Elisabeth Sladen 1/2/1948 - 19/4/2011 (Sarah Jane Smith)

[Perpetual Man]

It seems I quite often get these to post and sometimes I really wish I did not.

But in the last few minutes rumours started to fly around twitter and the unusual websites, but it has just been confirmed by the BBC that former Doctor Who actress, and current star of the spin-off show The Sarah Jane Adventures, Elisabeth Sladen past away today aged 63.

Obviously very little detail as yet, but for my generation she was considered to be THE Definitive Doctor Who companion. One of the first to be more than just a female to scream, the character was a outspoke journalist who joined the Doctor and UNIT in1973, along side Jon Pertwee. She stayed after he left and formed and a great duo with Tom Baker but left in 1976, becoming one of the few companions not to chose to leave, rather being dumped in Aberdeen (he was meant to leaver her in North Croydon).

She returned most recently along side David Tennant, in a one off outing, which led to repeat appearance and her own very successful TV series.

Obviously gone well before her time.

Elisabeth Slade, Sarah Jane, Rest In Peace

 

[Perpetual Man]

Not much to link to yet but just for the confirmation:

BBC News - Doctor Who actress Elisabeth Sladen dies

 

[chopper]

sad news indeed. before my time as a companion, but clearly beloved by all.

 

[Metryq]

Oh, tragic! She was one of the companions to the longest running Doctor, and she was the longest running companion (I think).

 

[Ursa major]

Very sad news.

 

[Ian Whates]

Awful news. Nicholas Courtney a few weeks ago, and now this. RIP two wonderful actors whose performances touched so many.

 

[Dr.Jackson]

When I first heard this news via Nicola Bryant on Twitter, it had yet to be officially confirmed, but within minutes the tributes had started. It's very sad news and, as has been pointed out, for her death to come so soon after Nick Courtney's makes it a sad year for all Doctor Who fans.

The question now is, will the BBC air any of the three episodes they'd finished shooting of the new series of The Sarah Jane Adventures as a tribute to her, or will they decide not to as a mark of respect.

 

[Contrary Mary]

I met Elizabeth Sladen at a Dr. Who Convention. She was a wonderful person, freindly and pleasant to all than fans crowding around.

Aslo, a superb actress. Very sad news. RIP, Elizabeth.

 

[Foxbat]

Very sad news. I grew up watching her and always rated her as one of the best of the Doc's companions.

 

[Pyan]

Quem di diligunt, adolescens moritur...

Sad news indeed. RIP, Elizabeth.

 

[The Procrastinator]

No, I refuse to believe it. I am completely in denial about this. My Sarah Jane cannot be gone! She was my hero as a kid (alongside the indomitable Leela). Tell me its all a terrible hoax, someone...anyone...??

 

[Daisy-Boo]

This is very sad. I didn't watch the original Doctor Who series but I saw her in several episodes of Sarah Jane Adventures and of course with Tennant's Doctor.

My condolences to her family, friends and all who knew her.

 

[thaddeus6th]

I saw her in New Who, and some repeats of the original series. Very sad, and it comes quite shortly after the Brigadier passed away.

 

[Interference]

I only just caught up with the Sarah Jane Adventures and it made me happy to think she had bucked tradition and (however late in life) become a successful post-Who companion. She brought charm to the role and balanced whimsy and gravitas so neatly it was marvellous to watch.

Nicholas Courtney was always a favourite of mine, as well. As the Brigadier, as Inspector Lionheart (The Scarifiers), in any of the many roles he played on radio and TV, he exuded and integrity and sense of humour that was always, always welcome whenever he appeared.

Farewell, beloved friends. Or perhaps, the real adventures are just beginning.

 

[Rodders]

I must say that i'm shocked to hear that she'd passed on. RIP Elizabeth.

 

[nixie]

Sarah Jane, she was always my favourite companion. She will be sadly missed.

 

[TacticalLoco]

Sad, sad news for today.
Good bye, Sarth Jane.

 

[AdamCollings]

I was also saddened to hear of the passing of Elisabeth Sladen. Over the last week I hired season 1 of 'Sarah Jane Adventures' to watch with my kids in honour of her.

I think it probably aired before news of her passing in the UK, but I noticed that 'The Impossible Astronaut' was dedicated to her memory on Australian TV last night.

 

[Perpetual Man]

No, we had the dedication to her as well. The show went out about three days after she passed away, so the BBC must have rushed it on just in time for the transmission just over a week ago.

There was also a special episode of Confidential dedicated to her the same night, so someone worked overtime to get it all done!

Probably a testament to how highly she was thought of