We are saddened by today’s news that Nicholas Courtney, best known to Doctor Who fans as Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, has died, at the age of 81.
Courtney first appeared in the series as Space Security Agent Bret Vyon in The Daleks’ Master Plan. But we will always remember him as UNIT Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, a role that he would remain in until the Seventh Doctor’s era and even appeared more recently in The Sarah Jane Adventures.
Courtney was a staple in the Doctor Who universe. From the first time I saw him on screen, he commanded an audience with me, and quickly became one of my favorite characters in the series.
I had always hoped that Courtney would return to the proper series after it was restarted in 2005, but I am very grateful that Lethbridge-Stewart did become a part of the new era by appearing in SJA.
Tonight, I will reflect on his life, by remembering him the best way I can… watching episodes of the strict, mostly by-the-book, but often lovable, military commander who will forever live-on, on screen.
Our thoughts go to Nick’s family and friends.
Rest assured he will never be forgotten by his fans.
William Nicholas Stone Courtney (December 16th, 1929 – February 22nd, 2011)
