British actor John Leeson, the voice of K9, the Doctor’s cybernetic canine companion on Dr. Who, has passed away at the age of 83. His son, Guy Ducker confirmed that Leeson had “passed away peacefully after a period of illness over the summer.”
He was born John Francis Christopher Ducker March 16, 1943 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, UK. He died November 1, 2036. As voice actor, he was best known for voicing K9 on Doctor Who and the spin-off sequels K9 and Company and The Sarah Jane Adventures He also appeared in two episofes of Blake’s Seven.
Children’s Television
In the British children’s television program, Rainbow, Leeson played a bear named Bungle.
On Jigsaw, he voiced he portrayed both Jigg, the show’s mascot, and the giant Biggum.
Politics and Public Service
Leeson served as a justice of the peace for a quarter of a century. He ran for local council elections for the Ealing London Borough as a Liberal Democrat, but was not elected.
Leeson riead extensively for the audio book charity Calibre Audio Library.
Leeson was married in 1959 to Judy Griffiths. They had one son, Guy Drucker. Leeson studied his craft at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Radio
The role of K9 did not die with television. Leeson reprised it in several Big Finish audio productions.
On radio, Leeson was reunited with his DW co-star, Tom Baker, playing Dr. Watson to Baker’s Sherlock in Sir Sherlock.
Susan Macdonald is the author of the children's book "R is for Renaissance Faire", as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in "Alternative Truths", "Swords and Sorceress #30", Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, "Cat Tails" "Under Western Stars", and "Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid". Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio's web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions, Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows. Her nonfiction book THEY ENDURED will be published by B Cubed Press in 2025 or 2026.
