Actor Bernard Cribbins has died at 93, Variety reports.
Cribbins’ career spanned genres and decades, but a few of his most memorable roles include 1970’s The Railway Children and serving as narrator for the children’s program The Wombles.
Doctor Who fans, though, know Cribbins as the beloved character Wilfred Mott, grandfather of Donna Noble (Catherine Tate), who recurred on the show during David Tennant’s run as the Doctor.
“He worked well into his 90s, recently appearing in Doctor Who and the CBeebies series Old Jack’s Boat,” said Cribbins’ agent in a statement. “Bernard’s contribution to British entertainment is without question. He was unique, typifying the best of his generation, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.”
Though not a “full time” companion, Cribbins left a significant mark on Doctor Who – both with fans and with his fellow castmates. Below you can see some of the tributes the Doctor Who cast and crew have made to Cribbins online.
Russel T. Davies
Russell T. Davies served as Doctor Who showrunner during Cribbins’ time on the series.
“I love this man. I love him,” Davies’ post reads in part. “He loved being in Doctor Who. He said, ‘Children are calling me grandad in the street!’ … I’m so lucky to have known him. Thanks for everything, my old soldier. A legend has left the world.”
John Barrowman
John Barrowman played Captain Jack Harkness on Doctor Who.
“Bernard Cribbins was a friend, a part of our Doctor Who family, and a national treasure. I am shedding tears as I write this,” reads Barrowman’s Twitter thread in part. I will miss him and our phone calls. Love you Bernie.”
John Simm
John Simm played The Master during Cribbins’ time on Doctor Who.
“I’m forever in your debt @russelltdavies63 for giving me the chance to meet/know/work with him,” reads Simm’s post in part. “What a man. What an actor. What a life! An actual legend.”
Rachel Talalay
Rachel Talalay is a director who primarily worked on Doctor Who during Peter Capaldi’s run. She also directs the upcoming 60th anniversary special, in which Cribbins is rumored to appear.
Colin Baker
Colin Baker played the Sixth Doctor in the series’ original run. Baker and Cribbins appeared in the movie Dangerous Davies together.
Bonnie Langford
Bonnie Langford played companion Mel Bush in the original run of Doctor Who.
Matt Lucas
Matt Lucas played companion Nardole during Peter Capaldi’s run on Doctor Who. He recently worked with Cribbins on A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Mark Gatiss
Doctor Who writer/performer Mark Gatiss also paid tribute to Cribbins.
