David Graham, a prolific voice actor best known for his iconic roles in Peppa Pig and Thunderbirds, has passed away. He was 99.
His death was confirmed on social media by Jamie Anderson, the son of Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson.
“We’re incredibly sad to confirm the passing of the legendary David Graham. The voice Parker, Gordon Tracy, Brains and so many more,” Jamie wrote on X. “David was always a wonderful friend to us here at Anderson Entertainment. We will miss you dearly, David. Our thoughts are with David’s friends and family.”
Many may recognize Graham’s voice as Grandpa Pig in the hit children’s series Peppa Pig. But he also voiced the evil Daleks in the original Doctor Who series from 1963 to 1966, in which he also appeared as an actor.
In 1965, Graham also originated the role of Lady Penelope’s butler and chauffeur Parker in Thunderbirds. He was the only member of the original cast to return for the 2015 reboot, which starred Rosamund Pike.
“I am triple chuffed to be on board the new series… and reprising my role of dear old Parker with such a distinguished cast,” Graham said at the time, per BBC. “My driving skills are in good nick and I am delighted to be behind the wheel again with m’lady.”
We’re incredibly sad to confirm the passing of the legendary David Graham. The voice Parker, Gordon Tracy, Brains and so many more. David was always a wonderful friend to us here at Anderson Entertainment. We will miss you dearly, David. Our thoughts are with David’s friends and… pic.twitter.com/DB4HTawHiU
— Gerry Anderson (@GerryAndersonTV) September 20, 2024
Graham told The Mirror that Parker’s voice was partially inspired by a waiter who was a former royal butler.
“Gerry [Anderson] took me to lunch because he wanted me to hear the voice of somebody, a wine waiter,” he told the publication in 2015. “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!”
He also appeared in So Haunt Me, Moomin, Timeslip, and several other television series throughout his early career.
Graham began his decades-long career in live action and animation in 1952. He worked nearly till the very end; his last credited role was in 2023 when he voiced Grandpa Pig one last time in the Peppa Pig: World Adventures video game.
In a separate statement to BBC, Jamie remembered the prolific actor, whom he said he celebrated just weeks ago with over 2,000 fans.
“Just a few weeks ago, I was with 2,000 Anderson fans at a Gerry Anderson concert in Birmingham where we sang him happy birthday – such a joyous occasion. And now, just a few weeks later, he’s left us,” he said, adding, “From the Daleks to Grandpa Pig and numerous voices for Anderson shows including Brains, Gordon Tracy and the iconic Parker. He will be sorely missed.”
The post R.I.P. David Graham: ‘Thunderbirds,’ ‘Peppa Pig’ Voice Actor Dead At 99 appeared first on Decider.
