Hugh Burden was an actor and playwright who portrayed Channing in the Doctor Who serial Spearhead from Space.
Burdon was born in Columbo, Ceylon, the son of a colonial official. He was educated at Beaumont College and trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and RADA. He then appeared on stage in repertory theatre in Croydon and in London's West End before military service in the Hampshire Regiment and the Indian Army from 1939 to 1942.
Aside from Doctor Who, Burden made appearances in numerous UK television plays and series including The Avengers. He is probably most famous for his playing the title role in The Mind of Mr. J. G. Reeder. His many film appearances include One of Our Aircraft Is Missing, The Way Ahead, Fame is the Spur, Malta Story, Funeral in Berlin, Blood from the Mummy's Tomb, and The Ruling Class. He also acted in radio plays and was known for readings of the works of authors such as T. S. Eliot and Evelyn Waugh.
In addition to his acting career, Burdon wrote several television and stage plays and was an Equity council member.
He died on 17 May 1985 in London.[source needed]