

David Graham, the actor who voiced characters in TV shows including Peppa Pig, Thunderbirds and Doctor Who, has died aged 99.

As the voice behind the evil Daleks in Doctor Who, Graham terrified successive generations of children between the 1960s and late 1970s.

He was also known as the voice of Aloysius Parker, the butler and chauffeur in the 1960s television series Thunderbirds and its film sequels.

But to today’s generation of children, he will be most familiar as the voice of Grandpa Pig in the TV series Peppa Pig.

The character, married to Grandma Pig and father of Mummy Pig and Aunt Dottie, was called “Papa Ig” by his young grandson George.

On screen, Graham appeared in two episodes of the first series of Doctor Who as an actor, but became much better known as the harsh, emotionless voice of the Daleks.

In a interview with the Mirror in 2015 On the Dalek voice acting, Graham recalled: “I created it with Peter Hawkins, another voice actor.

“We took this staccato style, and then they ran it through a synthesizer to make it more sinister.”

In addition to voicing Parker for the futuristic children’s puppet series Thunderbirds, he also played the series’ pilot, Gordon Tracy, and engineer Brains, between 1965 and 1966.

He reprised the role of Parker for a 2015 ITV remake of the series, titled Thunderbirds Are Go!, and was the only member of the original cast to return.

Parker, famous for saying “Yes, my lady”, worked for Lady Penelope, who was played in the most recent version by Saltburn star and former James Bond actress Rosamund Pike.

Graham said at the time: “I’m triply excited to be part of the new series… and to reprise my role as dear old Parker with such a distinguished cast.

“My driving skills are in tip-top shape and I am delighted to be behind the wheel with my lady again.”

He told the Mirror that series creator Gerry Anderson helped inspire Parker’s voice in the 1960s.

“Gerry took me to lunch because he wanted me to hear someone’s voice, a sommelier,” the actor said.

“He had been 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 it a little meaner. I’m not sure the guy ever knew – he might have demanded royalties!”

Anderson’s son, television producer Jamie Anderson, said Graham was “always kind and generous with his time and talent.”

He said in a statement: “Just a few weeks ago I was with 2,000 Anderson fans at a Gerry Anderson concert in Birmingham where we sang happy birthday to him – such a joyous occasion.

“And now, a few weeks later, he has left us.”

He added: “From the Daleks to Grandpa Pig and many of Anderson’s series voices including Brains, Gordon Tracy and the iconic Parker. He will be greatly missed.”

The official account of Gerry Anderson, who died aged 83 in 2012, said on X: “David has always been a wonderful friend to us here at Anderson Entertainment.

“We will miss you terribly, David. Our thoughts are with David’s friends and family.”

The London-born actor told the Mirror he knew from an early age what career he wanted to pursue.

“At school, I always wanted to recite a poem or read a story. I always wanted to act,” he told the newspaper.

However, he had to postpone his interest in acting when World War II broke out and worked as a radar mechanic.

But later, not enjoying his post-war job as an office worker, he joined his sister and her husband, an American soldier, in New York, where he attended drama school.

Returning home, he worked in repertory theatre before landing a role in the first series of Doctor Who.

Graham was also a member of Lawrence Olivier’s company at the National Theatre.

His long career also saw him lend his voice to Wise Old Elf and Mr Gnome in Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom, broadcast in the UK on Channel 5.

He has also made brief appearances in ITV’s Coronation Street, The Bill and London’s Burning as well as BBC dramas Doctors and Casualty.