Nicholas Courtney, best known for his role as Brigadier in the UK's original "Doctor Who" series, has passed away at the age of 81. Courtney actually worked with more versions of the Doctor than any other actor, having appeared in 107 episodes of the sci-fi series, several TV shorts, and reprising the role of Brigadier in "The Sarah Jane Adventures."
Born in Cairo, Egypt on Dec. 16, 1929 as William Nicholas Stone Courtney, Courtney served in the British Army before becoming an actor. Before breaking out on "Doctor Who," Courtney was in several cult hit television series.
He first appeared on "Doctor Who" in 1965 in "The Dalek's Master Plan." Ultimately, when David Langton gave up the role of Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, Courtney was cast in the role, which became his best-known "Doctor Who" role.
Courtney, whose most recent acting credit is 2009's "Liberty Hall" short (as Lethbridge-Stewart) was also an accomplished writers. He's published memoirs "Five Rounds Rapid!," "A Soldier in Time," and "Still Getting Away With It"
Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
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Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
He never worked with the new Doctors.
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
RIP
An interesting note: Courtney appeared in more episodes than any but the first four Doctors, even if you count the 45-minute ones as double and "The End of Time" Pt 2 as triple.
An interesting note: Courtney appeared in more episodes than any but the first four Doctors, even if you count the 45-minute ones as double and "The End of Time" Pt 2 as triple.
They haven't done their research particularly well. Lethbridge-Stewart was a Colonel in his first appearance.He first appeared on "Doctor Who" in 1965 in "The Dalek's Master Plan." Ultimately, when David Langton gave up the role of Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, Courtney was cast in the role, which became his best-known "Doctor Who" role.
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
I remember him punching out the Master in 'The Five Doctors'. *Sigh* Memories.
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
Yes, but was he yet a brigadier when Langton was replaced by Courtney? If so, then the article's statement is completely accurate.Captain Seafort wrote:They haven't done their research particularly well. Lethbridge-Stewart was a Colonel in his first appearance.
I can't stand nothing dull
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I got the high gloss luster
I'll massacre your ass as fast
as Bull offed Custer
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
Courtney played the Brig right from the start in "Web of Fear" - Langton binned it before they started filming.Mikey wrote:Yes, but was he yet a brigadier when Langton was replaced by Courtney? If so, then the article's statement is completely accurate.
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
"Jenkins! Chap with wings there - five rounds, rapid."RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:I remember him punching out the Master in 'The Five Doctors'. *Sigh* Memories.
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
"Just once I wish we weren't facing an enemy who was immune to bullets!"Captain Seafort wrote:"Jenkins! Chap with wings there - five rounds, rapid."RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:I remember him punching out the Master in 'The Five Doctors'. *Sigh* Memories.
Oh, they'd better do a tribute to him in the new series. And not just a title card at the beginning or end of an episode!
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
That's all Jon Petwee got, though I entirely agree. There may have been many great companions of various Doctors over the years - Jamie and Two, Sarah Jane and Four, Romana and Four, Ace and Seven, but they've always been limited in that respect. Only the Brig can truly be called a companion of the Doctor, not just of a given incarnation, even though he'll always be associated with Three.RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:Oh, they'd better do a tribute to him in the new series. And not just a title card at the beginning or end of an episode!
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
If you factor in 'The Five Doctors', he's been with the first seven, right? That's probably more than any other companion ever will. And that's all Pertwee got? Damn.Captain Seafort wrote:That's all Jon Petwee got, though I entirely agree. There may have been many great companions of various Doctors over the years - Jamie and Two, Sarah Jane and Four, Romana and Four, Ace and Seven, but they've always been limited in that respect. Only the Brig can truly be called a companion of the Doctor, not just of a given incarnation, even though he'll always be associated with Three.RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:Oh, they'd better do a tribute to him in the new series. And not just a title card at the beginning or end of an episode!
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
Only 1-5 and 7. He should have appeared with 10 in the SJA, but Courtney's schedule didn't work out unfortuantely.RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:If you factor in 'The Five Doctors', he's been with the first seven, right?
He died between the US and UK broadcasts of the TVM, and the UK broadcast was dedicated to him.that's all Pertwee got? Damn.
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
On another note, I think this belongs here rather than PCE
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
He never appeared with Six? Shows the man's got taste.Captain Seafort wrote:Only 1-5 and 7. He should have appeared with 10 in the SJA, but Courtney's schedule didn't work out unfortuantely.RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:If you factor in 'The Five Doctors', he's been with the first seven, right?
He died between the US and UK broadcasts of the TVM, and the UK broadcast was dedicated to him.[/quote]that's all Pertwee got? Damn.
Ah, thanks. A shame, there.
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Re: Nicholas Courtney, the Brigadier, dead at 81
Personally, I like Six, if not his dress sense.RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:He never appeared with Six? Shows the man's got taste.
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