Daleks designer Ray Cusick dies, aged 84

The designer of the Daleks, one of the most iconic villains in British television, has died following a short illness.

The official Doctor Who magazine confirmed in a tweet that Ray Cusick had died aged 84. His daughter told the BBC that Cusick had died from heart failure in his sleep on Thursday.

“It’s with great sadness that we report the death of Ray Cusick – the designer of the Daleks. Half a century on, his iconic design lives on.” – @DWMtweets

Cusick bought Terry Nation’s creation of the Daleks to life – designing their on-screen look and operation. The design of the Dalek has been updated several times over the years but has always remained faithful to its original 1960s incarnation. As well as bringing the Daleks to life Cusick was also the designer on other Doctor Who serials such as the Keys of Marinus.

Last Sunday, the Daleks were spotted on Westminster Bridge in Central London where filming was taking place for the 50th anniversary drama An Adventure in Space and Time.

His death comes just prior to the 50th anniversary of Dr Who.

Cusick’s also worked on television shows such as Dr. Finlay’s Casebook, The Forsyte Saga, Paul Temple, The Pallisers and The Duchess of Duke Street.