Voiceover
David’s facility with voices has undoubtedly been a great asset to him as a performer and helped him especially in his early days. Today he continues to use that talent; both in children’s television, as he as always done, but also to record audiobooks for the RNIB.
Looking back on a long career, there are many highlights worth mentioning and his role in ‘giving voice’ to certain well-known characters has kept him much in demand at fan conventions.
Gerry Anderson
A lucky break happened for David with the launch of commercial television in Britain. It was about this time that he met Gerry Anderson:
“It all started when I did a live-action tv film at Elstree which Gerry directed. Although he happened to be directing this cops and robbers thing, his background was in the technical side of the business, and I think his mind was very set on puppet film making. When I heard that I pricked up my ears and said: ‘I’m not bad on accents and voices.’ When he got underway he was good enough to contact me and it all started”.
Four Feather Falls, a Granada production, was David’s first collaboration with Gerry Anderson. They were 15 minute children’s programmes featuring cowboy themed puppets. David played ‘Gramps’, a character he based on Hollywood star Walter Brennan.
This lead to a lot more work with Anderson, creating the voices for characters in Supercar, Fireball XL5 and Stingray.
But David is still probably best known amongst Anderson fans for Thunderbirds where he created the voices of ‘Parker’, ‘Brains’, ‘Gordon Tracy’, ‘Kyrano,’ as well as various other occasional characters.
The voice of Parker was based on a real person as David recounts here:
“Gerry took me to a restaurant in Cookham, near the studio in Slough. Gerry had already listened to this waiter and he invited him over. The waiter said: ‘Would you like to see the wine list?’ . . . We elaborated on the voice, but basically it was Parker.”
Dr Who
Another memorable job for David was inventing the voices of those mechanical villains, the Daleks, in Dr Who:
“I originated the Dalek voices for Doctor Who with Peter Hawkins. We went into the studio and created a style for these voices. Then they fed them through an electronic machine. I did quite a few of the early Dalek adventures.”
David worked on the first five Dalek stories but eventually was forced to leave it to Peter Hawkins for a while due to the pressure of other work.
Recent voiceover
Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom
Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom are the latest in a pedigree line of television programmes for children where David has been involved as a voiceover artist, supplying the voices for characters that are destined to become much loved by a new generation of children.
Peppa Pig, where David voices the character of Grandpa Pig, is already a brand name worth £95 million pounds with record viewing figures on both sides of the Atlantic. Ben and Holly (David plays The Wise Old Elf) is from the same stable and seems set to follow Peppa in the popularity stakes.
Not for the first time, David makes a valuable contribution to a winning formula . . .
Love this site! The first Gerry Andersen production I ever saw as a kid was SuperCar. Can’t get enough of the Supermarionation shows!
Kind regards
Dear David Many thanks for your kind remarks about my site and work
David Graham
Mr Graham, did you voice the character Dr. Horatio Beaker? “Satisfactory. Most satisfactory!”
Yes
Dear David
It was an honour to meet you and Matt Zimmerman in 2005 at the fanderson convention in Borehamwood. It was also great to meet Alan Perry and Gerry Anderson as well.
Are you still in contact with any ot the other members of the production team?
Jim
Dear Jim Smith Thanks for your message. I do keep in touch with some of the production team but time is taking its toll.
Dear David…
One of those strange unexplainable moments in life. My twins, Bridget n Lewis love Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly. Of course I watch them also and being in my late 40s had a sort of Deja Vu moments when Grandpa and Wise old Elf spoke. Upon (some may say sad) investigation I discovered your many other voice overs in particular those in Thunderbirds. Mystery solved.
Tony.
Dear Tony Glad that your twins are fans of mine. We are at present recording another series of Ben and Holly in which I also play a very greedy Gnome. Very best to you and Bridget and Lewis.
Davvid Graham
Just heard you on radio solent… its brought back many happy memories from my childhood. The voice work in Thunderbirds was exceptionally skillful and involving. The converstations between Parker and Penelope legendary. Zimmerman , Rimmer and Graham three of the best voice over artists ever… BRAVO !!
Dear Jonny Feest just picked up our kind message. yours comments make all the effort well worthwhile.
Best wishes David graham
Dear David,
Heartfelt thanks for all the great voices! I’m most appreciative for the way you portrayed Brains. I remember an instance in ‘Sunprobe’ where Brains said ” I.. don’t think they’re going to make it ” . Just stands out to me amongst the many, MANY, wonderful performances. Best to you now and always,
Stephen R.
Dear Stephen R Thank you o much for your kind remarks about my work They make it all worthwhile.
Best wishes David Graham
What a great career you have had! Had no idea that Grandpa Pig and the Wise Old Elf were Parker in a previous existence!
Just love the humour in Ben & Holly and Peppa Pig. Thank you so much, Grandpa ‘ig!
All the best,
Melenie
Dear Melenie Many thanks for your message and kind words regarding my efforts. It makes it all worthwhile.
Best David Graham
Dear David,
Good god I am so pleased to have found your website1.Thank you for all the entertainment crown jewels you alone have created. How does a person speak to a legend. i suppose to humbly thank you for your amazing work I have enjoyed all my life.. and now my children enjoy. You sir truly span ages of television legend simply a heart felt thank you and my total admiration for your work
yours kindly
Geoff marriott in Norfolk 47 yrs ex Royal Air Force
Dear Geoff I was quite touched by your warm words regarding my career. It is so good to know that my efforts have been appreciated.
Best wishes david
Dear Geoff So many thanks for your warm words regarding my work down the years. Much appreciated. My main aim has been to entertain and to give pleasure. By the way I am also ex RAF Radar Mechanic. Think i am a better actor though.
Best wishes David Graham
Hi David or should I call you “The Wise Old Elf”
Your voice is awesome, my son and I love watching Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly. In particular we love it when the wise old elf shouts “aarrrrgggghhhh”. My 2.5 year old son thinks it’s hilarious. Do you know of anywhere I can get hold of a sound clip of it. I would love to have that set as a ringtone on my mobile phone.
Keep up the fantastic work.
Kindest Regards,
Alec & Ben Fletcher
Dear Alec and Ben Fletcher Many thanks for your warm words on my voice.
efforts. Much appreciated. I will try and get a clip of what you need for your mobile phone.
Best wishes David
Hi David
Do you ever get asked to do the voices of Gordon Tracy or Kyrano?
Also have you got any memories of Reg Hill or Chrisitne Glanville?
Jim
Dear Jim Just picked up your message. As regards Gordon Tracy and Kyrano I don’t often get asked to do their voices. It’s mainly Parker and Brains.
I have only good memories of Reg and Christine now sadly left us. Both of them made vital contributions to the series.
Best David
Dear David
I’m so delighted to have found your website. Your voice is amazingly distinctive, so much so that for me, it’s the voice of Supercar, Fireball XL5 and Thunderbirds. I know you have done so much more but I would like you to know that yours is the voice of my boyhood and means a lot to me. Thank you so much.
Best Wishes
Martin
Dear Martin Many thanks for your message and kind words about my work. I shall be attending a Thunderbirds event in November at the RAF Museum in Cosford so the series reverberates down the years. Am working on a series called Ben and Holly at present.
Best wishes David
Hello David. I worked as an engineer in the RNIB Talking Book studios in the late 90s, where you regularly, brilliantly recorded books. I now have a little girl and we have started to watch lots of episodes of Peppa Pig (which we both love!) I just had to look up to see if Grandpa Pig was the same David Graham with whom I worked, and am delighted to find that it is and you are still doing great stuff. Lovely to hear you again – thank you and keep at it!
Dear Annabel Not sure if I replied to your message. Delighted to hear that your little girl is enjoying Peppa Pig. Does she watch Ben and Holly too as I play The Wise Old Elf in that.
Afraid that I am out of favour with the RNIB. However I survive.
Very best wishes David
Dear David,
What a pleasure it was to speak to you on BBC Radio Shropshire. You were a delight to talk to, and thank you for all the pleasure you’ve given many of us with your wonderful “voices” over the years.
Many thanks for your kind message and words. Much appreciated.
David
Hi David,
Just found this site. Just seen the new Lemsip advert on TV, and what do I hear? Your dulcet tones! Well I think it is. Can you confirm or deny this please? On an unrelated note, can you tell me anything about the new series of Thunderbirds Gerry was talking about on BBC news 24 in 2011, as we’ve heard nothing since.
Regards,
Colin.
Dear Colin Thanks for your message. Yes it is my voice on the Lemsip ad. As regards the proposed series of Thunderbirds it didn’t work out. Sadly Gerry is in a nursing home and very poorly. Have a happy festive season.
Best wishes David
Hi David,
Just wanted to say how much myself and my kids enjoy watching Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly, and this is mainly down to the fantastic voiceovers from yourself and others. The Wise Old Elf is our favourite character in any cartoon and you make him so believable. Hope there are many more series to come, keep up the good work!
Hope you have a great Christmas and New Year.
Best wishes,
Paul
Dear Paul Many thanks for your warm comments about my work on Peppa and Ben and Holly. The Wise Old Elf is a lovely character to play thanks to the writers. Hopefully there will be more to come. So watch this space. Best wishes to you and the children for the New Year.
David
So saddened to hear the news about the passing away of Gerry Anderson. Have you been contacted in regards to any tribute programmes that are being produced, and if so, have you any idea of when they were broadcast. Also, what’s your own favourite memory of Gerry?
Keep up the Voicovers! You are an inspiration!
Regards,
Colin.
Dear Colin Thanks for the message. Yes a sad day for me. I have given a number of radio interviews, but as yet I have not heard of any plans for a tribute programme. It is still early days. My favourite memory of Gerry was our first meeting on a television series called Martin Kane. He was directing and was the beginning of a long and fruitful working relationship. He warmly inscribed my copy of his official biography. Have a good 2013.
David
I meant ‘Will be broadcast’ not were, sorry David.
Dear David Graham, thank you so much for signing my merchandise and having your photo with me at the West Ham Doctor Who signing. It was so great to finally meet one of the people made my childhood so special through programmes such as Thunderbirds, Fireball XL5, etc.
I owe it to people like you and Gerry Anderson for inspiring me to work in the Entertainment industry and your fantastic performances have led to my fascination with, and respect for, voice actors who I love working with and talking to.
Thank you once again, it really was an absolute pleasure.
Kind regards,
Alexander Kay
Dear Alexander Thanks very much for your very warm remarks regarding my work and career.I am gratified that I seem to have given a lot pleasure to a lot of people like yourself. if you decide to work in the entertainment field I want to wish you every success. However it is a tough road to follow. Have faith.
Best wishes David Graham
Dear David, I am big admirer of the television production of the 60’s and 70’s, do you think they have it easy today?
Dear Nick Interested to hear your views and preferences. I was involved then and am involved now with Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom so I have a foot in both worlds fortunately.
Best wishes David Graham
Dear David
I am so pleased that I have found your website,and that you are obviously well and busy!
Long time ago…in a studio far far away etc etc
Take care
Kind Regards
Simon
Dear Simon How nice to hear from you. I hope that you are well. Yes I am still active and in my eighties! Have kept myself in shape and my voice is still flexible. Am a regular in Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly. Hope it all lasts. Thanks once again for your message.
V Best wishes David
Hi David, I have just been listening to you on radio 5 live, and I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you, for your work on Ben and Holly and Pepper pig. I know that your performance as the wise old elf brings me and my son hours of pleasure every weekend.
Keep up the good work
Thanks
Mat and Oliver
x
Dear Mat and Oliver Many thanks for your kind words and pleased that my acting gives you both pleasure. That is the focus of all my efforts as a performer. Long may it continue.
Best wishes to you both David
Dear Mr. Graham:
Like you, I was deeply saddened to hear, first of Gerry Anderson’s being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and then of his death, only six months after the diagnosis was announced. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of watching Supercar and Fireball XL5, and I am delighted to have the chance to establish contact with one of the creative team that helped Mr. Anderson bring both of those series to life. Those must have been halcyon days, I am sure!
I am also glad to know that you are continuing to use your abilities to entertain audiences throughout Britain, and through today’s various technologies, around the world! I can only say, as Dr. Horatio Beaker would, “Satisfactory! MOST Satisfactory!” Take care and God bless!
Dear Tom Thanks very much for your very kind message. Gerry’s death is a very sad loss. we had a long working relationship which was important to my career. However his work will live on in the memories of all those multitudes who loved it. Yesterday I attended an event in London and signed pictures of the Thunderbird series and talked to fans which is always rewarding. So thanks and be well.
Best wishes David Graham
David
Thanks so much for replying.
So glad you are well and happy
Hugs
Simon
Dear David thankyou for all the wonderful characters youv brought us.My three little ones adore grandpa and wise elf.My favorite is wise elf although I’m old enough to know better. I have decided to adopt you as my grandpa as I never knew either of mine. You’ll be perfect. Love and thanks for all your work.
Dear Lisa and little ones Thanks you for your kind and touching message and for my adoption. You may be interested to hear that they are going to bring back the Thunderbirds series from the 1960’s in which I was involved as the voice of Parker and Brains and many others. It is not due to transmit until 2015. I hope that I will still be around.
Very best wishes Grandpa
Hi David
First of all you are to Ben and Holly as what Ian Mckellen is to Lord of the Rings.
I never actually realised that I have heard or seen so much of your Tv/radio appearances
absolutely loved the Superman radio plays.
you seem to do some conventions when and where are your next one?
And just out of curiousity were you approached or are you doing the for the voiceover for the Dr Who special “Adventures in Space and time?
I have just added you into my living legend list.
Keep up the great work on Ben and Holly.
Thanks Dave.
Dear Dave many thanks for your very kind thoughts on my work. I always make every effort to please and messages such as yours make it all worthwhile. As regards conventions I mainly attend those connected with Dr Who and Thunderbirds. I will let you know when the next one is. i have not been approached to do the voice over for the Dr Who special although I hope to attend the 50th anniversary bash later in the year. I shall have a job living up to the living legend label.
Thanks and best wishes David
Hello, David, and greetings from a fan from “across the pond”!
I was born and raised in a small town called Moline in the state of Illinois here in the US. While we received a smattering of UK shows there on occasion – one of my most favorite shows as a young boy was “Fireball XL5” [along with an early Irwin Allen produced show – “Voyage To The Bottom of the Sea”]. Recently – I pulled out my XL5 DVD boxset and listened to your commentary track on one of the episodes. As luck would have it – I really became a fan of “Doctor Who” in the past year and started systematically watching episodes from the start with the First Doctor (William Hartnell). Imagine my surprise when I saw your name as one of the original Dalek voices AND there was no mistaking that voice (similar to Professor Matic) when “Charlie – the bartender” appeared in the First Doctor episode “The Gunfighters” (sorry – I haven’t gotten up to the Tom Baker years yet so I haven’t seen you as “Kerensky”).
Thank you for all your years of entertaining the world. I wish you well and hope that perhaps – you might be able to travel to Los Angeles sometime for, say, the Gallifrey One convention.
Guy
P.S. “Fireball XL5” was one of the inspirations for me having worked at NASA (the Langley Research Center). I’ve had a long association with science fiction and space and had 2 pieces of equipment on the Space Shuttle and am presently involved with space tourism.
Dear Guy Many thanks for your complimentary and very interesting message. I am proud that in a small way I was the inspiration in your taking up science and working for NASA. Dr Who is a long time ago but is still very popular in this country and around the world. In November they are going to celebrate the 50th anniversary with a special celebratory event in London. I also created some of the famous voices in Thunderbirds. Parker and Brains and they are shortly to start making a new series for transmission in 2015. So I keep going.
Best wishes David
Hello David
I have just been watching Ben and Holly with my 3 year old daughter and laughing at the Wise Old Elf and was compelled to put a face to the voice so here I am! Loved finding that you also voiced the Gnome and your earlier work too – I loved Thunderbirds! Your voice is legendary.
Take care
Denise
Dear Denise and three year old daughter. Glad that my voices have down well in the Manning household. It makes it all worthwhile to receive messages such as yours. There may be another series of Thunderbirds on the way. Happy viewing!
Best wishes David
Hi David, would you be kind enough please to drop me a brief line via timscribe@btinternet.com so I can discuss a small project with you for a community radio station.
will explain all by return
many thanks.
Tim Cooke
Dear David aka Mr. Hackenbacker,
I am a huge Thunderbirds & Captain Scarlet fan! I have both original series on dvd and love your character “Brains”. Did you do any v/o work on Captain Scarlet? Who is the new “Brains” on the upcoming Thunderbirds series? Keep up the good work! -Chris Morris
Leesburg, Florida U.S.A.
P.S.-I have the live-action Thunderbirds movie on dvd & Anthony Edwards does not do you or “Brains” justice!
Dear Chris Many thanks for your kind remarks regarding Thunderbirds. I did not create any voices for Captain Scarlet. Thunderbirds was my swan song for Gerry Anderson. I begin recording the new series in July. I will be reprising Parker but don’t know about Brains at the moment. It is nice after 50 years to be still going strong.
Thanks and best wishes David
Dear David aka “Nosey Parker”, It’s great that you get to reprise Parker! Here’s hoping you & he get to land your fair share of Parker Haymakers on the evildoers! I’ll pray for you that you get to reprise Brains. Your #1 fan, Chris Morris
Hi David
Were you aware that Parker was born on May 30th 2013?
Did anyone ask you to commemorate this momentous day?
I have a full scale studio replica and thought we should have a party?!
Cheers
David
Hello David,
I have only just discovered that you have a website! What can I say? I am so very grateful and indebted to you. Your wonderful work, your astonishingly versatile and amazing voice talent. I have always loved and adored the work of Gerry Anderson and his wonderful team. Your wonderful skill and voice – to me – has become synonymous with the beautifully created and enormously loved characters that you helped to create. Thunderbird’s especially helped me get through a fairly painful and wretched childhood, it helped me go to a place where my illness couldn’t get me. The myriad of voice characters you created are forever etched in my DNA. Simply wonderful work.
Thank you so much again for everything you have done. My wife and I wish you and your family every health, wealth and happiness for now and forever.
Best wishes,
Griff
Dear Griff I was touched by your very kind letter and unstinting praise of my work. It makes all the effort and occasional setbacks in my hazardous profession worthwhile. Gerry Anderson’s passing was a sad loss. I owe him a great deal. He kept faith with me over a long period. You will pleased to know that they are going to make a new series of Thunderbirds for transmission in 2015 and I shall be reprising my character of Parker which of course I am happy about. It gives me additional pleasure that in some way I enabled you to get over a difficult off your life.
Very best wishes to you and your family David
Dear David, as the master of the voiceover what advice and tips would you give for anyone wanting to become a voice artist now?
Kind regards,
Edward
Dear Edward Voiceover work is but a branch of the acting profession in which I served a long and sometimes hard apprenticeship. For the former one needs to have a flexible voice and an ear finely attuned to accents and dialects. If you are blessed with any of these attributes then by all means give it ago. However it is tough out there.
Best wishes David
Dear David,
I just wanted to say that your voice, via Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, echos through our house at all times of the day. Thank you for your wonderful work, both my little boys (2 and 4 years) are in love with the shows and the characters you voice are favourites.
Cheers from Australia,
The O’Connor Household
Dear Jackson and the Lads Many thanks for your warm and kind remarks on my efforts on Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly. It makes it all worthwhile to know that my little customers approve. I went to a party the other week to mark the end of the second series of Ben and Holly so tell the boys that there is more on the way. I toured Australia with The National Theatre Company many years ago.
Very best wishes David
Hi. My two year old loves Ben and Holly, as do I! Is it possible that you could do a little recorded message for him somehow as Wise Old Elf?? That would be brilliant! Darren
Dear Darren As for the recording how could it be done?
David Graham
Dear Mr Graham,
Francoise Pascal suggested I get in touch with you. I dated Jeremy Lloyd back in the eighties, and would simply love to see him again. Have you any ideas?
Regards
Lauta Horder
Dear Lauta Horder I was a little non plussed by your message. Although I know of Jeremy Lloyd I am not in touch with him. So I do not know how Francoise Pascal thought I could help. She might have confused me with someone else. Sorry not to be of assistance in this matter.
Best wishes David Graham
Dear Mr Graham
I was wondering could you spare some time to let me interview you over Skype.
The reason why I’m asking is because I’m interested and I’m sure some of your fans are interested as well in what got you into acting and the roles you have played. I would only ask simple questions such as what got you into acting and what the hardest part of acting is for you. I would also like to ask about what has been your favourite role to play so far, any tips you could give to new voice actors and what do you have planned for in the future.
Plus if you agree to the interview I would use a clip from one of your performances (if copyright will allow me too) or voice demos as a way to introduce you and if you want you could tell me which clip you would prefer to use and I would use it.
If you are available for an interview let me know and we could arrange a date for it if you are unavailable for an interview or do not wish to be interviewed let me know and I won’t trouble you again.
I will attach my channel so you can see the other interviews I have done with this message so you can see how it will be done if you agree. Just so you know it will be completely audio recording, no video recording what so ever.
Hope to hear from you soon
From
Michael Morley
P.S.
Sorry for posting this interview request here as I did not know of any other way of contacting you.
Also this will be my show’s 50th episode and it would mean a lot to me if you agreed to come on
(adding on from my last message)
Sorry I thought I should attach my link in a separate message as when I posted my request I did not see my link appear in it. So I thought just incase it didn’t go through here it is.
Again sorry for the second message
http://www.youtube.com/user/goblinsrevenge
Hi David,
Glad to hear you’re reprising Parker for the new ‘Thunderbirds Are Go!’ series, but why didn’t they cast you as Brains again? ‘That’s takin’ a di-habolical liberty Milady! I ‘ope the Rolls – Royce and the craft ‘aven’t changed too much in design Mr Tracy.’
Hi David,
Many thanks for your contributions to the entertainment industry. Your voice is legendary. My grandson loves Pepper Pig and Ben and Holly which is watched as often as possible. I too have a fairly flexable voice and quite often get asked to speak wirh my own voice for once as I keep changing accents and impressions. Kind regards, Martin.
Hello we are Poppy aged 8 and Isla aged 5 and we really really love watching Ben and Holly. Our favourite characters are Nanny Plum and the Wise Old Elf. We think it is really funny when they argue and go bright red. Our favouite episode is when they swap jobs for the day and when they got stuck in space playing I spy for ever!
We also like it when his ears wiggle and he says “Nanny’s doing magic” and gets cross and shouts “Nanny P-lum”.
You remind us of our grandad who we call Bumper. He is not very tall and he is like a wise old elf too!
Thankyou for making us laugh every day (and our big brother and sister and mum and dad love it too). You are very wise too. love from Poppy and Isla xxx
Dear Poppy and Isla Thank you very much for your jolly nice message. So pleased that you enjoy Ben and Holly. I love giving pleasure to children. That is why I enjoy being an actor. I like your nickname for your grandad and hope that he has a Bumper Christmas and you as well. So best wishes to you brother sister and mum and dad from the Wise Old Elf and David Graham.
PS I do the voice of the Gnome as well.
Mr Graham, what a fantastic career you have had and still enjoy! As a boy I loved Supercar but more particularly Fireball XL5 and Steve Zodiac. After every episode my friend and I would rush outside and re-enact it! I enjoyed your work in Thunderbirds and my daughter also caught the Supermarionation fever to the extent she wore out my video with over use! Nowadays, my grand daughter is captivated by Peppa Pig. Deepest thanks from three generations of the Stewart family. F.A.B. David!
Dear Keith Many thanks for your very warm remarks on my work and career.I have always tried my utmost to use my gifts to the full and messages like yours make it all worth while. To give pleasure to young and old alike. I am now recording a new series of Thunderbirds to be transmitted in 2015 and hope to do more Peppa Pig as well. I also work on Ben and Holly. Thanks again and may I wish and your family a Very Happy Christmas.
David Graham
F.A.B. !! I’m sure you’ve been told MILLIONS of times how amazing and enjoyable it is to have had the pleasure of viewing your work over the years as I grew up……hopefully you aren’t getting tired of it!
As a member of the Commonwealth (Canada) we “kiddies” grew up on Fireball, Thunderbirds et al and as I got older (and still watch episodes at age 54) have come to appreciate the varied character voices, requisite hard work and talent that you bring to the game.
I am planning another trip to the UK (hopefully this year) and would welcome the chance to interview you for a local magazine as a freelance writer, but also to have the privilege of conversing with “Lord Parker” over a few pints – my treat of course – next to wanting to be Virgil and fly the big iron of Thunderbird 2, my favourite character was undoubtedly Parker – LOVE the accent!
Truly a credit to the industry and the to memories of yet another little boy who grew up watching Supermarionation and listening to the dulcet tones of a great voice-over artist!
Thank God for DVD collections of Gerry Anderson’s series, as well as the compilation of great musical material from Barry Gray.
I look forward to the chance to meet you soon!
Dear Jay Frederick Thanks for your message and thoughts on my work. If you let me know when you will be coming to London I will try and set a time for an interview. By the way I am a half a pint man. I am now recording a new series of Thunderbirds which will be transmitted in 2015.
Regards David Graham
Dear David,
It is a real pleasure listening to your voice each morning with my two children, Kayla and Lachla, as we watch Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom here in ABC4kids in Sydney. Thank you for providing a voice to a character who brings a lot of laughs and enjoyment to me (Dad) plus the kids. I realise there is a whole underlying positive message in each episode which is so nice.
I did want to ask if you had an inspiration for the voice of Wise Old Elf?
regards
Robin
Dear Robin Sorry for the delay in replying to your kind message, Pleased that your children enjoy the Wise Old Elf. The series recently won an Emmy Award in New York. As for the inspiration for the character I plucked it out of my imaginative store house.
Best wishes to you and the children David Graham
dear David,
Thought you were brilliant in all your roles in Doctor Who. Where you offered or did you audition for any parts in the series? and if asked, would you return to the series to voice a dalek or play a part on screen?
regards
Josh
Dear Josh Thanks for your message and praise for my efforts. I am always up and ready to act whenever I am asked although a different actor is voicing the Daleks in the current series. You never know what the future holds.
Best wishes David
thank you so much for replying to my message. would it be possible to get an autograph?
regards
josh
Dear Josh If you send me your address I will send you one.
Best David
thank you so much. my address is:
12 Newall Carr Road
Otley
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS21 2AU
I have just recieved it, I am so grateful. Thank you so much for your kindness.
regards
Josh
Just found your website….I was a great fan of Thunderbirds during my childhood. Came up with a pretty silly joke the other day re. the Pistorius trial:
Prosecutor: ‘Now, just supposing Mr Pistorius that you were called Parker and I told you to ‘Go and get the car!’, what would your reply be?’
Pistorius: ‘Yes, M’lady!’
All the best David!
Dear David. I had the great pleasure of meeting you over the weekend at the Andercon event. You very kindly signed a wonderful picture of Parker for me and also a plaster cast bust of Parker. You are a true gentleman and someone I have admired for many years. You fullfilled a childhood dream for me. At 50 years old now I felt like an excited child at the Andercon event and meeting you Sir was the icing on the cake. A true entertainer! Bless you.
Kindest regards
Dan
Dear Dan many thanks for your kind message. It was a pleasure to meet you and sign a couple of things. Am pleased that you enjoyed the Andercon event .
Best wishes David
To Dear David,
How many joyful moments you have given to so, so many people .. how richly fulfilling for you to know you have given so much happiness to so many …
Your wise old elf character is so amusing .. this little man constantly frustrated with others .. thinking he is so capable yet often in need of rescue …
To discover you were once a dalek was a shock .. you are so versatile .. your characterizations are so polished .. complete .. you create whole people with their own personality, foibles, touching ways .. you bring a warmth and humanity to your work .. you enrich our lives .. more than you will ever know …
Thank you for all you give dear sir .. and bless you.
John.
Dear John I was quite touched to receive your very kind message and to know how much my efforts are appreciated. I am very lucky to be in a profession in which it is possible to entertain and bring such warm feelings to people such as you so eloquently express. I always make every effort to work from the heart and be truthful to my characters. Thanks again for your kind remarks.
Best wishes David
Hello Wise Old Elf,
My name is Rose and I love watching Ben and Holly. It is my favourite programme ever! I am allowed to watch a couple of episodes before I go to bed! I have my very own Gaston too, but he is not very good at flying! I also love Peppa Pig too, I have all the DVD’sand sometimes catch my Mummy and Daddy watching them when I have gone to bed! Her hee hee!
Thank you for being brilliant Wise Old Elf!
Love Rose, aged 2 yrs and 4months
Hello Rose What a very nice message you sent me. You are a very grown up 2 yrs and 4 months. Glad that you also like Peppa Pig. I also am the voice of the Gnome in Ben and Holly. He is very very greedy! I will think of you when I am next recording and try even harder to be good. Goodbye for now and lots of luck from the Wise Old Elf Grandpa Pig the Gnome and last but not least David.
Hi David,
Glad to hear you’re reprising Parker for the new ‘Thunderbirds Are Go!’ series, but why didn’t they cast you as Brains again? ‘That’s takin’ a di-habolical liberty Milady! I ‘ope the Rolls – Royce and the craft ‘aven’t changed too much in design Mr Tracy.’
Dear David, just a quick message to say your work over the years is appreciated, you really have played a part in some iconic pieces of work with generations of audiences. My boys love your work on Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom. I wish you continued health, wealth, happiness and success for many years to come.
Best wishes, Gary
Dear Gary Very many thanks for your kind remarks about my work. I am delighted to have given your boys such pleasure, which has always been the object of the exercise.
Best wishes to you all David Graham`
Hi David,
Just wanted to write a message to thank for your excellent work over the years, as part of my childhood playing Parker and other roles with the Gerry Anderson productions and now my daughter Annabel is enjoying your work as The Wise Old Elf and Grandpa Pig as well as many other characters, to be honest the Ben and Holly cartoons as so well scripted and voiced, they are quite compulsive viewing for us as well.
Best wishes for your future projects, may there be many,
Simon
Dear Simon Thanks for your kind words regarding my efforts to entertain down the years. It is very rewarding to be in a profession whose object is to give pleasure to people. I am at present recording a new series of Thunderbirds in which I am reprising my original role of Parker. It is due for transmission in the Spring of 2015 on ITV. Happy viewing!
Best wishes to you and Annabel David
Dear David,
One of the best suprises about having a 3-year old daughter has been how much I can enjoy some childrens television, particularly Ben & Holly or Peppa Pig (though personally, I prefer the former).
These cartoons, though clearly aimed at children, are something that I can watch for hours with my Amy, enjoying them just as much as her. While much of this is due to the talented writing, your characterisations (& those of Ms. Kennedy) are the stand-out performances, bringing a level of humour that respects children in a way matched by few other contemporary programs. Whether this is to encourage parents to watch & enjoy with their children or to help young minds develop more complex humour is irrelevant, as both are sound aspirations. Thank you for your part in making these wonderful programs happen.
Incidentally, I have a query. There are several rumours across the internet that Wise Old Elf & Nanny Plumb may have once had a fling! While such an idea is unlikely to be explored in the series, I was curious if the idea held any truth in your interpretation & characterisation of the characters & their relationship?
Dear Ian Many thanks for your warm appreciation of my work on Ben and Holly. It is a combination of excellent scripts and good plots. I am lucky to have been given the opportunity to bring the Wise Old Elf to life. Also to give pleasure to your daughter.
I am also working on a new series of Thunderbirds reprising my old role of Parker. It is due to screen in the Spring of 2015. I don’t think that the relationship of the WOE with Nanny Plumb is anymore than a comic turn. Best wishes David
Hello,
I’m a huge fan of David Graham’s Dalek voice work! the best voice of the Daleks to date!
Is there anywhere I could write to for fan mail?
Regards,
Tom
Dear Tom If you write to Babble Voices 30 Great Portland Street W1N 8QU you can contact David Graham
Dear Graham
What a lovely website and wonderful to see you actually take the time to respond to people who are great fans of your work.
I am and clearly have been a fan for many years, Thunderbirds was one of my favourite shows growing up as a girl and now a few years later…Ben and Holly with my Children. Your voice transforms the shows, and I think its clear who I am referring to when it comes up in many of the posts…the great wise old elf!
He is brilliant. His humour and irritation with Nanny Plum is my favourite. I am often caught laughing out loud at his comments, my favourite episode so far has to be the wise old elf being caught coming to the rescue at the school and ending locked up in the drawer with Nanny Plum!
I was very excited new Thunderbirds episodes are going to appear.
I look forward to enjoying your work for many years to come and thank you for sharing your remarkable talent and gift for us all to enjoy as children and with our children.
Warmest regards
Zoe
Dear Zoe Your lovely message warmed the cockles of my heart.I am so grateful that I have been able to use my talents to give so much enjoyment and pleasure to kind souls like yourself. You put your heart and soul into the work and hope for the best. Thanks again. The new series of Thunderbirds starts next Spring. It is being shot in CGI. It will be a modified and up to date version of the original but true to it. Hope that all the fans like it. I am reprising Parker. With best wishes to you and the children.
David
My son Mylo is 3 and he loves Ben and holly and peppa pig , I also watch it and my favorite is the wise old elf, I think your an amazing multi talented actor , long may you continue
Dear Nic Thanks so much for your appreciative message. I like your son’s name. It is so nice to know that one’s work is thought highly of. Tell Mylo that Grandpa Pig and The Wise Old Elf sends best wishes and to your good self.
David Graham
Can you send me your autograph
My address is 8 knottingham drive voorhees nj 08043
Dear Mikhel Thanks for your message and I apologise for the late reply. I will send you my autograph under separate cover.
Best wishes David Graham
Mr. Graham…greetings from across the pond! Your characters are our very favorites on Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly. My littlest one can say all your lines from the episode about Granny Pig’s obnoxious chickens! Thank you for your body of work.
Best to you this holiday season!
Dear Megan From across the pond. Many thanks for your appreciative message. it is good to know that your children like my voices. May I wish them and yourself a Happy holiday season.
Sincerely David Graham
Dear David ……. just a kwik note from the states to say how much i enjoyed, and still enjoy to this day, your voice work on the Anderson series, particularly PARKER in The Thunderbirds …..
I grew up loving this stuff, and continue even now, enjoying watching it as a 52 year old grown up kid ……..
Here’s to a happy, healthy, and productive year for you and your family in 2015 ………
God Bless !
Karmik Mike Stein
professional Audio Engineer and stagehand
Dear Mike Thanks very much for your kind remarks about my work on the Anderson series. I have just finished recording a new series of Thunderbirds Are Go which will be transmitted next Easter in the UK. I see that you are fellow professional. My best wishes to you and your family for the New Year.
With best wishes David
Dear David
Many thanks for the hours of pleasure you (and the highly talented cast and crew of both Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly’s) have given my children over the last few years. My husband and I also really enjoy both series which is generally a rare event in children’s tv we have found. My 3 year old son now uses the term “Chickens ride west” to describe either sunrise or sunset. Also I agree that the writers for the Wise Old Elf (and the Gnome) are very clever but your voice and expression is what makes the difference. Thank you for all that you do.
Our very best regards and Happy New Year
Gabrielle (6 years) Remy (3 years) and their parents from Australia.
Dear Pauline Many thanks for your kind remarks about my voice work. Much appreciated. Only just received your message. There is a new series of Thunderbirds due out shortly which might be of interest in which i voice Parker,
Best wishes to you Gabrielle and Remy David Graham
Do you want unlimited content for your website ? I am sure you spend a lot
of time posting content, but you can save
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please could you call me asap on
+44 01472500739
Dear Matthew Please email if you have a question for me . Thanks.
David Graham
Dear David please could you call me today on
+44 01472500739 it would be greatly appreciated
Dear David,
Congratulations! Still working and still ‘Parker’ at 90 years on! Looking forward to ‘somehow’ hearing you in the new “Thunderbirds Are Go!”, although (as of this date) the series has yet to land an USA distributor. We’ve not yet seen any pictures of the ‘new’ Parker. Is there anything you’re at liberty to tell us about him? Will he sound and act anything like the 1960s version?
Best wishes for a successful series!
Steve R.
Dear Steve Just received your message. It is hoped that the new series of Thunderbirds will be shown in the USA at some point in the future. The Parker voice will be unchanged though the series itself made with CGI and true to the original concept is made to appeal to a modern audience. Hope that you enjoy it when you see it.
Best wishes david Graham
Dear David,
I take it back! I’ve just found a publicity still of the new Parker and Lady Penelope standing together in front of the new Fab 1. Both characters look a bit younger – Parker now has blacker hair with streaks of gray, but the face is spot-on! The new Rolls Royce looks good as well – sleeker, more streamlined, and still hot pink. There have been a few comments already about a little pug dog that’s sitting next to Parker. Some are wondering whether the animal might prove to be a comic nemesis/mischief maker…?
Yours,
Steve R.
What is your email
dm.graham1107@gmail.com
Dear David Graham,
Is there an address at which I can reach you to send you fanmail?
I love your voice work on Thunderbirds and am looking forward to seeing the new series although nothing can beat the original…puppets beat CGI hands down!
Thank you
Dear Ben Sloane Thanks for your message. You can send fan mail to Babble Voices 30 Great Portland Street W1W 8QU. Hope that you like the new series despite your preference.
David Graham
Dear David
I don’t know if you remember me, my name is Jacqueline nee Appell and my sister’s name is Hillary and we lived in Barcham House
I was watching the news last week and the topic was Thunderbirds and then you appeared on the sceen
Talk about the past catching up with you!
It was wonderful seeing you looking so well and great to see how far you have come from the original voice of the daleks!
I was very friendly with your niece Elizabeth and have been trying to contact her for many years without any luck
If it isn’t too much trouble, would you please pass on my details Looking forward to receiving a reply from you
Best wishes and kindest regards
Jacki
Dear Jacki Thanks for your message. I have a recollection of your past friendship with my niece Elizabeth. Her email address is liz@bound4college.com should you wish to make contact. As you know they have revived Thunderbirds after 50 years and asked me back to reprise my character and have even commissioned a second series. I feel a bit born again. Hope you and your sister are well.
Best wishes David
Dear David
Thanks for her email I will contact her
Can’t believe it’s 50 years since Thunderbirds!
You must feel like a teenager again!
You haven’t changed…I recognised you immediately!
Have seen your name on Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly when my grandchildren watch the show and have always wondered if it was you. ….and now I know that it is! !!!
Incredible to know my neighbour is so famous!
Good luck with the series
Keep well
Best wishes
Jacki
Hi David
Thanks to you Liz is back in my life!
Can’t thank you enough
Keep well
Best wishes
Jacki
dear david grahamhello my name is karl latham and i am a massive of yourself i love watching moomin and i was wondering if you would be so kind as to send me a signed photograph please i collect signed photographs which i will add and treasure and i always will my address is
karl latham
1 nevill
street
the leys
tamworth
staffs
b79 7rp
england
uk
thank you
Dear David,
Craig here.. I would like to invite you over to Castle Mead Radio while your in Leicester, So perhaps we could meet and I could thank you for your Charity Donation Fee to our Radio Station in person.. I’d love to hear about your Career & play some of your favourite music if you’ve got any that is.. Please get in touch with me ASAP Please!!
Regards
Craig Adams, Leicestershire, UK
Dear David we over at MSE Events are a massive supporter of your work as Parker from Thunderbirds and now back in action for the new series Thunderbirds Are Go. We would like to invite you to an event some time to celebrate not only your Thunderbirds work but your work in Doctor Who, Peppa Pig and more recently Big Finish Productions.
Thank you very much for reading this and we hope to hear from you some time.
WARMEST REGARDS
MARK HARDING
GUEST LIAISON
MSE EVENTS
Dear David
I have just watched Moomin on DVD when I happened to find your name on the English cast credits. I then began to research without success what role you’ve played on that series. Now I listened very carefully and correct me if I’m wrong but I think you either played Moominpapa, Mr. Hemulin or maybe even both. Am I right or wrong? I close by saying, whatever character(s) you played you did a really good performance on the series.
Please reply soon.
Thank you and kind regards:
Thomas Mettham.
Greetings David,
Thank you very much for visiting Castle Mead Radio in Hinckley.. Your welcome anytime to my Radio Show such a lovely man, If any of you want to see Part One & Two of our Radio Interview please copy and paste links into your Browser for Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfPY1ZWi_sU PART ONE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-Il_su47Sg PART TWO
Hope to meet you again sometime soon David
Take Care
Craig Adams, Hinckley, Leicestershire
Hi David, My kids and I love your funny voices from over here in Sydney, Australia.
That great moment when my daughter realised that Wise Old Elf was the same voice as Grandpa Pig! The look on her face was priceless!
Cheers,
David
Hi David,
Being subjected to Ben & Holly dvd’s on a regular basis by my boy’s, I was fascinated with the voice of the wise old elf. After a bit of investigation on the web, I found it is you. Reading further, looking back over your career, I find that you also did the voices for my favourite TV show as a boy, Thunderbirds.
You have brought much enjoyment to my family over two generations and I thank you very much. And I must say I enjoy Ben & Holly too, especially your character. A very happy Christmas to you.
Dear Mark Many thanks for your kind remarks about my work. It is rewarding to know that my work has given pleasure to you and your boys. It makes it all worth while.
Best wishes and A Happy Christmas David
Dear David, Happy New Year. Firstly thanks for the years of entertainment you have given to millions over the years. I and my children enjoy Ben and Holly and Peppa Pig. The question I have is how do you manage to keep find the energy to do all your different projects? Must be tiring at times? Keep up the good work. By the way Adam, Amy, Alice and Alex send their best. Could we get a signed picture of the Wise Old Elf? Thanks Terry.
Dear Terry Many thanks for your kind remarks regarding my work and efforts to entertain you.
Acting is about energy- creative energy and I have been lucky to possess it in abundance and it doesn’t seem to diminish with the years. I am at present recording another series of Peppa Pig
and also Thunderbirds in which I am reprising Parker. I don’t have any pictures of the Wise Old Elf but will try and obtain one and send it to you.
Best wishes to you and Adam, Amy, Alice and Alex.
David
one for you if you will let me have your address.
Hi David, if you would and me an email which I can send an address to that would be great. My email is terrybailey@hotmail.com. Thanks again for your kindness. Terry
Hi David, thanks for your reply. How do I get my address to you? Thanks Terry
Dear David.
I came across your website after hearing the sad news about Sylvia Andersen. I just wanted to say that, when I was a kid, I loved the exploits of the Tracy family ( and was especially obsessed with Thunderbird 2, it must be said). But years later when I thought about the show, it was always your exchanges with Sylvia that came to mind, to the extent that, when I first met my wife (who is rather posh), I kept doing Parker’s “yes, milady,” when she’d call from another room or suchlike… Sadly, she never really got the joke, but the point is for people of my generation, your Parker voice is instantly recognisable and greatly loved.
So, many thanks and all the best,
Dan
Dear Dan Many thanks for your kind remarks regarding my voice work. I too was sad at the news of Sylvia’s death and will attend her funeral next week. I hope to keep going a while longer.
Best wishes David
Dear David, currently watching ‘Filmed in Supermarionation’ on Sky Arts and can’t believe how youthful you appear, my best friend of fifty years is constantly texting nonsense and usually lines from the many Anderson shows, Fireball XL5 and Stingray being favourites, but Brains and particularly Parker are such a huge part of our childhood, my friend does a reasonable impersonation (too damn often, truth be told) but HUGE thanks for such enjoyment you havve given us.
Unrelated to that, I have recently rewatched ‘When the Boat comes in’ (Like Christopher Lee reading LotR annually, I watch ‘Boat’ annually… wonderful drama) and two of my most favourite episodes, the first of series 4 with you playing Morty, I always believed you WERE American so convincing were you and I only recently registered, despite many viewings, you were also Kaganovvch in a previous series, this one in particular showed that no only do you have a wonderful voice, but you possessed great screen presence.
Hopefully look forward to seeing you for many more years, thanks and best wishes
Jim
ps… embarrassingly, any chance of a signed pic? At near sixty, I have never asked that of anyone before.
Dear Jim Many thanks for your kind words regarding my visual and voice work. I have always tried to make the most of my talents and hope to keep doing so a while longer. If you will let me have your address I will send you a signed picture of myself. Trust that this finds you well.
Regards David
Dear David,
I’m absolutely thrilled to read from ITV this morning, that Thunderbirds will be renewed for a third season of 26 episodes! – Congratulations.
Best regards,
Bill
Dear Bill I’m thrilled that your are thrilled about the new series of Thunderbirds. We start recording later this year.
Best wishes David
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Dear David,
Hi there. I’ve got two lovely princesses named Daphne and Eunice. We are a big fan of the show peppa pig and ben and holly. One of my daughter is asking if you yourself got a big pointy hat and is it color blue? More power to you.
Regards,
rommel
Hi David,
Huge fan of your work. I directed my first film this year, after a few years of producing, and would love to see if I could get you to do a 1 minute V.O. for my film. Not sure if your still doing V.O. but it would mean the world to me. I tried contacting your old talent agency: Talking Heads Voices, but they said I’d have to contact you directly. My email is attached if you’re interested. Look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
Francesco
Hi David, hope you are keeping well, just wanted to ask about the possibilities of sending my 4 year old son Finn, something signed, from either Your Ben & Holly or Peppa Pig guise, he has grown up with both, and we are in the process of decorating his room, with signed photos of his favourite characters.
Thanks x