Stephen John Thorne (2 March 1935 – 26 May 2019) was a British actor of radio, film, stage, and television.

He was best known for his regular BBC Radio 4 work and audiobook recordings, and for his portrayals of a few Doctor Who villains, including the Time Lord Omega.

On demobilisation Thorne trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), a drama school situated in the Bloomsbury area of London, and graduated in 1957.

He gave many poetry readings on radio, television, and tape and in venues from Westminster Abbey to various pubs.

He recorded over 300 unabridged audiobooks[citation needed] including children's stories[2] which earned critical acclaim in both the UK and the US.