Elisabeth Sladen

Elisabeth Sladen (born February 1, 1948, Liverpool, England) English actress best known for her work as the character Sarah Jane Smith on the television series Doctor Who. She appeared as a regular on Doctor Who with both Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker.

Doctor Who

In 1973 actress Katy Manning, who was playing the Third Doctor's assistant Jo Grant opposite Jon Pertwee, was leaving the series. Producer Barry Letts was growing increasingly desperate in his search for a replacement when Z-Cars producer Ron Craddock gave Sladen an enthusiastic recommendation.

Related Topics:
1973 - Katy Manning - Third Doctor - Jo Grant - Jon Pertwee - Barry Letts - Ron Craddock

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Sladen arrived at the audition not knowing it was for the new companion role and was amazed at Letts's thoroughness. She was introduced to Pertwee, whom she found intimidating at the time. As she chatted with Letts and Pertwee, each time she turned to look at one of them the other would signal a thumbs-up. She was offered and accepted the part of investigative journalist Sarah Jane Smith.

Related Topics:
Companion - Sarah Jane Smith

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Sladen stayed on Doctor Who for three and a half seasons, alongside both Pertwee as the Third Doctor and Tom Baker as the Fourth, receiving both popular and critical acclaim for her role as Sarah. When she left the series in 1976, it made front page news, where previously only a change of Doctors had received such attention.

Related Topics:
Tom Baker - Fourth - 1976

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