Tracy family

{{Use British English|date=September 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2025}} {{About|the fictional family in ''Thunderbirds'' media|the family in ''Dick Tracy''|List of Dick Tracy characters}} {{Infobox fictional family | first_major = Thunderbirds | first_minor = Trapped in the Sky | first_date = 30 September 1965 | last_major = Thunderbirds Are Go | last_minor = The Long Reach{{snd}}Part 2 | last_date = 22 February 2020 | creator = Gerry & Sylvia Anderson }} The '''Tracy family''' are the main characters in the 1960s British Supermarionation television series ''Thunderbirds'' and its adaptations, set in the 21st century.

Originating from the United States, the family live on Tracy Island in the South Pacific Ocean. Headed by Jeff, an industrialist and philanthropist, the Tracys run International Rescue, a search-and-rescue organisation operating on land and sea, in air and in space. They carry out their missions using a range of technologically advanced vehicles and equipment headed by a fleet of five craft called the ''Thunderbird'' machines, piloted by Jeff's sons.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.wired.com/story/thunderbirds/ |title = ''Thunderbirds'' Revamped Characters Revealed |first = Matt |last = Kamen |date = 16 January 2015 |website = wired.com |access-date = 12 February 2025 }} {{Subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11347238/Thunderbirds-first-picture-of-new-Tracy-brothers.html |title = ''Thunderbirds'': First Picture of New Tracy Brothers |first = Anita |last = Singh |date = 15 January 2015 |website = telegraph.co.uk |access-date = 12 February 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2712369.stm |title = ''Thunderbirds'' Film Reveals Lead Actor |date = 31 January 2003 |website = BBC News Online |access-date = 12 February 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/thunderbirds-are-go |title = Parents' Guide to ''Thunderbirds Are Go'' |website = commonsensemedia.org |access-date = 12 February 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/first-image-new-look-thunderbirds-characters/ |title = First Image Of The New Look ''Thunderbirds'' Characters: The Tracy Brothers Add CGI to FAB |first = James |last = White |date = 15 January 2015 |access-date = 12 February 2025 |website = empireonline.com }}</ref>

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==First and second generations== thumb|upright=1.2|Jeff and Grandma Tracy in the original ''Thunderbirds''

===Grandma Tracy=== {{Infobox character | name = Grandma Tracy | first = "The Uninvited"<br>(2 December 1965) | voice = Christine Finn (1960s)<br>{{Nowrap|Sandra Dickinson (2015{{ndash}}2020)}} | occupation = Housekeeper and cook | origin = Kansas | spouse = Grant }} Grandma is the mother of Jeff and paternal grandmother of Scott, John, Virgil, Gordon and Alan. The character was originally voiced by Christine Finn and the puppet was sculpted by either John Blundall<ref name="Hearn2015"/> or Carolyn Turner.<ref name="LaRivière2014">{{Cite book |title = Filmed in Supermarionation |first1 = Stephen |last1 = La Rivière |author1-link = Stephen La Rivière |year = 2014 |edition = 2nd |orig-year = 2009 |publisher = Network Distributing |location = London, UK |isbn = 978-0-992-9766-0-6 |page = 172 }}</ref>

Grandma's chronology is unclear in that she does not move to Tracy Island until "Move{{snd}}and You're Dead" (production number 9), despite being mentioned in "Sun Probe" (production number 4) and appearing in all four episodes filmed in between. In the original broadcast order, Grandma appears in even more episodes prior to "Move{{snd}}and You're Dead".<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.fanderson.org.uk/epguides/tbirdseg2.html#Episode%20Nine |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181215180634/http://www.fanderson.org.uk/epguides/tbirdseg2.html#Episode%20Nine |archive-date = 15 December 2018 |title = ''Thunderbirds'' Episode Guide: Series One |website = fanderson.org.uk |publisher = Fanderson |date = }}</ref> While the character was intended to debut in that episode, she was written into the preceding episodes after the series' runtime was doubled to 50 minutes by order of Lew Grade, forcing the writers to devise additional scenes and subplots to extend the episodes that had already been filmed.<ref name="Hearn2015">{{Cite book |title = Thunderbirds: The Vault |last1 = Hearn |first1 = Marcus |publisher = Virgin Books |year = 2015 |isbn = 978-0-753-55635-1 |pages = 78, 95, 110 }}</ref>

==== Original depiction ==== Little is known about Grandma's past, and her real name is never mentioned on screen. The other characters, including her son Jeff, call her "Grandma". As a girl, she travelled on the London Underground with her own grandmother, a fact that would later prove useful for International Rescue ("Vault of Death"). She was married to a Kansas wheat farmer but was widowed some time before the founding of International Rescue. She helped Jeff bring up his five sons after the death of his wife. During International Rescue's early days she lived alone near San Miguel, somewhere in the Western United States. However, she began to miss feeling useful, so decided to move to Tracy Island.

After winning the Parola Sands Race, her youngest grandson Alan picks her up so she can move to Tracy Island. A racing competitor of Alan's takes revenge and Alan and Grandma find themselves having to stay motionless on a bridge spanning the San Miguel River due to a bomb that their enemy has placed under it – should either of them move, the bomb will detonate and the bridge will be destroyed. They are rescued by Alan's brothers. ("Move{{snd}}and You're Dead"). Grandma then moves into the Tracy household.<ref>{{Cite book |title = Supermarionation Classics: Stingray, Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons |last1 = Rogers |first1 = Dave |last2 = Marriott |first2 = John |last3 = Drake |first3 = Chris |last4 = Bassett |first4 = Graeme |year = 1993 |publisher = Boxtree |isbn = 978-1-85283-900-0 |page = 127 }}</ref>

As the family matriarch, Grandma keeps the Tracys together, offering wisdom and advice for them and others in the household, such as Alan's love Tin-Tin. It is Grandma who keeps Alan and Tin-Tin together when Tin-Tin's ex-boyfriend pays a visit ("End of the Road"). Along with Kyrano and Tin-Tin, Grandma takes care of domestic chores in the Tracy household, though she can sometimes be confused by technology – at one point mixing tracking bugs into a pie ("Day of Disaster"), but later being able to work a nuclear oven ("Give or Take a Million").

Though not an active member of International Rescue, Grandma still plays a role when needed. She helps her grandsons organise equipment that they need ("Sun Probe") and it is she who comes up with a solution for a rescue at the Bank of England when everyone else is out of ideas ("Vault of Death"). She also attends the filming of an edition of the ''Ned Cook Show'' in which the host thanks International Rescue for saving his life ("Terror in New York City"). Grandma has never visited a stately home but hopes to do so one day, especially after meeting Lady Penelope ("The Mighty Atom").

==== In adaptations ==== Grandma briefly appears in the film ''Thunderbird 6'' but has no dialogue. She is absent from the 2004 live-action film.

Grandma returns in the remake ''Thunderbirds Are Go'', voiced by Sandra Dickinson. In the remake, she has a different personality: she has taken over the role of head of the family following Jeff's disappearance, is tougher than the puppet version, and is a poor cook.<ref name="Percy2017">{{Cite web |url = http://www.walesartsreview.org/thunderbirds-are-go-a-fans-comparison/ |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20171013205728/http://www.walesartsreview.org/thunderbirds-are-go-a-fans-comparison/ |archivedate = 13 October 2017 |url-status = live |date = 13 October 2017 |title = ''Thunderbirds Are Go'': A Fan's Comparison |first1 = Carolyn |last1 = Percy |work = Wales Arts Review |accessdate = 24 May 2020 }}</ref> In series 2, her first name is revealed to be Sally. Carolyn Percy of the ''Wales Arts Review'' comments that the remake character's "loving but no-nonsense" personality is in contrast with the original puppet character, who was played as more of a "stereotypical sweet little old lady".<ref name="Percy2017"/>

===Jeff Tracy=== {{Infobox character | name = Jeff Tracy | first = "Trapped in the Sky"<br />(30 September 1965) | designer = John Brown (sculptor)<ref name="LaRivière2014"/> | voice = *Peter Dyneley (1960s) *Lee Majors (2020) *Jon Culshaw (2021)<ref>{{Cite web |title = ''Thunderbirds'' Is Back |url = https://www.bigfinish.com/news/v/thunderbirds-is-back |date = 11 April 2021 |access-date = 12 April 2021 |website = bigfinish.com |publisher = Big Finish Productions |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210412200858/https://www.bigfinish.com/news/v/thunderbirds-is-back |archive-date = 12 April 2021 |url-status = live }}</ref> | portrayer = Bill Paxton (2004) | occupation = *Leader of International Rescue *Business executive *Colonel, USAF *Former astronaut | spouse = Lucille | home = Tracy Island }} {{Distinguish|Geoff Tracey}} Jeff is the leader of International Rescue and father of Scott, John, Virgil, Gordon and Alan. The character was originally voiced by Peter Dyneley.

The son of a combine harvester driver on a Kansas wheat farm,<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UidyhetScHQ|title=Thunderbirds Legends: The Story of Jeff Tracy|date=14 March 2020|website=YouTube}}</ref><ref name="IwY2d3sXV9I">{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwY2d3sXV9I|title=Thunderbirds Legends: The Tracy Sons & The Disaster|date=21 March 2020|website=YouTube}}</ref> Jeff joined the United States Air Force and reached the rank of colonel. Later, he transferred to the Space Agency to become an early lunar astronaut.<ref>{{Cite book |title = Thunderbirds Annual |page = 10 |year = 1966 |publisher = City Magazines & AP Films (Merchandising) }}</ref> He married Lucille, with whom he had five sons: Scott, John, Virgil, Gordon and Alan.<ref>{{cite web |date = 13 March 2019 |title = ''Thunderbirds'': The Origins Of International Rescue |url = https://www.gerryanderson.com/international-rescue-origins/ |website = gerryanderson.com }}</ref> Each was named after one of the Project Mercury astronauts: Scott Carpenter, John Glenn, Virgil Grissom, Gordon Cooper and Alan Shepard.<ref>{{cite web |title = Mercury Crewed Flights Summary |date = 17 March 2015 |url = https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mercury/missions/manned_flights.html |website = nasa.gov |access-date = 22 December 2016 |archive-date = 16 September 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110916001228/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mercury/missions/manned_flights.html |url-status = dead }}</ref>

According to a 1993 tie-in comic strip, Lucille and Jeff's father, Grant Tracy, were both killed in an avalanche.<ref>[http://www.technodelic.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/UploadTBEx/ThunderbirdsComplete.htm "The Complete ''Thunderbirds'' Story"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720113836/http://www.technodelic.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/UploadTBEx/ThunderbirdsComplete.htm |date=20 July 2008 }}.</ref> In the 2008 novel by Joan Marie Verba, Lucy died after an avalanche swept her van off a cliff.<ref>[http://thunderbirds.com/books/countdown/countdown1 ''Countdown'']. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206204218/http://thunderbirds.com/books/countdown/countdown1|date=6 December 2013}}.</ref>

Jeff founded a civil engineering, construction and aerospace business that made him one of the wealthiest men in the world. He later became a philanthropist and founded International Rescue. As the family patriarch, Jeff spends most of his time on Tracy Island, remotely coordinating rescue missions.

==== 2004 film ==== Bill Paxton, who played the live-action version of Jeff, described the character as "a kind of teacher, this father figure who has to teach his sons, particularly his youngest son Alan, these basic lessons of ethics and integrity, about doing the right thing."<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/29/paxton-discusses-thunderbirds |title = Paxton Discusses ''Thunderbirds'': The Mission of International Rescue |website = IGN |date = 29 June 2004 |first1 = Steve |last1 = Head |access-date = 14 June 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210614183536/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/29/paxton-discusses-thunderbirds |archive-date = 14 June 2021 |url-status = live }}</ref>

==== Remake ==== In the remake ''Thunderbirds Are Go'', Jeff vanished six years prior to the start of the series, for which the Hood is shown to be responsible ("Ring of Fire{{snd}}Part 2"). Scott, as the eldest of the brothers, appears to have assumed command of International Rescue in his father's place. The origins of International Rescue are gradually explained throughout the series. Originally, Jeff was the only member with one ship: the ''TV-21'', an ultra-high-speed rocket that according to Brains' was faster than any of the ''Thunderbirds''. Following the loss of the ''TV-21'', the ''Thunderbirds'' were built.

Jeff finally appears in series 3, initially in recordings in the two-part episode "Signals", which reveals that he was last seen trying to stop the Hood stealing the ''Zero-X'' spacecraft. When the Hood's actions nearly caused ''Zero-X''{{'}}s engine to overload, potentially creating an extinction-level event, Jeff took the ship into space. There was an explosion and both Jeff and ''Zero-X'' were believed lost. However, at the end of the episode "SOS", Brains discovers that rescued robot Braman was not sending a distress call, but was actually acting as a relay to send the message to Earth, and finds a coded message within the distress call that could only have come from Jeff. After recovering the Hood's escape pod, Brains realises that the explosion was a shockwave created by the ship's faster-than-light 'T' drive engine, which propelled Jeff into a distant region of space known as the Oort Cloud.

Working with former adversary The Mechanic, Brains builds the ''Zero-XL'', a ship powered by the same engine as the ''Zero-X'' and capable of transporting all the ''Thunderbirds'', allowing the Tracy brothers to follow the signal back to its source within a planetoid. At the end of "The Long Reach{{snd}}Part 1", Scott, while trying to make his way back to ''Thunderbird 1'' after investigating the cave of the planetoid where the signal originated, almost falls into the debris of rocks below after the planetoid begins to break apart. He is caught by an unseen figure who is revealed to be Jeff (voiced by Lee Majors). In "The Long Reach{{snd}}Part 2", the Hood, who was stowed away onboard the ''Zero-XL'' attempting to steal it, is defeated and Jeff is reunited with his sons, returning home to Earth.

==Third generation== thumb|upright=1.2|The Tracy brothers in the original ''Thunderbirds'': (left to right) Gordon, Virgil, Scott, Alan and John

All five of Jeff's sons are introduced in the first episode, "Trapped in the Sky", and live with him on Tracy Island when off-duty and not aboard ''Thunderbird 5''.

===Scott Tracy=== {{Infobox character | name = Scott Tracy | designer = Christine Glanville (sculptor)<ref name="LaRivière2014"/> | voice = Shane Rimmer (1960s)<br>Rasmus Hardiker (2015{{ndash}}2020) | portrayer = Philip Winchester (2004) | occupation = *''Thunderbird 1'' pilot *''Thunderbird 3'' co-pilot *Former USAF pilot }}

Scott is Jeff's eldest son. He is the pilot of International Rescue's primary craft, the reconnaissance rocket plane ''Thunderbird 1''. The puppet was voiced by Shane Rimmer<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/mar/29/shane-rimmer-voice-of-thunderbirds-scott-tracy-dies-aged-89|title=Shane Rimmer, Voice of ''Thunderbirds''{{'}} Scott Tracy, Dies Aged 89|first=Martin|last=Belam|date=29 March 2019|website=theguardian.com}}</ref> and its facial features were based on those of Sean Connery.

Educated at Yale and Oxford Universities, Scott was decorated for valour during his service with the United States Air Force before taking up his duties with International Rescue. As pilot of ''Thunderbird 1'', he is usually first at the danger zone and acts as field commander during rescue operations. He also takes on secondary duties as co-pilot of ''Thunderbird 3'', is an occasional relief occupant on ''Thunderbird 5'', and leads the organisation from Tracy Island when his father is absent.

As the eldest brother, Scott usually assumes a leadership role during operations. Despite the secretive nature of their work, Scott will collaborate with officials from other organisations who request International Rescue's aid. Of the five brothers, it is Scott who keeps a cool head, and who is quick-thinking when the situation calls for it – particularly when he is at the receiving end of a gun or when the security of International Rescue is compromised.<ref name="IwY2d3sXV9I"/>

==== In adaptations ==== In the 2004 film, Scott is played by Philip Winchester.<ref name="Ebert2007">{{Cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=SbAEim_dVQkC&dq=ben+torgersen+thunderbirds&pg=PA701 |title = Roger Ebert's Movie Yearbook 2007 |first = Roger |last = Ebert |author-link = Roger Ebert |date = 5 February 2013 |publisher = Andrews McMeel Publishing |isbn = 9780740792199 }}</ref> According to Alex Pang's ''Thunderbirds: X-Ray Cross Sections'', he is, like the original, the eldest brother at 24 years of age. He is said to have "graduated from Wharton Academy" (the school that Alan attends at the start of the film) with "record grades" that remain unmatched by his brothers, "a fact he constantly reminds them of".<ref name="Pang2004">{{Cite book |last = Pang |first = Alex |title = Thunderbirds: The Movie: X-Ray Cross-Sections |date = 2004 |publisher = Oxford University Press |isbn = 0-19-911249-5 |pages = 9, 13, 19, 27 |oclc = 56436621 }}</ref>

In the remake ''Thunderbirds Are Go'', Scott is voiced by Rasmus Hardiker.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/thunderbirds-are-go-voice-cast-interviews/ |title = ''Thunderbirds Are Go!'' Voice Cast Interviews |date = 29 March 2015 |website = Den of Geek }}</ref> He is still the eldest and most experienced brother and is bold and fearless in action. He is also the team leader.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://40.media.tumblr.com/173362e8018bb9a0f8a94a223a1cd7dd/tumblr_njpu9wqoqw1u0mvyro6_1280.jpg |format = JPG |title = Scott Tracy Image |website = Tumblr |access-date = 10 August 2015 }}</ref> However, he also possesses a short temper, as shown whenever a member of his family is put at risk by human error.

===John Tracy=== {{Infobox character | name = John Tracy | voice = *Ray Barrett (1965{{ndash}}1966) *Keith Alexander (''Thunderbird 6'') *Thomas Brodie-Sangster (2015{{ndash}}2020) | portrayer = Lex Shrapnel (2004) | occupation = *''Thunderbird 5'' operator *''Thunderbird 3'' pilot *Astronomer and writer }} John is one of Jeff's younger sons. Alternating with Alan, he is both operator of the ''Thunderbird 5'' space station and pilot of the ''Thunderbird 3'' rescue spacecraft. The character was originally voiced by Ray Barrett and the puppet sculpted by Mary Turner.<ref name="LaRivière2014"/><ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/sep/09/ray-barrett-obituary |title = Ray Barrett: Actor: Obituary |first = Ronald |last = Bergan |date = 9 September 2009 |website = theguardian.com }}</ref>

John was originally intended to play a larger role in ''Thunderbirds''. However, Gerry Anderson took a dislike to the character,<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnE1_5vjcZc|title=FAB Facts: Why John Tracy Was Relegated to ''Thunderbird 5'' in ''Thunderbirds''|date=20 March 2019|website=YouTube}}</ref> who ended up appearing less often than planned.<ref name="Percy2017"/> He was the first of the brothers to be voice-cast; Barrett was so impressed with the puppet, whose looks were modelled on Adam Faith and Charlton Heston, that he immediately told Sylvia Anderson that he wanted to play the studious young astronaut with the boyish quiff.<ref name="Barrett">{{cite book |title = Ray Barrett: An Autobiography |author = Barrett, Ray |isbn = 0-09-183074-5 |publisher = Random House |date = 1995 }}</ref>

==== Original depiction ==== John is a noted scholar of astronomy, and has authored several popular astronomy textbooks. He is a graduate of Harvard University with a degree in advanced telecommunications. <ref>{{cite book |title = Thunderbirds Are Go! |author = Marriott, John |isbn = 978-1-85283-164-6 |publisher = Boxtree |date = 1992 |page = 21 }}</ref> His quiet intellectual nature and interest in astronomy make him the natural choice for the solitary life as the occupant of ''Thunderbird 5'', monitoring for distress calls from around the world. He is seen to be physically involved in a rescue in only one episode, "Danger at Ocean Deep" (although he remarks in that episode that he has already been on a "dozen" rescues). John is known to be patient, kindly and gracious, and possessed of both great intelligence and poise as gifts inherited from his talented mother.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq7EQMtHVzA|title=Thunderbird 5: Century 21 Tech Talk|date=11 May 2019|website=YouTube}}</ref>

==== In adaptations ==== In the 2004 film, John is played by Lex Shrapnel.<ref name="Ebert2007"/> According to Alex Pang's ''Thunderbirds: X-Ray Cross Sections'', he is 22 years old and a "computer whizz kid". John's tours of duty on ''Thunderbird 5'' last for three weeks at a time, after which has a week's rest and relaxation on Tracy Island.<ref name="Pang2004"/> Over the course of the film, John is nearly killed by the Hood, who launches a missile at the space station to lure International Rescue away from Tracy Island.

In the remake ''Thunderbirds Are Go'', John is voiced by Thomas Brodie-Sangster. He is still on ''Thunderbird 5'' but his role is expanded beyond receiving calls for help; he often helps to coordinate rescue missions through long-distance communication. He is now a redhead instead of blond.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.bigissue.com/uncategorised/thomas-brodie-sangster-thunderbirds-promotes-simple-values-based-family/ |title = Thomas Brodie-Sangster: "''Thunderbirds'' Promotes Simple Values Based on Family" |date = 21 September 2017 |website = bigissue.com }}</ref> He is an emotional introvert who enjoys eating bagels, watching TV (his favourite show is ''Stingray'') and stargazing. He is generally a loner and dislikes spending more time on Earth than he has to. He is the sole operator of ''Thunderbird 5'' until the arrival of EOS, an AI program that he designed.

===Virgil Tracy=== {{Infobox character | name = Virgil Tracy | designer = John Brown (sculptor)<ref name="LaRivière2014"/> | portrayer = Dominic Colenso (2004) | voice = *David Holliday (1965{{ndash}}1966) *Jeremy Wilkin (1966{{ndash}}1968) *David Menkin (2015{{ndash}}2020) | nickname = Virg | occupation = ''Thunderbird 2'' pilot<br>Artist and concert pianist }} Virgil is one of Jeff's younger sons. He is the pilot of the transporter aircraft ''Thunderbird 2'' and has specialist expertise in demolition, heavy lifting and logistics.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/mr-pickwick/thunderbirds-are-go-the-d_b_1336591.html?guccounter=1 |title = ''Thunderbirds'' Are Go: The Day I Met Virgil Tracy |website = HuffPost |date = 15 March 2012 }}</ref>

In series 1, Virgil was voiced by American actor David Holliday. After Holliday returned to the United States, British-Canadian actor Jeremy Wilkin provided the voice in series 2 and the films ''Thunderbirds Are Go'' and ''Thunderbird 6''.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a848775/thunderbirds-virgil-tracy-actor-jeremy-wilkin-dies-aged-87/ |title = ''Thunderbirds'' Virgil Tracy Actor Dies, Aged 87 |date = 30 January 2018 |website = Digital Spy }}</ref>

==== Original depiction ==== After studying at Denver School of Advanced Technology, Virgil took up his role in International Rescue as pilot of ''Thunderbird 2''.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_MtFShbM7k|title=Thunderbird 2: Century 21 Tech Talk|date=23 March 2019|website=YouTube}}</ref> Besides flying the transporter aircraft, he is often called upon to operate the rescue vehicles that it carries. Virgil also occasionally pilots other ''Thunderbirds'': in "Ricochet", he is seen piloting ''Thunderbird 3'' to investigate a communications blackout between ''Thunderbird 5'' and Tracy Island.<ref name="IwY2d3sXV9I"/> He is as dedicated to his calling as any of his brothers. In "Terror in New York City", after he is seriously injured when ''Thunderbird 2'' is mistakenly attacked by a warship, his first thoughts on waking are alarm at the fact that his craft is out of service when it could be needed at any moment. When just such an emergency occurs, he has to be ordered back to bed by Jeff. With an off-duty demeanour much less boisterous than that of his brothers, Virgil spends his free time painting and playing the piano.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VvWKAkCyQg|title=FAB Facts: ''Thunderbird 2'' Destroyed!|date=26 April 2019|website=YouTube}}</ref>

Writing for ''Broadcast'' magazine, Ross Bentley praised the character: "Virgil was my complete favourite. He remains, in my book, the ultimate role model for any aspiring renaissance man […] He not only painted but he was also an accomplished pianist. Forget Bobby Crush or Mrs Mills (my only points of TV pianistic reference as a child), Virgil was the business."<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/the-show-that-shaped-me/ross-bentley-thunderbirds/5140628.article |title = The Show That Shaped Me: Ross Bentley: ''Thunderbirds'' |first1 = Ross |last1 = Bentley |date = 24 June 2019 |website = broadcastnow.co.uk |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190630195410/https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/the-show-that-shaped-me/ross-bentley-thunderbirds/5140628.article |archive-date = 30 June 2019 |url-status = live |access-date = 15 August 2020 }}</ref> Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan is nicknamed "Virgil" for his likeness to the character.<ref>{{cite web |author = Hughes, Simon |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/simonhughes/2331903/Vaughan-the-right-man-for-all-reasons.html |title = Vaughan the Right Man for All Reasons |date = 9 February 2006 |website = telegraph.co.uk |access-date = 10 August 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last = Rundell |first = Michael |title = Wisden Dictionary of Cricket |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6Vu9cih3u1kC&pg=PT212 |year = 2009 |publisher = Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn = 978-1-4081-0161-2 |page = 212 }}</ref>

==== In adaptations ==== In the 2004 film, Virgil is played by Dominic Colenso.<ref>{{Cite web |title = Ex-Hollywood Actor Tells of Nightmare After Freak Accident Leaves Baby Daughter Scalded |url = https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/13774229.thunderbirds-star-dominic-colenso-of-york-tells-of-nightmare-after-freak-accident-leaves-baby-daughter-scalded/ |website = yorkpress.co.uk |date = 22 September 2015 }}</ref> According to Alex Pang's ''Thunderbirds: X-Ray Cross Sections'', he is 20 years old. He is described as a fitness fanatic, taking part in triathlons and other sporting events when not on duty.<ref name="Pang2004"/>

In the remake ''Thunderbirds Are Go'', Virgil is voiced by David Menkin. This version of the character is the largest and strongest of the brothers, and is skilled in engineering and mechanics. Calm and level-headed, he is also the peacemaker in the family.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://41.media.tumblr.com/b439cc4e2b2b12f5585f66e1bc407fdc/tumblr_njpu9wqoqw1u0mvyro7_1280.jpg |format = JPG |title = Virgil Tracy Image |website = Tumblr |access-date = 10 August 2015 }}</ref>

===Gordon Tracy=== {{Infobox character | name = Gordon Tracy | designer = Mary Turner (sculptor)<ref name="LaRivière2014"/> | portrayer = Ben Torgersen (2004) | voice = David Graham (1960s)<br />David Menkin (2015{{ndash}}2020) | occupation = *''Thunderbird 4'' pilot *''Thunderbird 2'' co-pilot *Former WASP operative *Former Olympic swimmer }} Gordon is one of Jeff's younger sons. He is the pilot of the ''Thunderbird 4'' rescue submersible and co-pilot of ''Thunderbird 2''. The character was originally voiced by David Graham.

Gordon revels in aquatic sports from skin diving to water skiing. He is a highly trained aquanaut, having served in both the Submarine Service and the World Aquanaut Security Patrol (WASP{{snd}}the organisation featured in ''Stingray''). During his time with the WASP, Gordon captained a bathyscaphe and investigated marine farming methods. An expert oceanographer, he is also the designer of a unique underwater breathing apparatus, which he has modified and improved for use by International Rescue.<ref name="IwY2d3sXV9I"/>

Shortly before International Rescue began operations, Gordon was involved in a hydrofoil speedboat crash when his vessel capsized at {{Convert|400|kn}}. The craft was destroyed and Gordon spent several months in hospital. Good-natured and high-spirited, he possesses a strength and tenacity that make him a respected leader and commander. He is one of the world's fastest freestyle swimmers and an Olympic champion in butterfly stroke.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osnEXnl7j1w|title=Thunderbird 4: Century 21 Tech Talk|date=20 April 2019|website=YouTube}}</ref>

Gordon is the funny one in the family and is sometimes admonished by Jeff for his flippant sense of humour. In "Day of Disaster", when an unknown party ingests Grandma's edible transmitter, Gordon proves his innocence by saying that he would know if he had swallowed a transmitter, to Jeff's annoyance. Gordon's favourite pastimes are playing chess, going fishing and playing the guitar.

==== In adaptations ==== In the 2004 film, Gordon is played by Ben Torgersen. According to Alex Pang's ''Thunderbirds: X-Ray Cross Sections'', he is 18 years old and a recent graduate from Wharton Academy, the school that Alan attends in the film. He is noted to still be training on the ''Thunderbirds'' craft, with a year remaining until he is permitted to fly solo.<ref name="Pang2004"/>

In the remake ''Thunderbirds Are Go'', Gordon is voiced by David Menkin.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a621787/thunderbirds-twitter-thinks-new-look-tracy-brothers-arent-so-fab/ |title = ''Thunderbirds'': Not so FAB? Twitter Reactions |first = Tom |last = Eames |date = 15 January 2015 |website = Digital Spy }}</ref> As well as ''Thunderbird 4'', he pilots various devices transported by ''Thunderbird 2'', such as the Elevator Cars in the episode "Fireflash". He is again the funny one, and is also described as having a loud voice, dwarfed only by his clothing tastes. His International Rescue uniform comprises a scuba-diving mouthpiece attached to his sash.

===Alan Tracy=== {{Infobox character | name = Alan Tracy | designer = Christine Glanville (sculptor)<ref name="LaRivière2014"/> | voice = *Ray Barrett :("Trapped in the Sky") *Matt Zimmerman :(1965{{ndash}}1968) *Rasmus Hardiker :(2015{{ndash}}2020) | portrayer = Brady Corbet (2004) | occupation = *''Thunderbird 3'' pilot *''Thunderbird 5'' operator *Former racing driver | significant_other = Tin-Tin Kyrano }} Alan is Jeff's youngest son. Alternating with John, he is both pilot of ''Thunderbird 3'' and operator of ''Thunderbird 5''.

The puppet's facial features were based on those of Robert Reed. In the first episode, the character was voiced by Ray Barrett. Matt Zimmerman was then added to the series' cast and voiced the character for the remainder of his 1960s appearances.<ref name="TVHeaven"/> Zimmerman had been recommended to the Andersons by David Holliday, the voice of Virgil.<ref name="TVHeaven">{{Cite web |url = http://www.televisionheaven.co.uk/matt_zimmerman.htm |title = Interview: Matt Zimmerman |author = Marcus, Laurence |author2 = Webb, Paul |author3 = Hulse, Stephen R. |date = 2001 |website = televisionheaven.co.uk |access-date = 17 January 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130121160226/http://televisionheaven.co.uk/matt_zimmerman.htm |archive-date = 21 January 2013 |url-status = live }}</ref> In an interview, Zimmerman remembered of his casting: "They were having great difficulty in casting the part of Alan Tracy as they wanted a certain sound for him&nbsp;...As I walked in [Sylvia Anderson] looked at me and said, 'Don't talk! Oh, my god, you've got those big eyes and the cleft in the chin and the cheek bones, and if you were blond you'd look very much like Alan.' She said, 'Now, sit down. What's your name again?' And I said, 'My name is Matt Zimmerman and I'm from Detroit, Michigan,' and she said, 'That's the voice!' And that's how I got the job." Zimmerman spoke warmly of the character's conception and development, commenting that "Alan was the one character that showed emotion. He used to get upset if he couldn't go on a mission, he got jealous if Tin-Tin talked to another man, and he was a very real character."<ref name="TVHeaven"/>

==== Original depiction ==== An accomplished sportsman and former racing driver, Alan can at times be bad-tempered and reckless.<ref name="Peel1993">{{Cite book |last1 = Peel |first1 = John |author-link1 = John Peel (writer) |title = Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlet: The Authorised Programme Guide |year = 1993 |publisher = Virgin Books |isbn = 978-0-86369-728-9 |pages = 154, 245 }}</ref> He studied at Colorado University, where his impetuousness led to trouble with the authorities over the launch (and subsequent crash) of an unsanctioned, self-built rocket. His father took charge of the situation, steering the boy's interest toward more constructive ends, ultimately resulting in Alan's role as pilot of ''Thunderbird 3''.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz8XOUUSSRE|title=Thunderbird 3: Century 21 Tech Talk|date=6 April 2019|website=YouTube}}</ref><ref name="IwY2d3sXV9I"/> "Move{{snd}}and You're Dead" shows that Alan is a skilled racing car driver but gave up this career on joining International Rescue. In "Atlantic Inferno", Alan pilots ''Thunderbird 1'' and coordinates a rescue at sea while Scott remains on Tracy Island to fill in for Jeff, who is on holiday. The most romantic of the brothers, Alan is involved with Tin-Tin Kyrano.<ref name="Peel1993"/> He is also seen to be attracted to Lady Penelope in "The Perils of Penelope" and ''Thunderbirds Are Go''.<ref name="Peel1993"/>

John Peel considers Alan to be evidence of the series' aptitude for strong characterisation, summing up his character as "love-struck and annoying", yet simultaneously "so human".<ref name="Peel1993"/> Martin Anderson of Den of Geek describes Alan in less enthusiastic terms; according to Anderson, the character "was unfortunately relegated to the role of designated driver" for the purposes of ferrying supplies from Tracy Island to John on ''Thunderbird 5''.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/287096/top_75_spaceships_in_movies_and_tv_part_2.html |title = Top 75 Spaceships in Movies and TV: Part 2 |author = Anderson, Martin |date = 15 July 2009 |website = Den of Geek |access-date = 17 January 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200306/http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/287096/top_75_spaceships_in_movies_and_tv_part_2.html |archive-date = 29 October 2013 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Mark Radcliffe argues that the character is overshadowed by Scott and Virgil, who direct most of the rescue missions: "Poor Alan, despite having a rocket with much cooler fins than [''Thunderbird 1''], would then be dispatched to sort of see that everything was going OK. Pretty demeaning work for a guy who's been to puppet Colorado University."<ref>{{Cite book |title = Reelin' In The Years: The Soundtrack of a Northern Life |url = https://archive.org/details/reelininyearssou0000radc |url-access = registration |author = Radcliffe, Mark |author-link = Mark Radcliffe (radio broadcaster) |date = 2011 |publisher = Simon & Schuster |isbn = 978-0-857200-51-8 }}</ref> Jeff's logic in entrusting ''Thunderbird 3'' (the largest moving ''Thunderbird'') to Alan (his youngest son) has also been questioned.<ref>{{Cite book |title = Spaceship Handbook: Rocket and Spacecraft Designs of the 20th Century: Fictional, Factual and Fantasy |author = Hagerty, Jack |author2 = Rogers, Jon C. |date = 2001 |publisher = ARA Press |location = Livermore, California |isbn = 978-0-970760-40-1 |page = 312 }}</ref>

==== In adaptations ==== Alan is the protagonist of the 2004 film, in which the character (played by Brady Corbet) is 14 years old and attends boarding school. Together with Tin-Tin (Vanessa Hudgens) and Brains' son Fermat (Soren Fulton), he defeats the Hood's efforts to kill his father and brothers on ''Thunderbird 5'' and rob the Bank of London. He still has a crush on Tin-Tin. A retrospective on Den of Geek drew parallels between the new Alan and Harry Potter, alluding to a reversal of the story concept "of a boy at home thrust into an adventurous world".<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/thunderbirds/27604/looking-back-at-the-2004-thunderbirds-movie |title = Looking Back at the 2004 ''Thunderbirds'' Movie |author = Tibbetts, Philip |date = 10 October 2013 |website = Den of Geek |access-date = 17 January 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140117230847/http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/thunderbirds/27604/looking-back-at-the-2004-thunderbirds-movie |archive-date = 17 January 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

In the remake ''Thunderbirds Are Go'', Alan (voiced by Rasmus Hardiker) is still pilot of ''Thunderbird 3''. Like the 2004 version, he is a teenager and sometimes treated mockingly by his brothers. He occasionally co-pilots ''Thunderbird 3'' with Scott or Kayo Kyrano. Alan's equipment includes an orbital conveyance platform which allows him to make close approaches to objects, such as the Sat-Mine in the episode "Space Race". His immaturity is shown by his love of sleep and constant urge to play computer games on ''Thunderbird 3'' (as shown in "Slingshot"). He matures over the course of the series.

===Reception=== Comparing the premises of ''Thunderbirds'' and ''Flipper'', Ian Haywood likened the Tracy sons to knights, and the ''Thunderbirds'' that they pilot to "steeds": the sons "command the technology, and are commanded in turn by their father, ex-astronaut Jeff Tracy." Haywood also noted Tracys' "luxuriously leisured" off-duty activities, viewing these as the "reward to the sons for risking their lives". Such "pleasures of consumption and acquisition" are absent from ''Flipper'' due to the latter's "spartan ruralism".<ref>{{Cite journal |journal = Critical Survey |title = Fathers and Sons: Locating the Absent Mother in 1960s Children's Television Series |first1 = Ian |last1 = Haywood |volume = 6 |number = 2 |year = 1994 |publisher = Berghahn Books |issn = 0011-1570 |eissn = 1752-2293 |pages = 195–201 }}</ref>

In a review of the 2004 film on website The Spinning Image, Graeme Clark wrote that Brady Corbet's Alan was the only brother to be given a distinct personality; his siblings, on the other hand, were "totally interchangeable".<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.thespinningimage.co.uk/cultfilms/displaycultfilm.asp?reviewid=2552 |title = ''Thunderbirds'' Review (2004) |author = Clark, Graeme |website = thespinningimage.co.uk |access-date = 17 January 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070614201129/http://www.thespinningimage.co.uk/cultfilms/displaycultfilm.asp?reviewid=2552 |archive-date = 14 June 2007 |url-status = live }}</ref> Mark Steyn, film critic for ''The Spectator'', criticised the "sidelining" of the rest of the Tracys in favour of the "dull" trio of Alan, Tin-Tin and Fermat, calling it a "transparent grab for the ''Spy Kids'' audience". He argued that the Tracys had been "reduced to bit players in their own movie", commenting that "all they do for the rest of the movie [is] lie on the floor of a shattered ''Thunderbird 5'', gulping for air. For all you get to see of the Tracy brothers, it might as well be The Osmonds up there."<ref>{{Cite magazine |magazine = The Spectator |date = 7 August 2004 |page = 43 |first = Mark |last = Steyn |author1-link = Mark Steyn |title = Missing The Puppets }}</ref>

Writing that the original John was the least developed Tracy brother because he was disliked by Gerry Anderson, Carolyn Percy of ''Wales Arts Review'' noted the "deeper characterisation" of the 2015 version, who had "evolved into something of a breakout character" with his casting as a "slightly anti-social loner". Meanwhile, Gordon – another character viewed by Percy as less developed in the original – had become a "light-hearted joker".<ref name="Percy2017"/>

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{Thunderbirds}}

Category:Characters in animated television series Category:Fictional American people in television Category:Fictional families Category:Television characters introduced in 1965 Category:Thunderbirds (TV series) characters