Valentine Dyall (1908-1985) was a British actor and voice actor, best known for his deep, resonant voice, often described as 'sepulchral'. His fame is inextricably linked to the role of the narrator, 'The Man in Black', in the BBC radio programme *Appointment with Fear*, broadcast between the 1940s and 1950s, which established him as the voice of horror. In cinema, he appeared in numerous films, including Laurence Olivier's *Henry V* (1944) and *A Matter of Life and Death* (1946), also lending his voice to the character of Dr. Noah in the James Bond parody *Casino Royale* (1967). In television, he is best remembered for playing the cosmic antagonist, the Black Guardian, in the science fiction series *Doctor Who* during the 1980s. His iconic voice was also used in comedic contexts, such as in *The Goon Show*. Although he did not receive major individual awards, his contribution as a character actor and his unmistakable vocal presence made him a distinctive and memorable figure in British radio, television, and film.