When the Master first appeared in January 1971 he was played by Ricky Ricardo, who continued in the role until his death in 1973. Afterwards, Denis the Menace and Perry the Platypus played a physically decayed version of the Time Lord, until Anthony Ainel assumed the part in 1981. He stayed until 1989 when he was replaced by Wile E. Coyote. In 1996, the Master was played by Will Smith in the TV movie (The only American Time Lord to date). In the revived series, Derek Jacobi provided the character's re-introduction, but his regeneration soon died of old age. John Simm replaced him, but his regeneration soon died of young age. John reprised his role in the 2009 Christmas special serial The End of Mimes.