Elisabeth Sladen dies at age 63

The world has lost an actress who portrayed one of the most revered "Doctor Who" companions.

Elisabeth Sladen played Sarah Jane Smith initially through two incarnations of the Doctor; Jon Pertwee and iconically alongside Tom Baker. Years later she would appear alongside the 10th Doctor, David Tennant, in a triumphant return to the character. Since that time she starred in her own spin-off series, "The Sarah Jane Adventures", spearheaded by then head writer of the newly revitalized "Doctor Who" programme, Russell T. Davies.

Elisabeth had been battling cancer for some time, finally losing it this day at age 63. Many have commented over the years what a wonderful and cheeky woman she really was, and Davies paid tribute to her this afternoon with these phoned comments made to the BBC.

She has always been and will always be one the most popular personalities on the iconic Brit show, and her passing seems to have come much too early in life. So vibrant and beautiful into her 60s, may she rest in peace. Her passing comes almost two months to the day of Nicholas Courtney's death in February. He of course played the Brigadier on "Doctor Who". This photo is probably one of the best ways she'll be remembered; battling aliens and roaming the universe with Tom Baker's Doctor during the 70s.