For over 50 years, Doctor Who has been one of the most beloved television shows in the world. The show’s main character, known only as “the Doctor,” is a time-traveling alien who has been played by 14 different actors since the show’s debut in 1963. In this blog post, we will explore the history of Doctor Who and the 14 actors who have played the iconic character.
The First Doctor: William Hartnell
William Hartnell was the first actor to play the Doctor. He portrayed the character from the show’s debut in 1963 until 1966. Hartnell’s Doctor was a grumpy old man who often displayed a cantankerous demeanor. Despite this, he had a soft spot for his companions and often went to great lengths to protect them.
The Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton
Patrick Troughton took over the role of the Doctor in 1966. His portrayal of the character was a complete departure from Hartnell’s. Troughton’s Doctor was a more whimsical and funny character who often played the recorder. His tenure as the Doctor was from 1966 to 1969.
The Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee
Jon Pertwee played the third incarnation of the Doctor from 1970 to 1974. His Doctor was known for his love of gadgets and technology, often using them to get out of dangerous situations. He was also the first Doctor to be exiled to Earth, where he spent much of his time working with the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT) to stop extraterrestrial threats.
The Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker
Tom Baker is arguably the most iconic of all the Doctors. He played the character from 1974 to 1981 and became known for his distinctive curly hair and long scarf. Baker’s Doctor was one of the show’s most unpredictable and eccentric. He was often accompanied by companions like Sarah Jane Smith and K-9, a robot dog.
The Fifth Doctor: Peter Davison
Peter Davison took over the role of the Doctor in 1982 and played the character until 1984. His Doctor was more reserved and less prone to violence than some of his predecessors. Davison’s Doctor was often seen wearing a cricket outfit and was accompanied by companions like Adric, Nyssa, and Tegan Jovanka.
The Sixth Doctor: Colin Baker
Colin Baker played the Sixth Doctor from 1984 to 1986. His Doctor was known for his flamboyant clothing choices, including a brightly colored coat. Baker’s Doctor was often more abrasive and argumentative than previous incarnations, which alienated him from some fans of the show.
The Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy
Sylvester McCoy played the seventh iteration of the Doctor from 1987 to 1989. His Doctor was known for his clownish antics and manipulative tendencies. He was accompanied by companions like Ace and Melanie.
The Eighth Doctor: Paul McGann
Paul McGann played the eighth incarnation of the Doctor in the 1996 made-for-TV movie. His Doctor was a romantic and somewhat mysterious character who had a fondness for humans. Despite the movie’s poor ratings, McGann’s performance as the Doctor was well-received by fans.
The Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Eccleston became the ninth actor to play the Doctor when the show was revived in 2005. His Doctor was more brooding and serious than previous versions. Eccleston’s tenure on the show was short-lived, as he only played the part for one season.
The Tenth Doctor: David Tennant
David Tennant took over the role of the Doctor from Eccleston in 2005 and played the character until 2010. His Doctor was a more upbeat and charismatic character who often flirted with his companions. Tennant’s Doctor was accompanied by companions like Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, and Donna Noble.
The Eleventh Doctor: Matt Smith
Matt Smith played the eleventh iteration of the Doctor from 2010 to 2013. His Doctor was a more childlike and energetic character who often spoke in riddles. Smith’s Doctor was often seen accompanied by companions like Amy Pond, Rory Williams, and Clara Oswald.
The War Doctor: John Hurt
John Hurt played a previously undisclosed incarnation of the Doctor known as the War Doctor. He was introduced in the show’s 50th-anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor.” The War Doctor was a darker and more violent character who fought in the Time War.
The Twelfth Doctor: Peter Capaldi
Peter Capaldi played the twelfth incarnation of the Doctor from 2013 to 2017. His Doctor was a more serious and stoic character who often displayed a gruff exterior. Capaldi’s Doctor was accompanied by companions like Clara Oswald, Bill Potts, and Nardole.
The Thirteenth Doctor: Jodie Whittaker
Jodie Whittaker became the fourteenth actor to play the Doctor in 2017. She is the first female actor to take on the role of the Doctor in the show’s history. Whittaker’s Doctor is a more empathetic and optimistic character who often displays a sense of wonder and joy.
Conclusion
The 14 actors who have played the iconic character of the Doctor have all brought their unique interpretations to the role. From the grumpy old man of William Hartnell to the childlike wonder of Matt Smith, each actor has left their mark on the character and the show. Doctor Who has become a cultural phenomenon that has enchanted viewers for over 50 years, and the legacy of the 14 Doctors will continue to live on for generations to come.
FAQ
Who will be the 15th Doctor Who?
The Doctor, the protagonist of the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who, has undergone numerous regenerations over the course of the show’s history. The character’s current incarnation, played by Jodie Whittaker, has been widely praised for her portrayal of the iconic role, but speculation has been rife about who will take over as the 15th Doctor.
Recent reports suggest that the new Doctor will be portrayed by Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa. If this is true, Gatwa will be the first black actor to take on the role of the Doctor, as well as the fourth Scottish actor to play the Time Lord. While there has been no confirmation from the BBC or Gatwa himself about his involvement with the show, fans have been excitedly discussing the possibility online.
Gatwa is perhaps best known for his role as Eric Effiong in the popular Netflix show Sex Education. He has also appeared in a number of other TV shows and movies, including Stonemouth, Bob Servant Independent and The Twilight Zone. While he may not be as well-known as some of the other actors who have been suggested for the role of the Doctor, Gatwa’s impressive acting skills and natural charisma make him an exciting choice for the iconic sci-fi character.
Of course, until the BBC announces the new Doctor officially, nothing is certain. However, the prospect of Ncuti Gatwa taking on the role of the 15th Doctor Who has got fans talking, and many are eagerly anticipating the character’s next incarnation.
Are the 9th and 10th Doctor the same?
The Ninth and Tenth Doctors are not the same person, but they are the same character in different regenerations. In the science fiction series “Doctor Who” produced by the BBC, the Doctor is a time-traveling alien who can regenerate his body when it is close to death. Each regeneration leads to a different actor playing the character, with different personality traits and quirks.
Christopher Eccleston played the Ninth Doctor in the first series of the revived Doctor Who in 2005. He was a darker and brooding Doctor who had just come out of the Time War, a devastating conflict between his own people, the Time Lords, and their archenemies, the Daleks. He traveled with companions Rose Tyler and Captain Jack Harkness and fought against various enemies like the Slitheen and the Dalek Emperor.
At the end of the first series, the Ninth Doctor faces the Daleks and activates his regeneration to save Rose Tyler and defeat his enemies. David Tennant then takes over as the Tenth Doctor who debuts in the Christmas Special episode, “The Christmas Invasion”.
While the Tenth Doctor has a similar physique and outfit to the Ninth Doctor, his personality is vastly different. Tennant’s portrayal of the character is more energetic, quirky, and lighthearted than Eccleston’s version. He has a longer run in the show and is remembered for his catchphrases, his companions like Martha Jones and Donna Noble, and his battles with foes like the Cybermen and the Master.
It is important to note that while the Ninth and Tenth Doctors are different in terms of personality and the actor playing them, they are the same character in different regenerations. This is a core concept of the show and is crucial to its continued longevity and success.
Is there a 14th doctor?
Doctor Who, the long-running British science fiction series, has been running for over 50 years, and it has seen the Doctor, the main character of the show, take on many different incarnations. The character of the Doctor is a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, and in the show’s mythology, he has the ability to regenerate when he is near death, which allows him to change his appearance and personality.
Currently, there have been thirteen different actors who have portrayed the Doctor on the show, starting with William Hartnell in 1963 and most recently with Jodie Whittaker, who took on the role in 2017. While the show has given no indication that there is a 14th Doctor yet, it is known that the Doctor can regenerate twelve times, which gives them thirteen lives.
However, the show has already addressed the Doctor’s limited regenerations in the past, using storylines such as the Time Lord’s gift of more lives to the Doctor during the Timeless Child storyline. Therefore, it is possible that the show could explore the possibility of a 14th Doctor in the future.
It is worth noting that there have been numerous rumors and fan theories surrounding the 14th Doctor, with speculation ranging from a possible return of previous actors to take on the role to the introduction of a new character entirely. However, at this point, it is purely speculative, and there has been no official confirmation from the show’s producers regarding the introduction of a 14th Doctor.
While there is currently no 14th Doctor in the Doctor Who television series, and no official announcement of one to come, the show has a long history of surprising its fans and breaking new ground. Therefore, it is certainly possible that a 14th Doctor could be introduced in the future, providing the show with even more exciting new storylines to explore.
How many the doctors are there?
The Doctor is an iconic character in science fiction and has been a beloved figure since 1963. Since its inception in the early 60s, the Doctor has been portrayed by thirteen lead actors, with each bringing a unique flavor to the character.
The premise of the show is that the Doctor, a humanoid alien and a Time Lord, travels through space and time in the TARDIS, a blue police box that is much bigger on the inside than the outside. The Doctor is often accompanied by a companion who serves as a human perspective on the Doctor’s adventures. Together, they explore different time periods and battle aliens, robots, and other foes.
The first actor to portray the Doctor was William Hartnell, who played the role from 1963 to 1966. He was succeeded by Patrick Troughton, who played the role from 1966 to 1969. After Troughton, Jon Pertwee took over the character from 1970 to 1974, followed by Tom Baker from 1974 to 1981.
Peter Davison then played the Doctor from 1982 to 1984, followed by Colin Baker from 1984 to 1986. Sylvester McCoy took over the role of the Doctor from 1987 to 1989, followed by Paul McGann, who portrayed the character in a 1996 television movie. The show was then off the air for several years until it was revived in 2005.
In the revived series, Christopher Eccleston played the Ninth Doctor in 2005, followed by David Tennant from 2005 to 2010. Matt Smith then took over the role from 2010 to 2013, followed by Peter Capaldi from 2013 to 2017. The current actor portraying the Doctor is Jodie Whittaker, who has been playing the role since 2017.
There have been a total of thirteen actors who have portrayed the character of the Doctor in the long-running science fiction series Doctor Who. Each actor has brought their own unique interpretation to the role, and their performances have helped to make the Doctor a beloved cultural icon.