Doctor Who Star Michael McStay Dies Peacefully at 92

Michael McStay was a British actor who was known best for the series Doctor Who and No Hiding Place. He died at 92 years of age.

A representative for the actor made the announcement on Facebook May 20. In a posting, he said the popular actor died in his sleep on May 18 after having lunch with his children. “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael McStay, an actor of the highest standing, talented writer and family man,” the post read. “It was a privilege to have known Mike. RIP.”

Michael McStay had a deep legacy within British television. Major recognition came his way when he played Sergeant Perryman in the ITV classic detective series No Hiding Place, starring in more than 80 episodes.

That sealed his place within the golden era of British TV drama. Fans remember him because of his guest appearance in Doctor Who, too, as Derek Moberley in two episodes.

A rather brief tenure in the sci-fi hit, McStay seemed to share a certain affection for its very committed fanbase. He told The Doctor Who: Toby Hadoke’s Time Travels podcast in May 2024, one of his last interviews, “The sort of fans that you get on a show like Doctor Who are your friends. They want to like you, they want to like the show. It’s a great feeling. It’s a great bunch of people to be part of in a way.” But as short as that tenure was in Doctor Who, McStay loved the experience and sense of community. It would appear that he was genuinely moved, even awed, by the staying power of the show and how it welcomed him into a rather peculiar form of family.

That kind of appreciation does not actually come from simply showing up on set; it is crystal clear that McStay had true love for acting and those people who supported his work.

Aside from his work in television, McStay appeared in a number of films which include Robbery in 1967 and The Stick Up in 1977. Similarly, his small-screen career ran for a great many years, and he has appeared in The Black Arrow, Park Ranger, Spy at Evening, EastEnders, and Ted and Alice.

He was one of those actors who came and made his presence felt without being overtly conspicuous. In 2011, McStay made his final on-camera appearance in Coronation Street, taking the part of Alan Hoyle that was previously played by John Woodvine. That appearance marked the end of a long and steady career in front of the camera. He wasn’t one of those actors who are always chasing the spotlight, but he had staying power-the kind of longevity which is so very rare in the entertainment industry.

He said it best himself on the podcast: “You have to want to do it. I’ve always wanted to do it. And I had some good friends along the way that helped me.” McStay is survived by his two sons and his wife, the actress Jennifer Clulow. 

The manner of his death-quiedy after dinner with the kids-sounds like a reflection of the peace and grace with which he seemed to have lived. His fans, colleagues, and loved ones will remember him not just for the roles he played but for the humility and warmth he brought to them.

Whether it was science fiction, crime dramas, or soap operas, McStay left his mark with quiet strength and undeniable talent.