Born, 2 October 1938,Thames, New Zealand
Died, 5th June 2008, Putney, London

New Zealand born Bruce Purchase was a founder member of Sir Laurence Olivier's National Theatre and had a great many performances with the RSC to his credit, including a critically acclaimed title role in Othello.

He is best known by Doctor Who fans for his role as The Captain in the Doctor Who episode the Pirate Planet in 1978.

He died at his home in Putney, aged 69.