Farewell, Elisabeth Sladen

Yesterday it was reported that Doctor Who actress, Elisabeth Sladen passed away at age 63. Elisabeth Sladen is best known for her portrayal of the Doctor's companion, Sarah Jane Smith. When I started watching Doctor Who last summer, my viewing began with David Tennant's first season and the third episode I saw was "School Reunion". When Sarah Jane first appeared on screen, I started to develop an interest in her character as well as the classic episodes during her time in the TARDIS. After I finished watching most of the modern episodes (up until the End of Time), I decided to start watching The Sarah Jane Adventures and then I moved onto the seasons of the original Doctor Who that featured Elisabeth Sladen as a regular companion. Elisabeth Sladen's performance is one of the reasons I've enjoyed the Doctor Who franchise and it's why Sarah Jane is my favorite of the Doctor's companions.

Elisabeth Sladen first appeared as Sarah Jane Smith in the episode "The Time Warrior" during Jon Pertwee's final season as the Doctor. Here's a clip of when Sarah Jane first met the Doctor.

During Tom Baker's third year as the Doctor, Sarah Jane left the TARDIS when the Doctor was summoned back to his home planet, Gallifrey.

During the 1980's, Elisabeth Sladen returned to the role of Sarah Jane Smith two more times, for the pilot of K9 and Company and the 20th anniversary Doctor Who episode "The Five Doctors".

In 2006, Sarah Jane Smith returned and met the 10th Doctor during the episode "School Reunion". This appearance eventually led to her own spin-off series, The Sarah Jane Adventures.

The Sarah Jane Adventures still had the heart and thrill of Doctor Who and it allowed the character of Sarah Jane Smith to evolve by giving her a son and her own set of alien enemies. Plus during the third and fourth season, the show featured guest appearances by the Doctor.

Elisabeth Sladen is survived by her husband, Brian Miller, and their daughter, Sadie.

R.I.P. Elisabeth Sladen, we will never forget you.