William Russell - Actor Profile

William Russell

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
8.5 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 19, 1924
Birth Place: Sunderland, County Durham, England, UK

About William Russell

William Russell Enoch (19 November 1924–3 June 2024) was an English actor. He achieved prominence in 1956 when he took the title role in the ITV television series The Adventures of Sir Lancelot (1956–1957). In 1963, he became part of the original lead cast of BBC1's Doctor Who, playing the role of schoolteacher Ian Chesterton opposite William Hartnell from the show's first episode until 1965. Russell's film roles include parts in The Man Who Never Was (1956), The Great Escape (1963) and Superman (1978). On television, he notably appeared as Ted Sullivan in Coronation Street in 1992. In recent years, Russell has maintained his association with Doctor Who; he returned to the show in 2022, making a cameo appearance as Ian in "The Power of the Doctor", 57 years after the character's last television appearance. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of William Russell reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of William Russell's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), William Russell remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Doctor Who: Origins, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best William Russell Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from William Russell's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of William Russell.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2023 Doctor Who: The Daleks in Colour Ian Chesterton (archive footage) Average Similar →
2022 Executive Order - Hit Similar →
2013 An Adventure in Space and Time Harry Super Hit Similar →
2010 Last Stop White City Self Super Hit Similar →
2006 Creation of the Daleks Ian Chesterton (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2006 Doctor Who: Origins Self Super Hit Similar →
2006 Masters of Sound Ian Chesterton (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2006 Inside the Spaceship: The Story of the TARDIS Self / Ian Chesterton Super Hit Similar →
2006 Over the Edge: The Story of 'The Edge of Destruction' Self / Ian Chesterton Hit Similar →
2002 Remembering 'The Aztecs' Ian Chesterton (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1997 Henry V at Shakespeare's Globe King Charles VI of France / Bishop of Ely / Sir Thomas Erpingham Flop Similar →
1995 The Affair Dr. Hastings Flop Similar →
1988 The Four Minute Mile AAA Official Hit Similar →
1984 Doctor Who: Resurrection of the Daleks Ian Chesterton (archive footage) (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1980 Death Watch Dr. Mason Average Similar →
1979 Instant Enlightenment Including VAT Don Flop Similar →
1979 Terror Lord Garrick Flop Similar →
1978 Superman 8th Elder Hit Similar →
1975 Three Men in a Boat Doctor Average Similar →
1965 Doctor Who: The Chase Ian Chesterton Hit Similar →
1965 Doctor Who: The Space Museum Ian Chesterton Hit Similar →
1965 Doctor Who: The Crusade Ian Chesterton Average Similar →
1965 Doctor Who: The Web Planet Ian Chesterton Average Similar →
1965 Doctor Who: The Romans Ian Chesterton Super Hit Similar →
1965 Doctor Who: The Rescue Ian Chesterton Average Similar →
1964 Doctor Who: The Dalek Invasion of Earth Ian Chesterton Super Hit Similar →
1964 Doctor Who: Planet of Giants Ian Chesterton Hit Similar →
1964 Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror Ian Chesterton Average Similar →
1964 Doctor Who: The Sensorites Ian Chesterton Flop Similar →
1964 Doctor Who: The Aztecs Ian Chesterton Super Hit Similar →
1964 Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus Ian Chesterton Average Similar →
1964 Doctor Who: Marco Polo Ian Chesterton Hit Similar →
1964 Doctor Who: The Edge of Destruction Ian Chesterton Average Similar →
1964 Doctor Who: The Daleks Ian Chesterton Hit Similar →
1963 Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child Ian Chesterton Hit Similar →
1963 The Great Escape Sorren Super Hit Similar →
1963 Return to Sender Mike Cochran Flop Similar →
1962 The Share Out Mike Stafford Flop Similar →
1961 Adventure Story Hephaestion Average Similar →
1957 The Big Chance Bill Anderson Flop Similar →
1957 The Adventures of Hal 5 - Flop Similar →
1956 The Man Who Never Was Joe Hit Similar →
1955 Above Us the Waves Ramsey Average Similar →
1955 One Good Turn Alec Bigley Average Similar →
1954 The Gay Dog Leslie Gowland Hit Similar →
1954 They Who Dare Lieutenant Poole Average Similar →
1953 The Saint's Return Keith Merton Average Similar →
1953 Malta Story Officer at Prison Average Similar →
1953 Intimate Relations Michael Flop Similar →
1952 Gift Horse Crewman Hit Similar →

William Russell - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of William Russell?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William Russell is "Doctor Who: Origins" with a rating of 8.5/10.

How many movies has William Russell acted in?

William Russell has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by William Russell?

Other notable films include "Creation of the Daleks", "Masters of Sound", and "Inside the Spaceship: The Story of the TARDIS".