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Born, April 1st, 1926
Died, January 6th, 2009
Zarbi
John Scott Martin was born in Toxteth, Liverpool. He
had a long film and television career, but is most famous for playing
the role of Dalek in episodes of Doctor Who spanning three decades
from 1965's The Chase through to 1988's Remembrance of the Daleks.
He also operated other Doctor Who monster costumes including the insectoid
Zarbi in The Web Planet, and the robotic Mechanoids in The Chase.
John’s other television credits include I, Claudius,
Z Cars, Quatermass and the Pit and Softly, Softly. One of his last
roles was in the Welsh comedy Mine All Mine, written by new Doctor
Who writer, Russell T. Davies.
Mechanoid
Obituary by Catriona Martin, his daughter,
in The Stage
My father John Scott Martin had an acting career
that spanned half a century and included West End musicals, the
Monty Python films and even a role as chief Dalek in Doctor Who. Born in Toxteth, Liverpool, on April 1, 1926,
his first performances were as a chorister at St Philemon’s
church. After active service with the Gordon Highlanders,
he joined the Liverpool Grand Opera Company. A professional panto
at the Liverpool Empire would start an acting career that lasted
more than 50 years. He performed in West End shows, such as Kismet,
Oliver! and The Streets of London, and played the rabbi opposite
Topol in Fiddler on the Roof at Manchester Opera House. John worked in the early days on live television.
He appeared in more than 110 episodes of Doctor Who and as the chief
Dalek, attempted to exterminate the first five doctors. In film, John worked with Monty Python in Eric
the Viking and The Meaning of Life, he appeared in Little Shop of
Horrors and Pink Floyd’s The Wall. His characterful face made
him perfect for the retiring 192 in the 118 118 commercial and his
final role was as Rico in Mine All Mine for Red Productions. John lived in Great Maplestead, where he was
church warden and school governor and, as he loved people, he enjoyed
village life. As he bravely battled Parkinson’s disease, cared
for by his devoted wife Margaret, he took great pleasure in following
and supporting my acting career. He passed away peacefully, aged
82, on January 6. A perfect gentleman, warm, kind and funny, he
will be missed by so many.
The Chase
Day of The Daleks
Genesis of The Daleks
Remembrance of the Daleks
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