The Unbelievable Doctor Who Feat: Only Two Actors (Including David Tennant) Succeed as the Seventh Doctor

Summary

Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy acknowledges David Tennant as the only other actor to achieve playing two Doctor Who iterations.

McCoy initially donned Colin Baker's attire while portraying the Sixth Doctor for the regeneration sequence, preceding his official transition into the role of the Seventh Doctor.

The arrival of Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor coincides perfectly with the show's 60th anniversary and is motivated by his age and the return of showrunner Russell T Davies.

Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy recently acknowledged David Tenant as the only other actor to accomplish a rare feat in Doctor Who. The long-running British sci-fi series, which originally premiered in 1963, chronicles the thrilling adventures of a powerful being known as the Time Lord. Throughout its history, thirteen different talented actors, including Christopher Eccleston, Jodie Whittaker, and Peter Capaldi, have portrayed the iconic role of the Doctor. During the show's classic era, Colin Baker was dismissed as the Sixth Doctor, prompting McCoy to film the regeneration scene while wearing the Sixth Doctor's original suit in season 24's "Time and the Rani." As a result, McCoy now shares the distinction with only one other actor in having portrayed multiple Doctors in the history of the show.

In an interview with RadioTimes, McCoy discussed his acting career and his time on Doctor Who, revealing that he briefly portrayed the Sixth Doctor before taking on the role of the Seventh Doctor. He expressed pride in being the only actor to have played two different incarnations of the Doctor. McCoy humorously recognized that this accomplishment will now be shared with Tennant, who has recently been cast as the Fourteenth Doctor after playing the Tenth Doctor years ago. Read McCoy's complete comments below:

“Yes, you noticed, did you? It was quite surprising, considering they dressed me up in Colin’s costume and put a wig on me. The result? I ended up looking like Harpo Marx. It's ironic, really, because I am an actor who has portrayed two Doctors! At the time, I was the sole performer holding that distinction, until another actor came along – David! Now he plays Doctor number Ten and Fourteen. As for me, I had the privilege of being Doctor number Six and Seven, making sure I got there first!"

Why Is David Tennant Returning But As The Fourteenth Doctor In Doctor Who

Tennant's portrayal as the Tenth Doctor spanned three seasons, with a notable appearance in the 50th-anniversary special. Following his time on Doctor Who, he quickly gained recognition as one of the most accomplished actors in the industry. He has showcased his exceptional talent in various television shows and films, taking on the complex and sinister role of Kilgrave in Marvel's Jessica Jones and embodying the enigmatic demon, Crowley, in Prime Video's Good Omens.

Last year, confirmation came that the British actor would reprise his role as the Fourteenth Doctor in the Doctor Who series, while Ncuti Gatwa would take over as the Fifteenth Doctor in season 14. Tennant officially returned during the regeneration sequence in the Doctor Who season 13 finale, as Jodie Whitaker concluded her run as the Thirteenth Doctor. Tennant expressed that his decision to revisit the role was largely influenced by his age and the return of Russell T Davies, the former showrunner. However, the reintroduction of Tennant into the franchise raises questions about the show's constant evolution and reinvention. While it may be a risky choice, many consider his original tenure as a fan favorite, making his return as the Doctor fitting for the 60th anniversary. Tennant now has the opportunity to celebrate another significant accomplishment by playing two Doctor iterations alongside McCoy.

Source: RadioTimes