Anthony Ainley had a hard act to follow when he became the Master in 1981, but he was undaunted and brought a freshness to the character, who he absolutely loved playing. He is known to have answered his own telephone saying 'This is the Master' before laughing and continuing the conversation.  The Actors who played opposite him were impressed by his love of the role and his character portrayal, Sylvester McCoy is quoted as saying  "He was as scary off camera as he was on it". He was our Master until 1989.