Bernard Cribbins, (born 29 December 1928) was an English actor, voice-over artist and singer.
During a career that spanned seven decades, he appeared in numerous iconic BBC series including the legendary “Doctor Who” and “Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.” In the 1966 film “Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.,” Cribbins was Tom Campbell, the Doctor’s companion, in the BBC’s popular drama series. He reprised his role as Wilfrid Mott on TV from 2007 to 2010.
“Doctor Who” showrunner Russell T. Davies posted a moving Instagram tribute to the veteran actor, writing, “I love this man. I love him.”
“He knew everyone! He’d talk about the Beatles and David Niven, and how he once sat on the stairs at a party impersonating bird calls with T H White. Then he’d add, ‘I said to Ashley Banjo last week…’ He loved being in Doctor Who. He said, ‘Children are calling me grandad in the street!’ His first day was on location with Kylie Minogue, but all eyes, even Kylie’s, were on Bernard. He’d turned up with a suitcase full of props, just in case, including a rubber chicken. And what an actor. Oh, really though, what a wonderful actor.”
“We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Bernard Cribbins Known best to Doctor Who fans as the Doctor’s friend and Donna’s grandad Wilfred Mott, Bernard leaves behind a long legacy in film and TV.” the official Doctor Who Twitter account tweeted.
We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Bernard Cribbins. Known best to Doctor Who fans as the Doctor's friend and Donna's grandad Wilfred Mott, Bernard leaves behind a long legacy in film and TV. ❤️ https://t.co/wDIUnQkJOZ pic.twitter.com/6Dlr1Xj59y
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) July 28, 2022
"Every night, Doctor, when it gets dark, and the stars come out… I'll look up at the sky, and think of you."
Bernard Cribbins (1928-2022) ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/8JwzRZOeDh
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) July 28, 2022
Cribbins was a household name in the United Kingdom. His list of credits included The Wombles (1973-75), Jackanory (1966-1991) and Old Jack’s Boat (2013-2015). He also appeared as station porter Albert Perks in the 1970 feature The Railway Children. Felix Forsythe in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1972 thriller Frenzy, and Mr. Hutchinson at Fawlty Towers’ “The Hotel Inspectors” were among his numerous roles.
In addition to his other projects, Cribbins has produced a number of 2022 podcasts recently: “Dr. Who & The Daleks: The Official Story of the Films” and “The Jungle Book: The Mowgli Stories.”
In 2009, he was presented with a Special Award by the British Academy Children’s Awards. His former “Doctor Who” co-star Tate handed it to him on behalf of the BAFTA organization. Cribbins has later knighted an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s 2011 Birthday Honors list for his work in drama.
Cribbins was widowed in 2021, after 66 years of marriage.
Bernard Cribbins passed away on 28 July 2022 at the age of 93.