Sad news has been revealed in the world of “Doctor Who”. The original Dalek designer, Raymond ‘Ray’ Cusick, passed away February 21 after a short illness. Daleks are a legendary alien race who has become the arch nemesis of The Doctor. The aliens travel in personal tank-like shells that they need to survive after a nuclear war on their home planet of Skaro.
Ray Cusick began his tenure on “Doctor Who” as a set designer in 1963. During this time he was responsible for taking the creation of Terry Nation and bringing them to life. The idea of the Daleks was indeed Terry Nation’s, however Cusick was responsible for designing the terrifying villains. Unfortunately, he does not often receive the credit for his work on the Daleks as many credit their creation to Terry Nation.
After his time on “Doctor Who” ended in 1966 with his final serial “The Abandoned Planet”, Cusick continued his work in design for television. He was the Production Designer on many other shows including “Boy Meets Girl”, “Menace”, “The Pallisers” and “The Duchess of Duke Street”. He was highlighted in a “Doctor Who Confidential” in 2008.
He passed away in his sleep from heart failure on February 21, 2013. Ray Cusick leaves behind two daughters, seven grandchildren and generations of children that live in awe of his creation.
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