The Ultimate Guide: Unveiling the Complete Chronological Lineup of Doctor Who and the Iconic Actors Who Portrayed Them
Discover the iconic Doctors of Doctor Who! From the First Doctor portrayed by William Hartnell to the current Thirteenth Doctor played by Jodie Whittaker Explore the rich history of this beloved sci-fi series and the talented actors who have brought the Time Lord to life
Throughout time and space, Doctor Who's Time Lord has undergone regeneration, transforming with the help of a multitude of talented actors. As a result, presented here is a comprehensive list of the Doctors in chronological order, along with the exceptional actors who have immortalized these iconic roles on screen.
As the longest-running science fiction series in television history, Doctor Who made its debut on the small screen in 1963. Over the years, the series has witnessed numerous iterations of the protagonist: The Doctor, an audacious Time Lord of alien origin, equipped with two hearts and a penchant for exploring the vast expanses of space and time.
The ability of a Time Lord to regenerate, completely altering their physical appearance and personality while preserving their previous memories, has provided an explanation for the replacement of actors in Doctor Who over the years. This concept of regeneration has allowed numerous actors to take on the role of The Doctor throughout the series. Listed below, in chronological order, are all the Doctors featured in Doctor Who and the actors who portrayed them.
First Doctor: William Hartnell (November 1963 – October 1966)
William Hartnell was the first actor to introduce the protagonist of Doctor Who to the world in 1963. He played the Time Lord for three years and four series, from 1963 to 1966.
Initially, Hartnell's portrayal of The Doctor was stubborn and distrustful. However, over time, he transformed into a friendly character who enjoyed traveling with his chosen companions. The Doctor's first companions were his granddaughter Susan (played by Carole Ann Ford) and her teachers, Ian Chesterton (played by William Russell) and Barbara Wright (played by Jacqueline Hill).
Additional individuals who joined the TARDIS were space pilot Steven (played by Peter Purves), sailor Ben Jackson (played by Michael Craze), and Polly (played by Anneke Wills). Following Hartnell's death in 1975, other actors have sporadically depicted the first Doctor.
Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton (November 1966 – June 1969)
Richard Hurndell appeared in the 1983 special 'The Five Doctors', while David Bradley was featured in the episodes 'The Doctor Falls', 'Twice Upon A Time', and 'The Power of The Doctor'.
The renewal would go on to define what came to be recognized as regeneration, a vital element of The Doctor's persona that played a pivotal role in the show's endurance.
In contrast to his predecessor, the Second Doctor possessed a distinctly unkempt appearance and a more innocent demeanor. However, he retained his cunning intellect and occasionally showcased his expertise in manipulation. Deceptively, he would feign foolishness when confronted by adversaries, luring them into underestimating his true capabilities.
He was accompanied by the First Doctor's companions, Ben and Polly, during part of his journey, and later traveled with a few others, including Jamie McCrimmon (played by Frazer Hines), who eventually became his most trusted confidant.
Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee (January 1970 – June 1974)
The arrival of Pertwee's Doctor brought about a significant change in the series' storyline. Due to production challenges, his initial adventures were confined to earth, where The Doctor had been banished and his TARDIS rendered inoperable by the Time Lords. This left him stranded on the human planet.
While marooned on earth, the Third Doctor found himself employed by the military organization known as UNIT, serving as their scientific advisor. He was joined at UNIT by his fellow scientists, Liz Shaw (played by Caroline John) and later Jo Grant (played by Katy Manning).
Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker (December 1974 – March 1981)
The TARDIS was ultimately recovered, enabling The Doctor to once again journey through time and space. During this period, journalist Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) joined him as his last companion.
The Doctor in this particular incarnation exudes warmth, whimsy, and occasional brooding intensity combined with a tendency towards righteous anger. His unique manner of speaking and distinctive fashion choices, like his hat and scarf, have contributed to making this version of the character widely recognized and iconic around the world. Moreover, the Fourth Doctor holds a special place in the hearts of the devoted fanbase, being exceptionally popular and dearly loved.
Throughout his adventures aboard the TARDIS, the Fourth Doctor was accompanied by various companions. Some notable ones include Sarah Jane Smith, the robot dog K-9 (voiced by John Leeson or David Brierly), and flight attendant Tegan Jovanka (portrayed by Janet Fielding).
Fifth Doctor: Peter Davison (January 1982 – March 1984)
Peter Davison portrayed the Fifth incarnation of The Doctor from 1982 to 1984. Like his predecessor Baker, Davison's Doctor had a notable wardrobe consisting of an Edwardian cricketer outfit, which he wore due to his fascination with the Edwardian and Victorian eras.
The Fifth Doctor was known for his polite demeanor and willingness to assist others. Even in the face of major threats, he would take the time to aid in solving mundane problems. He possessed the ability to perceive the positive qualities in individuals and inspire them to realize their potential. This was exemplified when he invited Vislor Turlough to join him on travels in the TARDIS, despite Turlough initially being a threat.
Alongside Tegan and Vislor, the Fifth Doctor was joined by various companions including Nyssa (Sarah Sutton), and Adric (Matthew Waterhouse).
Sixth Doctor: Colin Baker (March 1984 – December 1986)
The Sixth Doctor dons a flamboyant ensemble of mismatched vibrant garments, exuding a markedly audacious and brash personality in contrast to his predecessor. He possesses a stubborn, melodramatic, and arrogant demeanor, harboring a belief in his own superiority over nearly everyone he encounters.
Distinguishing himself even further from his previous iterations, this Doctor embarks on his adventures solely accompanied by two companions. He is joined by the erudite college student Peri Brown (portrayed by Nicola Bryant) and the adept computer expert Mel Bush (portrayed by Bonnie Langford).
Valeyard: Michael Jayston (1986)
Michael Jayston portrays the character known as the Valeyard in the 1986 serial 'The Trial of a Time Lord.' Unlike a usual regeneration, the Valeyard is depicted as a manifestation of the Doctor's darker nature that emerged following his twelfth transformation.
The exact origins and position of the Valeyard in the Doctor's timeline have been subjects of intense speculation due to his fabrication of multiple accounts concerning his own existence. However, it is known that the main objective of the Valeyard was to acquire the regenerative abilities of the Sixth Doctor since he had exhausted his own supply.
This version of the character has not made an appearance in the show since 1986, but has been mentioned in the 2013 episode 'The Name of The Doctor' and the 2017 episode 'Twice Upon a Time.'
Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy (September 1987 – December 1989)
Despite his initial jovial demeanor, he possessed the innate ability to cunningly manipulate any circumstance to his desired advantage.
Following the footsteps of his predecessor, the Seventh Doctor was accompanied by a mere duo of companions. Initially, Mel Bush stood by his side for a period post-regeneration, paving the way for Ace (Sophie Aldred) to take over – a troubled adolescent with a penchant for explosives who eventually became his apprentice.
Eighth Doctor: Paul McGann (May 1996)
Paul McGann portrayed the role of the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 TV film, Doctor Who. This film was created with the intention of reviving interest in the series, which had been discontinued in 1989.
The character of the Eighth Doctor is characterized by his charm, romance, and enthusiasm. Throughout his journey, he is accompanied by Grace Holloway, a medical doctor portrayed by Daphne Ashbrook.
Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston (March 2005 – June 2005)
Despite failing to generate the necessary buzz for a show reboot, Paul McGann has consistently returned to his role on multiple occasions throughout the years. Notably, he has starred in over 70 audio dramas and appeared in the mini-episode 'Night of the Doctor'. An additional milestone was reached in 2022 with his inaugural appearance in a regular episode, 'Power of the Doctor'.
The Ninth Doctor was less eccentric compared to his predecessors. He was a solitary survivor still deeply affected by the Time War. Despite struggling with constant guilt and anger, he frequently concealed these emotions with a sharp and clever sense of humor.
His primary companion was Rose Tyler, portrayed by Billie Piper. However, they sometimes received assistance from others such as former time agent Captain Jack Harkness, played by John Borrowman, and Rose's former boyfriend Mickey Smith, portrayed by Noel Clarke.
Tenth Doctor: David Tennant (December 2005 – January 2010)
David Tennant portrayed the Tenth incarnation of The Doctor from 2005 to 2010, spanning three series. Unlike his predecessor, Nine, this version of The Doctor carried less weight from the Time War and exuded a charming, friendly, and charismatic demeanor. Despite his relaxed nature, he did not hesitate to show disapproval or anger and fiercely defended his companions.
The Tenth Doctor's nature took a darker turn due to the loss of his companions and his fear of his own mortality. This transformation reached its peak in the 2009 episode 'The Waters of Mars' when he declared himself 'the Time Lord victorious' after defying the laws of time.
Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, and Donna Noble were the main companions of the Tenth Doctor. In addition, the 2006 episode 'School Reunion' welcomed back Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith.
Meta-Crisis Doctor: David Tennant (July 2008)
In 'The Stolen Earth' and 'Journey's End', the Tenth Doctor experiences a regenerative state after being shot by a Dalek. However, he chooses not to change and instead channels the regeneration energy into his severed hand, which was given back to him by Captain Jack in a jar.
Later, when the Daleks try to destroy the TARDIS, Donna, who is still aboard the ship, inadvertently touches the jar, resulting in a biological meta-crisis that brings forth another incarnation of The Doctor.
The Meta-Crisis Doctor is different from his counterpart as he possesses half of Donna's DNA, which makes him a hybrid of a human and a Time Lord. He has one heart and a human life span, and also exhibits some of Donna's mannerisms.
After The Tenth Doctor brings Rose and her family back to their parallel world, he assigns the responsibility of taking care of the Meta-Crisis Doctor to Rose. He explains that his nature of being born and bred in battles makes him too risky to be left unsupervised, reflecting the person he was before he and Rose crossed paths.
Eleventh Doctor: Matt Smith (April 2010 – December 2013)
Matt Smith portrayed the Eleventh Doctor from 2010 to 2013, making him the youngest actor ever to assume the role. With an adventurous and thrill-seeking nature, the Eleventh Doctor embodies a childlike persona and exudes an explosive and unpredictable personality. Despite his youthful demeanor and appearance, his world-weary temperament often creates a contrast, leading to his characterization as 'an old man trapped in a young man's body.'
The War Doctor: John Hurt (November 2013)
Matt Smith’s Doctor was joined by a number of companions, with Amy Pond (portrayed by Karen Gillan), her husband Rory Williams (played by Arthur Darvill), and the enigmatic Clara Oswald (portrayed by Jenna Coleman) among them.
This Doctor, who existed between the Eighth and Ninth incarnations, played a vital role in the Time War. In the 'Day of the Doctor', the aging War Doctor stealthily acquires a powerful weapon called 'The Moment' from Gallifrey. His intention is to use it to bring an end to the war by annihilating all involved, including the innocent lives on his home planet. However, he is unaware that 'The Moment' is a sentient being that will only activate if someone can morally justify its usage.
After assuming the guise of Rose Tyler,
Twelfth Doctor: Peter Capaldi (August 2014 – December 2017)
she dispatches the War Doctor into the future, where he joins forces with his Tenth and Eleventh iterations in a bid to avert the annihilation of Gallifrey.
The Twelfth Doctor was portrayed by Peter Capaldi for three series between 2014 – 2017.
The Doctor, initially, was a pragmatic individual who kept his emotions hidden, especially when faced with difficult situations where he needed to make harsh choices. Unlike his Tenth and Eleventh regenerations, he lacked empathy and did not show much understanding or concern for the human race, although he still viewed himself as someone who saves people. However, as he spent time with his companions and went through various experiences, he gradually became gentler, more altruistic, and showed greater compassion towards others.
Clara remained with the Twelfth Doctor after Eleven’s regeneration, and he was later joined by student Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) and alien Nardole (Matt Lucas).
Thirteenth Doctor: Jodie Whittaker (October 2018 – October 2022)
Whittaker's portrayal of the Time Lord embodies a jovial and warm-hearted individual who places great importance on her friendships and possesses a talent and enthusiasm for construction. This exuberant personality often leads her to speak rapidly, reminiscent of Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor.
In her initial adventures, the Thirteenth Doctor embarks on travels alongside a trio of companions, whom she affectionately refers to as her 'fam'. This group consists of Ryan Sinclair, a warehouse worker (played by Tosin Cole), Graham O'Brien, a retired bus driver and grandfather (played by Bradley Walsh), and Yasmin Khan, a young police officer (played by Mandip Gill).
She was later joined by food bank worker Dan Lewis (John Bishop) and also reunited with several previous companions including Ace and Tegan.
The Fugitive Doctor: Jo Martin (January 2020 – October 2022)
Eventually, it is revealed that this enigmatic imprisonment is actually a previous incarnation of The Doctor that has been erased from the Time Lord's memory. However, the precise place she holds in the chronology of other regenerations remains a mystery. In the series, the Thirteenth Doctor encounters this particular incarnation for the first time in the 2020 episode 'Fugitive of the Judoon'. It is discovered that she had been living on Earth incognito as a human, unaware of her true identity. Gradually, her status as The Doctor is reinstated, and she joins forces with Thirteen to confront the threat posed by the Judoon, before ultimately going their separate ways.
Jo Martin returned to her role multiple times in the subsequent years, notably appearing in the episodes 'The Timeless Children', 'Once, Upon Time', 'The Vanquishers', and 'The Power of the Doctor'.
Fourteenth Doctor: David Tennant (2023)
Initially, fans were confused when it was announced that the actor taking over from Jodie Whittaker had already been revealed. This led to speculation about how David Tennant's return and the anniversary would be handled. In the closing moments of 'The Power of the Doctor,' Whittaker regenerated into a familiar face and Russell T. Davies promptly confirmed that David Tennant would portray the Fourteenth Doctor in three special episodes scheduled to premiere in November 2023.
Fifteenth Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa (2024 -)
Little is currently known about the Fourteenth Doctor, except for the notable resemblance he shares with the Tenth Doctor. However, the numbering suggests that he will bring distinct differences compared to his predecessor. In addition, the anniversary episodes will see the return of Catherine Tate in her role as Donna Noble.
Before being cast, Ncuti gained recognition for his portrayal of Eric Effiong in the popular Netflix series Sex Education.
Currently, there is limited information available about the Fifteenth Doctor. However, we do know that Millie Gibson will be joining him in the TARDIS as the character Ruby Sunday.
How many actors have played The Doctor?
19 actors have played the role of The Doctor so far.
Although there are officially 15 numbered Doctors, the existence of alternative versions of the character as mentioned in the aforementioned list brings the total number of different incarnations of the Time Lord to 19. It's worth noting that this list pertains exclusively to the TV show and does not include spin-off material, such as the films from 1965/66 in which actor Peter Cushing portrayed the protagonist.
So, there you have it — that’s every Doctor Who Doctor in order and each of the actors that played them. You can find more content about the show here.
