The Ultimate Guide to Doctor Who: Unveiling Every Doctor and Their Iconic Portrayers

Summary

Ncuti Gatwa becomes the 14th Doctor and breaks new ground as the first Black actor to embrace this iconic role, ushering in a fresh chapter in the history of Doctor Who.

Every Doctor infuses their own distinct interpretation into the character, shaping the essence of the show throughout their tenure.

Throughout its extensive run, Doctor Who has captivated audiences with the Doctor's regenerations, showcasing different personalities, fashion sense, and storylines. This has kept the show fresh and appealing for nearly six decades. The rotating cast of charismatic doctors, including Tom Baker, David Tennant, Sean Pertwee, Matt Smith, and many others, has maintained the show's status as a staple of British sci-fi TV. Recently, Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in Sex Education, took on the iconic role as the 14th Doctor in Doctor Who. Following Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor, Gatwa became the first Black Doctor in the show's history. One of the reasons for Doctor Who's enduring appeal is the Doctor's ability to regenerate, allowing for a new body, face, and fashion sense, rather than the character's death.

17 The First Doctor

Ncuti Gatwa becomes the 17th actor to join the prestigious cast of Doctor Who, following in the footsteps of iconic performers like John Hurt who portrayed the War Doctor. Each actor brings their own unique interpretation to the beloved character, contributing to the defining essence of the show during their tenure. Gatwa, having impressed viewers with his portrayal of Eric Effiong in Sex Education, adds significant value to the Doctor Who franchise. Originating in the early 1960s and persevering through a temporary hiatus, the show continues to thrive. While every incarnation of the Doctor possesses distinct qualities, it is the talented actors behind the role who give them the opportunity to truly shine.

The series began in 1963 with the First Doctor as the protagonist. He stands out among the Doctor's various regenerations for being one of the few to travel alongside another Time Lord, or in this case, a Time Lady - his granddaughter, Susan. Portrayed by William Hartnell, the First Doctor possessed a no-nonsense demeanor and dry sense of humor, setting him apart from his successors. In addition, unlike other Doctors, he harbored a certain disdain for humans. Nonetheless, despite lacking energy, he exuded brilliance and commanded attention, establishing a template that subsequent Doctors would adhere to in their own unique ways.

16 The Second Doctor

15 The Third Doctor

Change is inevitable, even for Doctor Who. When William Hartnell's departure from the show due to health concerns became necessary, the Doctor underwent a transformation and emerged as Patrick Troughton. This marked the beginning of a cherished tradition where each incarnation of the Doctor possessed a distinct personality, diverging from their previous regenerations. The Second Doctor, in particular, exuded a more relaxed demeanor and showcased a potent sense of humor. He injected the series with a contemporary flair, introducing the wit and charm that was absent in the First Doctor. This shift also laid the foundation for lighter and more whimsical storylines to take center stage.

Introducing the Third Doctor - a vibrant display of fashion and poise graced the screen. Jon Pertwee's incarnation not only possessed style and elegance, but also showcased formidable combat skills as an adept martial artist. Much like his previous manifestations, this Doctor was renowned for his profound intelligence. Differing from his predecessors, the Third Doctor primarily dwelled on Earth due to his exile, firmly embedding himself within the workings of the organization known as UNIT. It was during this time that he had his inaugural encounter with the Master, marking the villain's debut.

14 The Fourth Doctor

13 The Fifth Doctor

This regeneration of the Doctor is widely regarded as one of the most iconic, particularly among fans of the classic Doctor Who series. Tom Baker's portrayal of the Doctor spanned seven seasons, allowing ample time for the audience to become familiar with his unique incarnation. It also marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time Doctor Who aired in the USA. Alongside this change, the Fourth Doctor differed from his predecessor by displaying a more eccentric personality, often offering his adversaries jelly babies. Additionally, this era introduced a greater variety of monsters, contributing to an increased level of horror within the show.

Prior to Matt Smith's appearance on the show years later, it was Peter Davison who held the distinction of being the youngest actor to portray the Doctor. Taking on the role of the Fifth Doctor at the tender age of 29, Davison's youthfulness set him apart. Unlike his previous incarnations, the Fifth Doctor possessed a calm and introspective demeanor, preferring to deliberate before plunging headfirst into perilous situations. He was also the first Doctor to undergo regeneration through a selfless act, sacrificing his own life to save his companion. However, his tenure as the Doctor spanned a mere three years before he gracefully stepped aside.

12 The Sixth Doctor

The Sixth Doctor's personality was reminiscent of his bold and flamboyant attire. This didn't resonate well with numerous avid fans of the show, as they perceived this incarnation of the Doctor as unsympathetic and a drastic departure from the norm. To be fair to Colin Baker, the actor portraying the Sixth Doctor, the blame lies with the way the Doctor's character was written. However, the tide turned for the Sixth Doctor when Baker commenced recording a series of audio stories set in the Doctor Who universe.

11 The Seventh Doctor

The Seventh Doctor was an intriguing character, filled with contradictions. On the surface, he presented himself as a comedic figure with a great sense of humor. However, beneath this facade, he possessed a brilliant and calculating mind, a trait he cleverly concealed from his adversaries. This incarnation of the Doctor brought back a lighter and whimsical personality, offering fans a refreshing change after the arrogance of the Sixth Doctor. Played by Sylvester McCoy for three seasons, the Seventh Doctor marked the end of an era as the series went on a long hiatus.

10 The Eighth Doctor

Doctor Who was absent for a span of seven years subsequent to BBC's cancellation of the show. Upon its revival, however, the Eighth Doctor, a half-human incarnation, was not granted the opportunity to flourish in his own dedicated seasons akin to his predecessors. Instead, he made a brief appearance in a television movie intended to serve as a launching pad for a fresh series. Regrettably, the film failed to generate the necessary attention, resulting in the show's demise. Fortunately, Paul McGann reprised his role in various audio plays and notably featured in The Night of the Doctor, where his Doctor epitomized a more romantically inclined persona akin to the contemporary Doctors.

9 The War Doctor

The War Doctor, portrayed by the late John Hurt, was a hidden incarnation of the Doctor. Unlike previous versions, he chose not to call himself the Doctor because he was the one who fought in the Time War and ultimately brought it to an end. Regrettably, to cease the Time War, he had to commit unimaginable acts that left him disillusioned and emotionally detached. These actions during the Time War had a profound impact on subsequent iterations of the Doctor.

8 The Ninth Doctor

7 The Tenth Doctor

: The Ninth Doctor, played by Christopher Eccleston, took on the mantle of the revived Doctor Who series. Despite his tenure lasting only one season, his impact was indelible. Eccleston's Doctor exuded a certain cynicism and weariness, a direct result of the recent Time War with the Daleks and the profound losses he endured. Nevertheless, his bond with Rose enabled him to perceive the world through a new lens. Overcoming the burdens of survivor's guilt, which emanated from his actions during the war, history echoed itself. Similar to his predecessor, the Fifth Doctor, the Ninth Doctor selflessly sacrificed his own life to protect his trusted companion.

The Tenth Doctor, portrayed by David Tennant, is widely regarded as one of the most beloved incarnations of the Doctor. Known for his charm and wit, he also possessed a darker side that emerged after losing Rose, who was left stranded in a parallel universe. Fearless and always ready to face danger head-on, Tennant's Doctor thrived when confronted by adversaries. His relatable and eccentric qualities, combined with his memorable one-liners, endeared him to a new generation of Doctor Who fans. Following in the footsteps of this formidable incarnation would prove to be a daunting task for any successor.

6 The Meta-Crisis Doctor

Even though he lacked the Time Lord status, he persisted as a Doctor. The Meta-Crisis Doctor emerged as a human version of the Tenth Doctor, growing from his severed hand and inheriting both his and Donna's genetic makeup. Displaying a greater inclination towards violence and unpredictability compared to the Tenth Doctor, the Meta-Crisis Doctor diverged from the norm by choosing to reside in Rose Tyler's world, forming a romantic relationship with her. Adopting the name Corin, he gradually assimilated more human-like traits, experiencing a conventional aging process and forfeiting the ability to regenerate. Moreover, he exhibited diminished rationality, frequently plunging headlong into perilous situations without due consideration.

5 The Eleventh Doctor

The Eleventh Doctor, appearance-wise, was the youngest among the others, and his physicality truly mirrored his personality. He exuded cheerfulness, was somewhat of a geek, and often found himself in awkward situations when interacting with others. Nevertheless, Matt Smith's portrayal of the Doctor depicted a character with a heart of gold, displaying unwavering loyalty towards the select few he considered his friends. He would go to great lengths, even traversing the farthest reaches of the Earth and beyond, in order to protect Amy, Rory, and all those dear to him. Smith's impressive ability to continue Tennant's legacy while carving out his own unique following among Whovians is truly noteworthy.

4 The Twelfth Doctor

The regeneration of the Doctor Who doctors followed a remarkable progression, transitioning from a youthful incarnation to one of great maturity. Curiously, Peter Capaldi commenced his portrayal of the Doctor at the same age (55) as William Hartnell. Notably, the Twelfth Doctor not only exhibited a more advanced age compared to his prior regenerations but also grappled extensively with his own identity. Diligently, he embarked on a quest to discover his true nature and whether he possessed any inherent goodness. Despite his personal introspection, he managed to maintain a remarkable sense of humor and forged a strong bond of friendship with Clara. Additionally, his Scottish origins became prominent in his character, complemented by an eclectic personality that encompassed a passion for playing guitar and a disdain for war.

3 Valeyard

The Valeyard's role in the Doctor Who universe is quite intricate, often unknown to many avid fans of the series. Determining his position in the chronology of the Doctor's incarnations is also a perplexing task, as he could potentially reside somewhere between the Twelfth and Thirteenth Doctors. So, who exactly is the enigmatic Valeyard? He represents the Doctor's darker side, embodying traits that are less inclined towards optimism. While Michael Jayston's portrayal lends a face to this enigma, there is speculation among fans that Ruth, portrayed by Jo Martin, may also unveil herself as the elusive Valeyard.

2 The Thirteenth Doctor

Jodie Whittaker etched her name in history as the inaugural female portrayal of the Doctor. In certain respects, she retained a sense of mystery about her past and her home planet, reminiscent of the Doctors from the classic series. However, this did not hinder her from forming unbreakable bonds with her companions, whom she ardently safeguarded. Her vibrant persona exuded qualities of joy, empathy, optimism, and zeal. Whittaker's portrayal also marked a pioneering moment in the series as the first-ever female incarnation of The Doctor.

1 The Fourteenth Doctor

Ncuti Gatwa breaks barriers as the first Black actor to embody the iconic role of the Doctor. Following in the trailblazing footsteps of Jodie Whittaker, Gatwa's casting revolutionizes the traditional perception of the character. This casting choice firmly acknowledges that the Doctor's legendary status on the small screen is not defined by the color of their skin. While limited details have been divulged about Gatwa's portrayal of Doctor Who, it is evident that the Fourteenth incarnation will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of this beloved franchise. In his own words, Gatwa describes his Doctor as someone who is "emotionally vulnerable" yet masked with humor. It is clear that his Doctor carries a sense of loneliness, reminiscent of the Ninth and Tenth Doctors portrayed by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, respectively.