John Leeson
?–2026British actor who voiced the beloved robot dog K9 in Doctor Who for six decades and appeared in Dad's Army.
Particulars
John Leeson was a British actor best known for giving voice to K9, the beloved robot dog companion of the Doctor in the long-running science fiction series Doctor Who. He first voiced the character in 1977 and remained associated with it for six decades, reprising the role in the main series, audio dramas, and the spin-off series The Sarah Jane Adventures. Showrunner Russell T Davies specifically sought Leeson when K9 returned in 2006, calling his performance 'pitched perfectly' and his dedication to the character remarkable.
Beyond Doctor Who, Leeson appeared in numerous television series including Dad's Army, The Bill, Vanity Fair, Doctors and Blake's 7, and worked as a continuity announcer for Channel 4. His long career made him a familiar and cherished presence across British television.
Leeson died at the age of 83 after a summer of illness, with tributes pouring in from fans and colleagues alike. His son announced his death in a statement that closed with a Shakespearean farewell.
Compiled from source reports. Automated record.