John Leeson, Voice of K-9 in Doctor Who, Dies at 83
Leeson's family confirmed his death in a Facebook post on November 1, 2026, after the actor faced health problems through the summer.
John Leeson, the actor who gave K-9 his voice in Doctor Who, has died at the age of 83. His family confirmed the death in a Facebook post on Sunday, November 1, 2026, according to screenrant.com.
The announcement was made by his son, Guy Ducker. Leeson had experienced health problems throughout the summer before his death.
Leeson first joined Doctor Who in 1977, voicing the robotic dog in the Fourth Doctor four-part story "The Invisible Enemy." K-9 was written for a single storyline but returned as a recurring character because viewers took to him.
David Brierley briefly took over the role during the series' seventeenth season, and Leeson came back to K-9 for the 1983 anniversary special The Five Doctors. He voiced the character again alongside David Tennant's Tenth Doctor in the 2006 episode "School Reunion."
Quick answers
Who voiced K-9 in Doctor Who?
John Leeson was the main voice of K-9, first heard in the 1977 story "The Invisible Enemy." David Brierley briefly took over the role in season 17.
How old was John Leeson when he died?
He was 83. His family confirmed the death on November 1, 2026.