The Evolution of Doctor Who

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7.9

William Hartnell

1963-1973

William "Bill" Hartnell portrayed the first incarnation of the Doctor. For many, he remains the definitive portrayal of the character. Elements of his portrayal are evident in the performances of all his successors on the television series and beyond.

8.6

Peter Cushing

1965-1966

Movies
Dr. Who and the Daleks - 1965
Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. - 1966

Richard Hurndall

1983

TV Special: The Five Doctors
In 1983, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the long-running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who, producer John Nathan-Turner planned a special event, "The Five Doctors", a 90-minute episode to feature the five actors who had at that point played the role of the Doctor. However, William Hartnell, the actor who originated the role, had died in 1975. The show's unofficial fan consultant, Ian Levine, had seen Hurndall in Blake's 7, another BBC science fiction series, and suggested him to the producers as a possible replacement. Hurndall eventually won the role of the First Doctor, playing him as acerbic and temperamental but in some ways wiser than his successors. When the Fourth Doctor, Tom Baker, decided not to appear in the programme, Hurndall's role was beefed up slightly to have the First Doctor take a greater part in the action.