William Hartnell
1963–1966
The first Doctor, Hartnell is the subject of a 2013 BBC movie commemorating the 50th anniversary.
1963–1966
The first Doctor, Hartnell is the subject of a 2013 BBC movie commemorating the 50th anniversary.
1966–1969
Troughton was a surprise for Who fans — the first in a long line of recasts, easily written into the sci-fi narrative.
1970–1974
Fan of velvet and occasional Liberace doppelganger, Pertwee's Doctor was the first to show of a knack for physical combat. (He knew karate!)
1974–1981
The People's Doctor, Baker (and his distinctive scarf) held the role for the longest of any actor.
1982–1984
A surprisingly sensitive Doctor, Davison also looked like he was always heading to the country club.
1984–1986
Baker's sixth Doctor was known for his rather garish attire — and his volatile personality.
1987–1989; 1996
McCoy marked one of the Doctor's biggest character departures to date, making him a bit more bumbling than previous incarnations.
1996
The briefest Doctor, McGann only had the role for a 1996 TV movie.
2005
After just one season in the reboot, Eccleston called it quits. He turned down an offer to appear in the 50th anniversary special.
2005–2010
One of the most-loved players, Tennant came to define the role in the reboot — and remains a friend to Who, appearing in the 50th anniversary special.
2010–2013
Often referred to as "America's Doctor," Smith's arrival coincided with the series' mounting popularity in the U.S..
2013–
The latest Doctor, Capaldi is best-known for playing foul-mouthed government communications guru Malcolm Tucker in Armando Iannucci's The Thick of It.