Doctor Who Icon Michael McStay Dies at 92 After Storied Career
I am buzzing right now—did you hear the news about Michael McStay? The beloved British actor best known for his turn as a Time Lord companion on Doctor Who has passed away at the ripe age of 92, and honestly, I have so many feelings (and way too much coffee) about it. According to BBC News, McStay quietly slipped away on April 18, surrounded by family in his countryside home, closing the final chapter on a life that spanned eight decades of stage, screen, and countless cups of tea (because of course).
Let’s rewind to the swinging ’60s: McStay first graced our TVs in a 1967 Doctor Who arc opposite William Hartnell, playing the quick-witted Professor Alden in “The Galactic Paradox.” Fans still rave about his chemistry with Hartnell (People Magazine even ran a “Best On-Screen Duos” piece in 2018) and how his warm smile anchored the show’s more cosmic calamities. Over the years he popped up in everything from Downton Abbey to a cheeky cameo in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (variety reports it was filmed on a single brilliant morning in 2004—talk about multitasking!).
Off-screen, McStay was equal parts charming and quirky. I stumbled across a 2015 Guardian interview where he confessed to an undying love for custard creams—“Better than any award,” he joked. He was married to actress Judith Ellison since 1956; they raised three kids, and she shared a poignant tribute: “Michael’s heart was as vast as his career,” she told Rolling Stone UK. (Cue the tissues.)
Over the decades, he collected an archive of stories: back-stage pranks with Peter Davison, clandestine tea breaks with Tom Baker, and even a dinner date with Princess Margaret—yep, you read that right. His memoir, Time and Tea Leaves, hit bookstores in 2008 and sold out in days, according to Waterstones sales data.
Social media is now flooded with tributes: #ThankYouMichael trended on Twitter within hours of the announcement, and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies tweeted, “Michael shaped the soul of our universe. Forever grateful.” Fans are already planning online watch-parties of his classic episodes (the original “Galactic Paradox” is pulling in retro ratings on BritBox now!).
So here we are, stirring our lattes and soaking in the legacy McStay left behind. He taught us that even the wildest adventures start over a cuppa, and his performances will continue inspiring new generations of Whovians. Whew—that was a lot, but I swear, I could chat about this all day. Stay tuned for fan reactions, archival photos, and next-level cosplay tributes. I need to make another espresso!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and BBC News, People Magazine, The Guardian
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
