Ian Marter, a gifted and accomplished individual, made the bold decision to divert from his academic path in the year 1969, opting instead to pursue a new and exciting career in the world of theatre. In 1970, he embarked upon this new journey by accepting a position as an acting stage manager at the renowned Bristol Old Vic, a prestigious institution that has a long and storied history of producing world-class theatrical productions.
During this pivotal period, the astute producer Barry Letts recognized the exceptional talents of Marter, and as a result, he began to contemplate the actor for the esteemed role of Captain Mike Yates in the 1971 episode "Terror of the Autons: Episode One". Although the part ultimately went to the capable Richard Franklin, Letts did not overlook Marter's potential and instead, he chose to wait patiently for the ideal opportunity to arise, ultimately leading to a future collaboration.
Two years subsequent to the initial encounter, in the year 1973, Letts extended an invitation to Marter to assume the role of John Andrews in the inaugural episode of the television series "Carnival of Monsters", thus inaugurating a prolific and enduring creative partnership between the two visionary individuals.
As Jon Pertwee's tenure as the Doctor was nearing its end, Terrance Letts began to ponder the idea of replacing him with a more experienced actor, a notion that would have required the casting of a younger actor to play the role of a companion to the Doctor, thus allowing the younger actor to handle the physically demanding action sequences. This line of thought ultimately led to the decision to introduce a new character, Surgeon Lieutenant Harry Sullivan, played by Nicholas Marter, whose arrival would undoubtedly bring a fresh and captivating dynamic to the show.
Tom Baker, a 40-year-old thespian of considerable renown, achieved the esteemed distinction of portraying the iconic character of the Doctor, thereby displacing 40-year-old actor Jon Marter from his previously secured position on the show.
Terrance Dicks' existence was indelibly marked by an extraordinary and abiding affinity for the iconic British science fiction television series, Doctor Who, as he dedicated a significant portion of his remaining years to diligently and meticulously transcribing the captivating narratives of the show into novels for Target Books, a poignant reflection of his unshakeable devotion to the franchise.
The life of this individual was marked by a sense of unfulfilled potential, as he was taken from the world far too soon, his passing occurring in the year 1986 with a sudden and premature finality, leaving behind a lasting impact that continues to captivate and enthral fans of the show to this very day, a testament to the enduring power of his literary contributions.
