Paul Darrow RIP
Paul Darrow has died at the age of 78.
Paul Darrow is best known for playing freedom fighter Kerr Avon in the Terry Nation series Blake’s 7. He appeared in two Doctor Who stories, Doctor Who And The Silurians in 1970 and Timelash in 1985.
Paul Darrow was born in Surrey. After leaving school he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His first professional performances were with the Bristol Old Vic.
In the 1960’s he made his television debut in the series The Odd Man. A regular role in Emergency-Ward 10 followed, where he met his future wife Janet Lees-Price.
He appeared in Coronation Street, The Newcomers, The Flaxton Boys, Murder Must Advertise, Within These Wallsand The Legend of Robin Hood where he played the Sheriff of Nottingham. In 1970 he had his first role in Doctor Who playing Captain Hawkins a UNIT officer helping the Third Doctor fight the Silurians.
The role for which he will always be remembered was as Kerr Avon, the amoral computer genius who was thrown together with the idealistic Roj Blake and found himself a freedom fighter taking on the corrupt Federation. Such was his presence in the role that Avon soon developed into the major character in the series, When actor Gareth Thomas left, Darrow’s character assumed command. He appeared in all but the first episode, with the series finishing in dramatic style with Darrow’s face being the last image seen on screen.
He returned to Doctor Who in 1985 playing Malin Tekker, a controversial performance with Darrow playing the part in the manner of Richard III.
He continued working with long-running roles in Emmerdale and Law & Order: UK, but in late 2014, he suffered an aortic aneurysm. Over the next few months, health complications meant he lost both of his legs.
Speaking to the BBC, Darrow’s friend and Personal Assistant Maureen Marrs, said:Over three decades I have been Paul’s confidante and have had the immense privilege of being part of his life. A star has gone out today; the world will be a darker place without him.Paul Darrow died early on the morning of the 3rd June after a short ilness.