William Russell
William Russell is the man the production crew chooses for the role of Ian Chesterton in 1963. I don’t know the process or the how many men got to audition. So, why they chose him I can’t tell you.
I feel that he really must have fit the mold of the person they were casting. Otherwise, they would have give the role to some else. Consequently with the circumstance surrounding the missing episode and the BBC, there are some episodes I have not seen.
Personally I like his performances in the shows which I can see, therefore I wish there are more available to watch. Being a Doctor Who fan, I hate that I can’t see all the episodes of the show. Consequently, I long for more of the earlier shows the BBC produce.
Outside of Doctor Who, I really have not seen any other TV show he has been apart. But for 2 years William Russell accompanies the Doctor as Ian Chesterton. As a result, he makes a name for himself. Therefore, his role with Doctor Who for this Doctor Who fan, is WIlliam Russell’s most memorable.
Since I have never met William Russell personally, I do wonder what he is like. Considering he plays a teacher at Coal Hill school, may be an indication of his true personality. I do not know but this could be the case. His role on the show to me seems to be as protector of Barbara and Susan. Now, from whom is another story. As you know with Doctor Who, the dangers are very real and very diverse. Each week has different dangers and perils, therefore he is there to help protect the ladies.
His choice to follow Susan home that day leads to great adventures, but then also to a sad end when he leaves. Supposing he and Barbara are feel they have had enough they leave and return to London, at the end of The Chase. What happens without him as Ian is only speculation. I just know that he was real important part of this iconic science fiction program.
As a result of his love for the show, William Russell’s work with Doctor Who continues until today. I know he left and the fans of the show in 1965 were sad about his leaving, but they can still his voice in the show.
You now may wonder how I know this. Will it is well know that he lends his voice in several different avenues of the audio variety. Consequently, Big Finish Production uses his voice for their books, and not just Big Finish. The BBC has ask him to help the do the voiceover for missing episodes, as has Target books when their novels are voiced over.
When the BBC chose to bridge the gap in the story The Crusade and make a VHS, they ask Russell to help. SInce that time he continues to work on Doctor Who. His voice can be heard on documentaries about the show as well. These are great and help educate younger whovians about the show. (1)
I appreciate Russell’s continuing to work with Doctor Who. As a result, he helps keep the show alive. His continuing to work on Doctor shows his love for the show. Consequently, I hope Russell works on the show as long as his health allows.