From Time Lords to Tinsel Town: The Most Epic Hollywood Transformations of Doctor Who Actors
Discover the impressive Hollywood careers of these 10 Doctor Who actors, from Karen Gillan's memorable role as Amy Pond to Gemma Chan's captivating performance as Mia Bennett See how these talented stars made their mark beyond the TARDIS in this must-read article
Summary
Several Hollywood actors, such as Karen Gillan (known for her role as Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe) and Matt Smith (recognized for portraying Prince Phillip in The Crown), have had their careers propelled by Doctor Who.
The global popularity and dedicated fan base of Doctor Who have significantly contributed to the success of actors who have appeared on the show. Doctor Who, the iconic British sci-fi series, has served as a launching pad for many big Hollywood actors. Since its debut in 1963, Doctor Who has been a staple of British television, introducing countless new performers to audiences over the years. From Tom Baker to David Tennant, Doctor Who has propelled the careers of numerous actors. However, it is not uncommon for British actors to venture to Hollywood to advance their careers in major movies. Many of these stars have used their time on Doctor Who as a vital stepping stone in this journey.
10 Karen Gillan - Amy Pond
Doctor Who has featured an impressive lineup of guest stars throughout its duration, ranging from emerging talents to established actors. Many of these up-and-coming performers experienced significant career boosts after their appearances on the show, thanks to its devoted fan base and global popularity. Whether portraying the Doctor's official regeneration or a captivating one-off antagonist, Doctor Who has served as a launching pad for numerous Hollywood stars.
Karen Gillan rose to fame as Amy Pond in Doctor Who, where she played the first companion to Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor. After three seasons, Gillan departed the show in 2012, alongside co-star Arthur Darvill, and set her sights on Hollywood. She made her US debut in the horror film Oculus in 2013, which opened doors for her in the American film industry. However, Gillan's most notable role to date is as Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She has appeared in Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and all three installments of the Guardians of the Galaxy series.
9 Brett Goldstein - Astos
English actor Brett Goldstein rose to prominence in the 2000s and 2010s through his appearances in small British indie films and his supporting roles in UK TV comedies. However, it was his portrayal of Astos, an inquisitive nurse and ally of the Doctor in the 2018 Doctor Who episode "The Tsuranga Conundrum," that introduced his talents to a larger audience. This breakout role propelled Goldstein's career, leading to widespread recognition in both his home country and the United States. Notably, he achieved household name status for his portrayal of Roy Kent in the critically acclaimed series Ted Lasso. Goldstein's success continued to soar, ultimately landing him the role of Hercules in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
8 Matt Smith - The Eleventh Doctor
Matt Smith's portrayal of the Eleventh Doctor marked a significant turning point in his acting career, propelling him into the spotlight. Following his three-season stint as the charismatic and bow-tie donning Time Lord, Smith's Hollywood career soared to new heights. He has delivered noteworthy performances, such as his portrayal of Prince Phillip in the initial two seasons of The Crown, his embodiment of Skynet in Terminator Genisys, his captivating depiction of the dancing villain in Morbius, and his role as Jack in Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho. Most recently, Smith secured the role of the esteemed Daemon Targaryen in the Game of Thrones spinoff, House of the Dragon. Undoubtedly, Matt Smith's achievements post-Doctor Who surpass those of his predecessors in the realm of time-traveling adventures.
7 Andrew Garfield - Frank
Andrew Garfield portrayed a supporting character in season 3 of Doctor Who, specifically in a two-part Dalek story, early in his career. This role marked one of the initial instances in which Garfield showcased his American accent onscreen. Following his appearance as Frank, a Hooverville resident in Doctor Who, Garfield went on to secure the iconic role of Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man in 2012. This opportunity propelled him to swing around Hollywood for several years. Additionally, Garfield has been recognized for his notable performances in films such as Hacksaw Ridge and The Social Network. More recently, he reprised his role as Peter Parker in the film Spider-Man: No Way Home. This installment brought together Garfield's rendition of the character with those of Tobey Maguire and Tom Holland, his predecessor and successor respectively.
6 James Corden - Craig
Before achieving fame in Hollywood, British actor James Corden rose to prominence as Craig in the popular television series Doctor Who. He first appeared as the character in the fifth season episode titled "The Lodger," and later returned in the sixth season episode "Closing Time." While American audiences may recognize Corden as the former host of The Late Late Show, which premiered in 2015 and concluded in 2023 after Corden announced his departure, he has also made a name for himself in the world of film and theater. Corden portrayed Bustopher in the movie adaptation of Cats, and showcased his talents in the 2021 retelling of Cinderella. Stay tuned for his latest projects!
5 Simon Pegg - The Editor
Simon Pegg, best known for his roles in the UK comedy films Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, made a memorable appearance in the Doctor Who season 1 episode "The Long Game." He portrayed the evil Editor, the human counterpart of the Mighty Jagrafess, who was responsible for the operations of Satellite 5. Pegg's talent and success in the UK paved the way for his rise to stardom in the United States. Notably, he went on to portray Scotty in the Star Trek film series and Benji in the Mission: Impossible series.
4 Carey Mulligan - Sally Sparrow
Carey Mulligan made her mark with her role as Sally Sparrow in the iconic Doctor-lite episode "Blink" during the third season of Doctor Who. It is widely recognized as one of the best episodes in the entire series. However, Mulligan's breakthrough in Hollywood came from her portrayal of Jenny in the critically acclaimed film An Education in 2009, which led to her receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Subsequently, Mulligan's career flourished in Hollywood, and she went on to play memorable characters such as Daisy in The Great Gatsby and Cassie in Promising Young Woman. Despite the character's popularity, Mulligan's subsequent fame meant that Sally Sparrow never made a return to Doctor Who.
3 Felicity Jones - Robina Redmond
Felicity Jones, known for her role as the nefarious thief Robina Redmond in Doctor Who's season 4 episode "The Unicorn and the Wasp", has had a long and impressive acting career. Starting at the young age of 12 in 1996, Jones continued to make a name for herself in the industry. Following her appearance on Doctor Who in 2008, she went on to star alongside Andrew Garfield in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 as Felicia Hardy. However, it was her portrayal of Jyn Erso in the Star Wars standalone film Rogue One and her role as Jane Hawking in The Theory of Everything that truly propelled her into the spotlight. Her exceptional performance in The Theory of Everything even earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
2 Daniel Kaluuya - Barclay
Daniel Kaluuya began his career with a notable appearance in the 2009 Doctor Who Easter special "Planet of the Dead" alongside David Tennant and Michelle Ryan. He then garnered praise for his role in an early episode of the acclaimed dystopian series Black Mirror. This performance caught the attention of director Jordan Peele, leading to his culturally impactful roles in Get Out and Nope. Subsequently, Kaluuya went on to star in significant films such as Black Panther, Queen & Slim, and Judas and the Black Messiah. Currently, he has written and directed the dystopian film The Kitchen, set to be released on Netflix in late 2023.
1 Gemma Chan - Mia Bennett
Gemma Chan made her debut as geologist Mia Bennett in the Doctor Who special "The Waters of Mars." Since then, she has achieved notable success in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying two distinct characters - Cersei in Eternals and Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel. Chan has gained additional recognition for her roles as Astrid in Crazy Rich Asians, Anita in Humans, and Amy in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.
