# Russell T Davies - Taking Extended Break (Torchwood, Doctor Who)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russell-t-davies-taking-extended-break-torchwood-doctor-who/605289>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [December 6, 2011, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russell-t-davies-taking-extended-break-torchwood-doctor-who/605289 "2011-12-06T19:51:59Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
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**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\
**Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russell-t-davies-taking-extended-break-torchwood-doctor-who/605289/1 "2011-12-06T19:51:59Z")

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Russell T Davies left Doctor Who and came to Hollywood for bigger projects. His Torchwood series was produced as a joint effort between the BBC and Hollywood.

In the midst of this success Russell’s long term partner, Andrew Smith grew ill with severe headaches. They were on holiday in England when Andrew was diagnosed with cancer of the brain. Russell has taken an extended break from work while his partner recovers from surgery and chemo.

> **[Award winning Doctor Who writer quits Hollywood to care for partner after...](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2070470/Doctor-Who-writer-Russell-T-Davies-quits-Hollywood-care-partner-brain-cancer.html)**
>
> Mr Davies – whose achievements include bringing Dr Who back to TV – has quit his burgeoning career in California after Andrew Smith fell ill while they were back home on holiday in Manchester this summer.

It’s amazing how life can have it’s ups & downs. Russell has enjoyed enormous professional success for over a decade. At least he’s financially able to stop everything and focus entirely on his partner.

I’d like to send my best wishes to Russell and his family.