Top 10 Actors to Portray the Doctor
As of today, over 20 actors and actresses have portrayed this Gallifreyan. How do they measure up against each other? Vote for your favorite Doctors to help move them to the top of this list.
David Tennant played the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who, debuting in 2005 and continuing until 2010, with return appearances in later specials. His portrayal brought a charismatic and emotional depth, becoming one of the most popular Doctors of the revived series. David was my first Doctor, which means he'll always have a special place in my heart as every first Doctor does! He was funny, gorgeous, and just had the Doctor essence that made him amazing! Matt Smith has really grown on me, and I love him too (although I didn't watch him straight after David - David's departure was too much to bear). I would still have to say David is the Doctor for me!
Definitely David. He was smart, funny, and amazing - and so much like me! I remember watching the bloopers, and he accidentally knocked down something and then jumped back, covered his ears, and closed his eyes as it fell with a bang! That's my reaction every single time I knock something over, and it was riveting to see that David had the same reaction!
Tom Baker, portraying the Fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981, became one of the longest-serving actors in the role. Known for his curly hair, distinctive scarf, and eccentric style, Baker's Doctor remains iconic in the Doctor Who legacy. I think the vote is dominated by a younger viewpoint. However, they have not really seen Tom Baker in action. He had a really dynamic on-screen presence. I have seen all the Doctors, and Tom has a unique voice and a vocabulary that surpassed every other Doctor. Don't take my word for it - watch three episodes from each Doctor, then you decide.
How amazing Tom Baker was. He perfectly balanced a fun, jelly-baby-loving eccentric with a dark, mysterious hero. With his trademark scarf and fedora, as well as the trusted K9 by his side, he is most certainly iconic.
David Tennant is nothing compared to him. He was the greatest.
Matt Smith played the Eleventh Doctor from 2010 to 2013, bringing a youthful, energetic interpretation to the role. His tenure explored complex story arcs involving the Doctor's identity and relationships with key companions. Matt Smith is awesome! My favorite Doctor! I love his innocent personality. He has tons of hilarious scenes and lines! I love every episode from this Doctor. His story arcs were brilliant and well-developed (cracks in space and time, The Doctor's name, the Pandorica, etc.).
His regeneration was really emotional, in my opinion. I loved his speech about how 'we all change' and 'I'll always remember when the Doctor was me' (my favorite line from the entire show). I cried during his regeneration. I didn't want to see him go, but I knew that his time was up.
Matt Smith will always be my Doctor.
Christopher Eccleston portrayed the Ninth Doctor in 2005, marking the show's return after a 16-year hiatus. His Doctor brought a grounded, battle-scarred personality that reintroduced the character to a new generation. The most realistically written Doctor in my opinion. He just came from the 'last great time war' that wiped out his planet and species, along with chunks of other races and parts of the universe.
He suffers from survivor's guilt with a hefty dose of PTSD and shell shock syndrome. Incredibly complex, multi-layered, and dark, he is able to portray all of it in just one look, reflecting his 900 years of pain, tragedy, and life.
Haunted, pained, tortured, and unstable, he hides underneath goofiness and mania, but you can see through the facade to the incredibly damaged Time Lord underneath.
He was the most fully rounded, developed, and psychological Doctor out of them all, and his journey towards peace, acceptance, and love was riveting to watch.
Nobody could have kicked open the doors to 'Nuwho' and made it the success that it has become but Eccleston. A very underrated Doctor who was only on the show for one season but made a very significant mark in my eyes.
Peter Capaldi assumed the role of the Twelfth Doctor in 2013, presenting a darker, more introspective character. His portrayal contrasted with his predecessors, incorporating mature themes and reflective storytelling. Wow. I hated him in series 8, but in series 9 he just dominated every episode. Under the Lake, The Zygon Inversion, Face the Raven, and Heaven Sent were all incredible performances for Capaldi. He easily beats Tennant, Smith, and Baker!
Peter Capaldi is by far the bravest Doctor. He's been through so much and yet still doesn't make a big show about it and still does the right thing. He's also a magician!
He is the rock star of Doctor Who. He showed badass-ness, smarts, and the absolute coolest guitar! Peter is a very talented man who can act, sing, draw, and play the guitar.
Patrick Troughton portrayed the Second Doctor from 1966 to 1969, known for his whimsical, often clownish demeanor. His tenure solidified the concept of regeneration, setting the standard for future transitions of the role. If people watched the classics, this guy would be near the top. He's one of the fan favorites, along with Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, David Tennant, and Matt Smith. Patrick Troughton made bow ties cool, and he was more than a guy who 'wore plaid pants and played a musical instrument.'
The Second Doctor. He wore plaid pants and played a musical instrument.
My favorite. And did you see Tomb of the Cybermen? Best story ever.
Jon Pertwee played the Third Doctor from 1970 to 1974, introducing a more action-oriented, scientifically adept version of the character. Pertwee's Doctor often worked closely with UNIT, a military organization, to battle alien threats. Action adventurer. One of the most significant 'first' five Doctors that set the pace and legend for the modern series. Eccleston? Please no!
The Third Doctor. Had a "mane of white hair."
Sylvester McCoy was the Seventh Doctor, appearing from 1987 to 1989, and briefly in 1996. His Doctor initially had a humorous personality but grew darker and more mysterious as the series progressed. Sylvester will always be my number one Doctor and here's why:
I know that he didn't have the best debut episode, but if I have to give 'Time and the Rani' credit, it would have to go to some of Sylvester's performance as the Doctor. I found it hilarious how he kept mixing up phrases and words.
I also love the transition from a comedic and kind Doctor to a manipulative and darker Time Lord. I find it absolute nonsense that he didn't get another season.
McCoy was a major success when it came to portraying the Doctor. A stylish and comedic touch fused with a darker and more manipulative side. What other Doctor would use reverse psychology to destroy a Dalek mothership?
William Hartnell played the First Doctor from 1963 to 1966, introducing audiences to the character in the show's original run. His Doctor was a mysterious, grandfatherly figure who set the foundation for the show's enduring legacy. The man who started it all and had a passion for it.
The First Doctor. Had combed, white hair.
Paul McGann portrayed the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 television movie and reprised his role in later audio dramas and a 2013 special. His character bridged classic and modern Doctor Who, offering a more romantic, introspective version of the Doctor. His audio stories are fantastic. Big Finish deserves serious respect for giving us the 8th Doctor stories the BBC couldn't!
Peter Davison the nicest Doctor? Listen to the audio "Neverland" and tell me Paul isn't the kindest soul to ever pilot the TARDIS.
The Eighth Doctor. From the TV movie. Wore a green coat.
The Newcomers
Peter Davison portrayed the Fifth Doctor from 1981 to 1984, bringing a more sensitive and vulnerable approach to the role. He introduced a youthful energy that contrasted with previous, more mature portrayals. Peter Davison really brought a new aspect to the role. He was more human-like and didn't always get things right. If he did get some things wrong, he would have to deal with the consequences. So he is by far my favorite actor to play the Doctor.
Underrated! He deserves the first spot. He always got into trouble and preferred to be honest and more human-like. A really great Doctor, and he mostly traveled with three companions at once. Sorry, I must dash now.
The Fifth Doctor. He wore a tannish white suit with red trim and a sprig of celery.
Colin Baker played the Sixth Doctor from 1984 to 1986, known for his flamboyant, colorful costume and often abrasive personality. His Doctor was passionate and complex, navigating darker storylines during his tenure. I guess I have a soft spot for this Doctor since we share a first name (my parents actually came up with the name because my dad was a fan), but he really isn't that bad. Sure, his tenure was hurt by behind-the-scenes chaos, but most of the hate comes from people who haven't seen any of his episodes. The actor himself is actually really good as he has a Hartnell-esque style.
I love episodes like "Revelation of the Daleks" and "The Two Doctors," but my favorite Colin Baker performance would actually be "The Five-ish Doctors," a real-life set parody created for the 50th anniversary. Anyway, he's no Tom Baker, but he is a lot better than people say.
John Hurt portrayed the War Doctor, a previously unknown incarnation, in the 2013 Doctor Who 50th anniversary special. His character embodied a haunted, war-torn version of the Doctor, created for the Time War. Personally, I didn't like The Day of the Doctor, but this guy made it all worthwhile. He was just so good. He is a very good Doctor.
Jodie Whittaker played the Thirteenth Doctor from 2017 to 2022, becoming the first woman to portray the character. Her portrayal emphasized compassion and optimism, introducing new companions and story arcs to a modern audience. It's not fair to judge her yet. As of now, she's had one line: Oh brilliant.
He's great in the Unbound and Bernice Summerfield audios. I wish Big Finish would do more "what if?" stories with Doctors from parallel universes.
Five Doctors' 'Hartnell Replacement.' Great character actor. He did the impossible by playing the First Doctor in the special.
Grand Moff Tarkin. Yes, the Hammer star was the Doctor who was an inventor from Earth. Not included in the official screen canon though!
I actually really like the two Doctor Who films with him in them.
Why is Peter Cushing's Doctor Who film duology so underrated? I actually like him.