Actor Jill Curzon, who was best known for her role in the Doctor Who spin-off film Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 AD, has died at the age of 87.
She passed away peacefully last month at her home in Spain, the Press Association reports.
Curzon starred as Louise opposite Peter Cushing in the 1966 sci-fi adventure. Her extensive career also saw her appear alongside Hollywood greats such as Cliff Robertson in The Sunshine Patriot and Robert Wagner in It Takes A Thief.
British audiences may also remember her from Dr Syn, Alias The Scarecrow and the Morecambe and Wise comedy The Intelligence Men.
Her friend, Pete Sims, who co-authored her memoir Jill Curzon 2023 AD – My Eventful Life, confirmed her passing to the Press Association.
He described her as a vibrant individual: "She was a kind, generous person who loved life, she had a zest for life."
Sims added, "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." He noted her dedication to her book, which took 12 years to write, ensuring it was "spot on and it was right."
Sims further reflected on her career, stating: "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."
Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 AD was Curzon’s only outing in the Doctor Who series and was the second of only three films about the famous Time Lord to ever be released. Despite a negative critical reaction to the film, which also starred Bernard Cribbins, has become a cult favourite among Doctor Who fans.
Beyond film, Curzon graced television screens in popular series such as The Saint, The Champions, Adam Adamant Lives!, Hugh And I, Not Only But Also, and The Dick Emery Show.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle King, and her grandson, Taj.
