Roger Caesar Marius Bernard de Delgado Torres Castillo Roberto was born on March 1, 1918, in Whitechapel, London, England. He was the son of a Spanish father and a Belgian mother, and spent his early childhood in Egypt before his family moved to England. Delgado showed an interest in acting from a young age and began performing in local theater productions.
During World War II, Delgado joined the British Army and served as a medical officer. After the war, he decided to pursue a career in acting full-time and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He quickly gained attention for his talent and landed his first major role in the 1958 film, 'Hidden Homicide'.
Delgado's breakthrough came in 1971 when he was cast as the Master in the popular British science fiction series, 'Doctor Who'. He portrayed the Doctor's arch-nemesis with charm and sophistication, creating a memorable villain that would become iconic in the series.
His dynamic performance opposite Jon Pertwee's Doctor captivated audiences and solidified his place in television history. Delgado's portrayal of the Master was praised for its complexity and depth, earning him a dedicated fan base.
During his tenure on 'Doctor Who', Delgado also appeared in other British TV series, including 'Danger Man' and 'The Champions'. He showcased his versatility as an actor by taking on a variety of roles, from suave spies to sinister villains.
Off-screen, Delgado was known for his warm personality and sense of humor. In 1957, he married Kismet Shahani, with whom he had a happy and fulfilling marriage. The couple remained devoted to each other until Delgado's untimely death.
Tragically, Delgado's life and career were cut short when he was killed in a car accident on June 18, 1973, while filming in Turkey. His sudden passing shocked his fans and colleagues, who mourned the loss of a talented actor and beloved friend.
Despite his untimely death, Delgado's legacy lives on through his iconic role as the Master in 'Doctor Who'. He is remembered as a groundbreaking actor who brought depth and nuance to his characters, leaving an indelible mark on British television.
Delgado's contributions to the entertainment industry have been celebrated by fans and critics alike. His portrayal of the Master set the standard for future actors who would take on the role, and his influence can be seen in subsequent iterations of the character.
In 1983, Peter Davison paid tribute to Delgado by portraying the Fifth Doctor in 'Doctor Who', a role that Delgado had once inhabited. The nod to Delgado's legacy was a touching homage to a talented actor who left a lasting impact on the series.
Today, Roger Delgado is remembered as a trailblazer in British television, whose talent and charisma continue to inspire generations of viewers. His portrayal of the Master remains one of the most iconic and enduring performances in the history of 'Doctor Who', solidifying his place as a legend in the world of science fiction.