Ian and Barbara were human school teachers who followed Susan home to the Tardis in the first Dr Who episode, "The "Unearthly Child," in 1963, and became companions for the first two Dr Who seasons. They were apparently a couple, although Dr Who didn't feature much in the way of romance, not to mention steamy sex scenes. They also exited in the same episode, "The Chase" in June 1965, by one of the most daring methods in Dr Who history. Ian and Barbara steal a Dalek Time Machine and use it to travel back to 1963 London.
Barbara was played by Jacqueline Hill, another companion who was a successful actress before her tour of duty on Dr Who and after managed to raise a family and continue her acting career. Born on June 8, 1929, She died in of cancer in 1993.
Ian was played by William Russell. He was born on Nov 19,1924 and was primarily a theatre actor up until and after his stint on Dr Who. He's currently a member of the Royal Shakespear Company in London.