We’re sad to report the news that Brian Cant – actor, writer and children’s TV presenter – has passed away at the age of 83.
Brian Cant’s career spanned more than 50 years, starting in 1964 when he became one of the first presenters of Play School. He stayed on the show for 21 years, presenting alongside the likes of Johnny Ball (father of Zoë Ball), Julie Stevens and Toni Arthur.
During this time, he was involved with some of the most fondly remembered shows of the era. This included stop-motion puppet like Trumpton, Camberwick Green and Chigley. Later in his career, he would go on to appear in Play Away (a spin-off of Play School), Bric-a-Brac and Jay Jay the Jet Plane.
Brian appeared in Doctor Who twice during his career. He first appeared in the 1965 serial ‘The Daleks’ Master Plan‘ where he played Kert Gantry. Three years later, he would star as Chairman Tensa opposite Patrick Troughton in ‘The Dominators‘.
Cant is survived by his wife and five children. His son, Richard, has also appeared in Doctor Who. He appeared as Malcolm in the 2007 episode, ‘Blink‘.
Cant was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1999 and passed away on the 19th June 2017 at Denville Hall. His family released a statement saying that: “He lived courageously with Parkinson’s disease for a long time.”
