Jill Curzon, who played Louise in the Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 AD, has passed away, aged 87.
It’s sad to say, but the Doctor Who Companion doesn’t often report on deaths nowadays, as there’s always a great number of cast and crew members from the show passing away and our news pages would be overwhelmed with obituaries; we typically try to celebrate their work and in doing so, remember them that way. However, I met Jill last year and am friends with her agent, Pete Sims, so Jill’s passing hits close to home. She was a very sweet lady who was giving of her time and spoke so enthusiastically about her career.
Fans will, of course, know Jill for playing Louise in the second 1960s Doctor Who film which starred Peter Cushing as an alternate First Doctor. However, she also appeared in the Morecambe and Wise movie, The Intelligence Men (as well as a 1967 episode of the comedy duo’s show), The Saint, The Champions, Adam Adamant Lives!, The Dick Emery Show, The Sunshine Patriot, and more.
Jill attended the Bedford Who Charity Con, flying from her home in Spain so she could help raise money for charity and meet fans. She seemed to have a lovely time and event organiser, Simon Danes, posted:
“Jill was a true asset to the event. Fans loved meeting her and hearing the fantastic stories she shared. Her warmth and energy will be greatly missed.”
She was also there with copies of her memoir, Jill Curzon 2023 AD – My Eventful Life. Pete Sims said:
“She was a kind, generous person who loved life, she had a zest for life. She was just a joy to be around and she loved recounting old stories about what happened in the ’60s and ’70s and the people she used to mix with, people like Robert Wagner and all these big stars when she lived in America.
“It was great just to hear her stories. That’s why the book that she wrote was a labour of love. I think it took her about 12 years to write that book, because she wanted to make sure it was spot on and it was right.”
He went on:
“She had a long, varied career and enjoyed every minute. The one thing I will always remember about Jill was she had a real zest for life, and she just embraced everything that came her way.”
Jill died peacefully last month at her home in Spain, and is survived by her daughter Michelle King and grandson Taj. Our thoughts go to her family and friends.
