Former Doctor Who villain Peter Miles dies aged 89
Peter Miles, the actor who appeared as Davros' henchman Nyder in Doctor Who, has died at the age of 89.
The actor, who also appeared in the 1976 version of Poldark and Z-Cars, died peacefully at his home, according to a statement on his Twitter account.
"It is with great sadness that I have to inform you Peter passed away peaceful at home, last week at the age of 89. He didn't suffer & was full of his usual love of life last time we spoke," the statement read.
"Thank you all for your interest in Peter, it meant a lot to him, he was always touched."
During a five-decade career, Miles was best known for his role in Doctor Who's Genesis of the Daleks.
The Dr Who website also issued a statement: "It is with a heavy heart we announce that Peter Miles (Nyder in ‘Genesis Of The Daleks’) has passed away. A fantastic villain on the show and an incredibly kind and gentle man in real life."
Just putting our news item together regarding today's sad news about Peter Miles, and came across an old photo with him from 2006. As I said earlier, lovely guy. If you haven't watched 'Genesis Of The Daleks' yet - please do! It's classic #DoctorWho at its best! pic.twitter.com/OpOBXsCBTW
— Doctor Who Online (@DrWhoOnline) February 27, 2018
Terry Molloy, who played Davros on-screen in Resurrection of the Daleks, paid tribute to Miles.
"My friend Peter Miles - the gloved left hand and genesis of Davros’ rise to power - has gone. He was arcane, wickedly witty, a great jazz singer and superb actor...a joy to work with and be with. Sleep well Peter. RIP.," he tweeted.
"My abiding memory of Peter Miles will always be the tears in his eyes on receiving a standing ovation at his entrance as Nyder in the stage play ‘The Trial Of Davros’ as he realised the love and respect he was still held in by the Who audience!"
Friend and fans praised Miles on social media.
Oh. I could wax lyrically on about how many years I'd known Peter Miles (at least 37) and whilst madly eccentric, he was funny, wicked and insane in equal measure. He was always a bloody good actor and a pleasure to direct and hang out with. He was also my friend. Goodnight Peter
— Gary Russell (@twilightstreets) February 27, 2018
Thanks to Peter Miles no-one will ever be able to utter the line “Thank you, that’s what I wanted to know” ever again because the way he did it was brilliant and unbeatable. He owned it. RIP to a true eccentric and wonderful villainous turn. What a guy:https://t.co/3MbbI6qd9p
— Toby Hadoke (@TobyHadoke) February 27, 2018
RIP the unforgettable Peter Miles. Like all really great actors, he was absolutely nothing like the characters he portrayed. He'll be missed. pic.twitter.com/SJpfC6Xkys
— Pip (@pipmadeley) February 27, 2018
Saddened to hear of Peter Miles' passing. He lit up the screen in his Doctor Who appearances and matched it with his warmth and charm when we were lucky enough to have him join us at EM-Con. RIP.
— EM-Con (@emconcouk) February 27, 2018
Miles also featured in the Doctor Who radio spinoff The Paradise Of Death in 1993.
