Elisabeth Sladen, known to many DOCTOR WHO fans as Sarah Jane Smith, died today at the age of 63.
Unbeknownst to many, Sladen had been battling cancer, right up through filming Series 5 of THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES, which was set to air later this year. (As they did not complete the series, it is unknown whether or not they will air the episodes that were completed. I hope that they do.)
As Sarah Jane, Sladen was considered the favorite of the Doctor's companions by many, and her return in 2006's "School Reunion" is seen as a highlight of that series by a great many fans - and that in no way suggests that the rest of that season was weak!
Sadly, as Ms. Sladen's resume is almost entirely television, and her sci-fi roles are mainly restricted to Doctor Who, I'm unsure if there is any way that we could pay tribute to her this year. But regardless, hers is a passing that will be felt.
"The universe has to move forward. Pain and loss, they define us as much
as happiness or love. Whether it's a world, or a relationship...
Everything has its time. And everything ends."
- Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith), "Doctor Who - School Reunion" 2006