Anthony Ainley

Master actor reportedly passes away.

Several sources are reporting the death of Anthony Ainley, best known to Doctor Who fans for his portrayal of the Master during the 1980s.

Anthony joined the series in 1981, following such actors as Roger Delgado, Peter Pratt and Geoffrey Beevers in the role of the Doctor's arch nemesis.

He portrayed the character with six Doctors - Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy, plus Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee in the 20th anniversary special, The Five Doctors.

Anthony Ainley was born in London in 1932, and first appeared on film at the age of five. Trained at RADA, Ainley featured in such films as You Only Live Twice and Oh! What a Lovely War. His other TV roles included parts in Elizabeth R, Upstairs Downstairs and Nicholas Nickleby.

Aside from acting, Anthony was a keen cricketer, playing for the London Theatres Cricket Club team.

Anthony Ainley was very much a private man who handled his own business affairs, making the story hard to verify. Following an obituary published in today's edition of The Independent newspaper, Doctor Who Magazine checked with their sources and believe the news to be correct.

Follow the link to see a clip of Anthony's Master at his villainous best. A gallery of his finest moments will be added to the site later this week.