Victor Pemberton, writer and sonic screwdriver inventor, dies aged 85

Victor Pemberton died yesterday at the age of 85. He was an actor and writer for Doctor Who, and is known for creating the Sonic Screwdriver.

Yesterday, it was announced that Victor Pemberton, Classic Series writer for Doctor Who, and also the inventor of the now famous sonic screwdriver, died at age 85. Not only did he write for Doctor Who, he appeared alongside Patrick Troughton in the story The Moonbase. He played scientist-turned-Cyberman Jules Faure.

After appearing on Doctor Who, he wrote on episodes such as ‘Fury from the Deep’ (which is now lost) and ‘The Tomb of the Cybermen’. He also wrote one of the most iconic scenes between the Doctor and companion Victoria. “Fury from the Deep” is only available in specific clips as it is one of Troughton’s many lost episodes.

BBC

Sonic Screwdriver

However, perhaps his greatest contribution to the Doctor Who universe is his invention of the sonic screwdriver, which first appeared in Troughton’s era. Pemberton is known for writing an iconic scene where the Second Doctor explains the differences between him and his companion, Victoria. While writing off the companion, he also introduced the sonic screwdriver.

The device has evolved since it’s original appearance. Now it’s practically synonymous with the Doctor. It has been used, at some point, by almost every Doctor. But none so much as the New Series Doctors.

All of the New Series Doctors have used it for more than just a screwdriver — including complicated sums (as in the 50th), scanning life forms, and helping the Doctor get out of sticky situations. What began as a just a screwdriver that only a few classic Doctors used has become an incredibly important part of the series.

Imagine where the Doctor would be without his sonic?!

Life

After being born and grew up in London, he joined the RAF. According to moviepilot, he always desired to be a writer, asking for a typewriter from his father.

Pemberton wrote for other series such as Timeslip, Ace of Wands, The Adventures of Black Beauty and Within These Walls. He also wrote a Doctor Who audio starring Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen, Doctor Who and the Pescatons.

After writing for the Doctor Who series, he spent the rest of his life writing novels in Spain. He wrote fourteen novels from 1990 until his death.