Deep Thought was a supernatural-computer programmed to calculate the answer the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything. It was based on the planet Magrathea, built by the Magratheans.
Two programmers named Lunkwill and Fook were chosen to propose the Ultimate Question to Deep Thought on the day of the Great On-Turning. Deep Thought decided that it would "have to think about it."
After seven and a half million years, the descendants of Lunkwill and Fook - Loonquawl and Phouchg - presided over the Day of the Answer, and were chosen to receive the answer to the Ultimate Question. Deep Thought came up with the result of 42 but didn't know the question itself, so it commissioned the Earth to calculate that inquiry. Sadly, the Earth was destroyed five minutes before it was going to give the question.
Appearances
Deep Thought appeared or was mentioned in:
Radio
Primary Phase
Book
Television
Film
Behind the Scenes
Deep Thought was portrayed by:
- Geoffrey McGivern (voice) in the radio series.
- Valentine Dyall (voice) in the television series.
- Helen Mirren (voice) in the 2005 film.