Laurie Webb, who was the oldest living Doctor Who star, dies aged 101

Record-holding Doctor Who star Laurie Webb has died just weeks before his 102nd birthday (Picture: Toby Hadoke/X)

Laurie Webb, the actor who held the record for being the oldest person associated with Doctor Who, has died aged 101.

The late British star appeared in the 1972/1973 adventure, The Three Doctors, and received the ‘oldest living Doctor Who star’ title after the death of guest star Arnold Yarrow, aged 104 in 2024.

For fans of Classic Who, you’ll know him as Mr Arthur Ollis, the game warden of Minsbridge Wildlife Sanctuary.

In a statement on social media, actor Toby Hadoke wrote: ‘I’ve been asked by the family to pass on the sad news that one of Doctor Who’s longest lived contributors – Laurie Webb, aka Mr Ollis in The Three Doctors – passed away peacefully on Sunday

‘[Five] weeks short of his 102nd birthday. What a life, what a man. Delightful company too.’

His appearance on the show most recently made a cameo during the 2023 Tales of the Tardis, where he featured in archive footage.

He was perhaps best known for his role in The Three Doctors (Picture: BBC)

As well as the sci-fi series, the Welsh actor appeared in several TV shows throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, including Doomwatch, Paul Temple, Warshpip and nine episodes of Hancock’s Half Hour.

Condolences have poured in for the late stage and screen actor, including a tribute from his son, Oliver.

‘The observant among you will notice that dad was approaching his 102nd birthday. A mighty achievement by any standard. He passed away peacefully after a period of declining health due to old age.

‘Aside from being a great dad, loving husband to my late mum Pam and all-round good egg, Laurie was best known for his extensive acting career spanning both stage and the (small) screen,’ he wrote on Facebook.

His son shared a heartfelt tribute (Picture: BBC)

He then shared several photos from his two most famed appearances in Doctor Who and Hancock’s Half Hour, as well as those from his later years.

Elsewhere, The Tony Hancock Appreciation Society wrote on X: ‘Very sad to hear from the family that our great friend and Hancock’s Half Hour regular Laurie Webb has passed away at the age of 101.

‘He had a wonderful career in the theatre, filling in between stage commitments with TV work, including Dr Who. A lovely man, so generous to fans.’

He appeared in several TV shows in the 70s and 80s (Picture: Toby Hadoke/X)

Documentary filmmaker Chris Chapman shared: ‘Sad to hear of the passing of lovely Laurie Webb at the outstanding age of 101. We had a great (and very moving) time filming with him on Looking for Lennie – just incredibly good-natured as a person. RIP.’

Coleen Hawkins shared: ‘Sad news, but what a great innings. Just shy of his 102nd birthday. Recently did a rewatch of The Three Doctors and, of course, Laurie was fantastic as Mr Ollis.’

‘RIP Laurie Webb! Lovely actor who appeared in Hancock’s Half Hour, he was the last survivor of The Reunion Party episode, Doomwatch, The Brothers and of course Doctor Who amongst others. Time to get supper ready in his honour,’ Chris Meredith echoed, with a nod to his Doctor Who character in the last line.

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