The question of how old an actor was when they took on the iconic role of Doctor Who is more complex than it initially appears. Are we talking about the age at casting, when filming began, during their first cameo, or when their first full episode aired? While often just a matter of months, for dedicated fans and trivia enthusiasts, these details matter.
This exploration into the ages of the Doctors isn’t just about numbers; it’s a fascinating look at the actors behind the Time Lord and how they stepped into this legendary role at different stages of their lives. From the seasoned William Hartnell to the youthful Matt Smith, each actor brought a unique perspective shaped by their age and experience.
Join us as we delve into the ages of the actors who have portrayed the Doctor, addressing those tricky questions of timelines and celebrating the legacy of Doctor Who. And yes, we’ll confirm whether David Tennant really is now the third oldest Doctor – time truly does fly!
This list is compiled from internet research and resources like the Doctor Who Handbooks. While we aim for accuracy, minor discrepancies may occur based on varying sources and interpretations of ‘first appearance’. The focus here is on celebrating the actors who have graced our screens as the Doctor in a main role.
Doctor Who Actors: A Quick Age Timeline
Here’s a quick rundown of the ages of the actors when they first embodied the Doctor, considering casting, the start of filming, and the broadcast of their debut episode:
- William Hartnell – 55/55/55
- Peter Capaldi – 55/55/56
- David Tennant (Fourteenth Doctor) – 51/51/52
- Jon Pertwee – 49/50/50
- Patrick Troughton – 46/46/46
- Sylvester McCoy – 43/43/44
- Colin Baker – 40/40/40
- Christopher Eccleston – 40/40/41
- Tom Baker – 40/40/40
- Paul McGann – 36/36/36
- Jodie Whittaker – 35/35/36
- David Tennant (Tenth Doctor) – 33/34/34
- Ncuti Gatwa – 29/30/31
- Peter Davison – 29/30/30
- Matt Smith – 26/26/27
Delving Deeper: The Ages of Our Beloved Doctors
Let’s explore each Doctor in detail, examining their age at key moments in their Doctor Who journey, from casting to their first broadcast appearance.
William Hartnell: The Original Doctor
Alt text: William Hartnell, the first actor doctor who, in a black and white publicity shot for Doctor Who, looking stern and intelligent.
- Birth date: January 8, 1908
- Casting announced: November 21, 1963
- Shooting begins: September 27, 1963
- First episode broadcast: November 23, 1963
- Age at casting announcement: 55
- Age when shooting begins: 55
- Age at first broadcast: 55
William Hartnell set the stage, embodying the Doctor at the age of 55 across all key milestones. His mature portrayal established the Doctor as a figure of wisdom and authority from the very beginning.
Peter Capaldi: The Fiery Twelfth Doctor
Alt text: Peter Capaldi, actor doctor who known for his intense portrayal, in a promotional image for Doctor Who series 8, standing in the TARDIS control room.
- Birth date: April 14, 1958
- Casting announced: August 4, 2013
- Shooting begins: January 7, 2014
- First episode broadcast: August 23, 2014
- Age at casting announcement: 55
- Age when shooting begins: 55
- Age at first broadcast: 56
Matching Hartnell at casting and filming, Peter Capaldi brought a seasoned gravitas to the role. His Twelfth Doctor was complex and introspective, a portrayal enriched by Capaldi’s experience.
David Tennant: Returning as the Fourteenth Doctor
Alt text: David Tennant, popular actor doctor who, pictured smiling in a suit at an event, representing his return to Doctor Who as the Fourteenth Doctor.
- Birth date: April 18, 1971
- Casting announced: October 23, 2022
- Shooting begins: June 2022 (?)
- First episode broadcast: November 2023
- Age at casting announcement: 51
- Age when shooting begins: 51
- Age at first broadcast: 52
David Tennant’s return as the Fourteenth Doctor sees him take on the role again in his early fifties, placing him among the more mature actors to play the part, further fueling the discussion about the Doctor’s age and portrayal.
Jon Pertwee: The Action-Oriented Third Doctor
Alt text: Jon Pertwee, actor doctor who known for his dapper style, posing confidently as the Third Doctor in a velvet jacket and frilled shirt.
- Birth date: July 7, 1919
- Casting announced: June 17, 1969
- Shooting begins: September 1969
- First episode broadcast: January 3, 1970
- Age at casting announcement: 49
- Age when shooting begins: 50
- Age at first broadcast: 50
Jon Pertwee stepped into the TARDIS at 49, bringing a dynamic, action-hero edge to the Doctor. His tenure marked a shift towards a more physically active and Earth-bound Doctor.
Patrick Troughton: The Cosmic Hobo Second Doctor
Alt text: Patrick Troughton, actor doctor who redefined the role with his quirky portrayal, in a black and white studio portrait as the Second Doctor, wearing his signature baggy suit.
- Birth date: March 25, 1920
- Casting announced: September 2, 1966
- Shooting begins: October 22, 1966
- First episode broadcast: November 5, 1966
- Age at casting announcement: 46
- Age when shooting begins: 46
- Age at first broadcast: 46
Patrick Troughton was 46 when he first regenerated into the Second Doctor. His youthful energy and ‘cosmic hobo’ persona provided a stark contrast to Hartnell, reinventing the Doctor for a new era.
Sylvester McCoy: The Seventh Doctor with Secrets
Alt text: Sylvester McCoy, actor doctor who known for his whimsical and manipulative Doctor, in a promotional shot as the Seventh Doctor, holding his umbrella and wearing a question mark sweater.
- Birth date: August 20, 1943
- Casting announced: February 27, 1987
- Shooting begins: April 4, 1987
- First episode broadcast: September 7, 1987
- Age at casting announcement: 43
- Age when shooting begins: 43
- Age at first broadcast: 44
Sylvester McCoy was in his early forties when he took on the role. His Seventh Doctor evolved from comedic to a more strategic and manipulative character as his tenure progressed.
Colin Baker: The Colourful Sixth Doctor
Alt text: Colin Baker, actor doctor who often debated for his controversial era, in a studio shot as the Sixth Doctor, showcasing his infamous colourful coat.
- Birth date: June 8, 1943
- Casting announced: August 19, 1983
- Shooting begins: January 24, 1984
- First episode broadcast: March 22, 1984
- Age at casting announcement: 40
- Age when shooting begins: 40
- Age at first broadcast: 40
Colin Baker was 40 when he debuted as the Sixth Doctor. His era is often remembered for its bold, sometimes controversial, storytelling and his Doctor’s flamboyant personality.
Christopher Eccleston: The War-Torn Ninth Doctor
Alt text: Christopher Eccleston, actor doctor who who relaunched the series, in a publicity image as the Ninth Doctor, wearing his leather jacket and serious expression.
- Birth date: February 16, 1964
- Casting announced: April 2, 2004
- Shooting begins: July 20, 2004
- First episode broadcast: March 26, 2005
- Age at casting announcement: 40
- Age when shooting begins: 40
- Age at first broadcast: 41
Also 40 at the start, Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor was instrumental in relaunching Doctor Who for a new generation. His portrayal was marked by emotional depth and the scars of the Time War.
Tom Baker: The Bohemian Fourth Doctor
Alt text: Tom Baker, iconic actor doctor who known for his long scarf and jovial nature, in a classic pose as the Fourth Doctor, grinning widely.
- Birth date: January 20, 1934
- Casting announced: February 15, 1974
- Shooting begins: June 1, 1974
- First episode broadcast: December 28, 1974
- Age at casting announcement: 40
- Age when shooting begins: 40
- Age at first broadcast: 40
Tom Baker joined the ranks of 40-year-old Doctors. His Fourth Doctor is beloved for his eccentric charm, bohemian spirit, and incredibly long scarf.
Paul McGann: The Romantic Eighth Doctor
Alt text: Paul McGann, actor doctor who whose tenure was brief but impactful, in a promotional image as the Eighth Doctor, with his long hair and Edwardian style clothing.
- Birth date: November 14, 1959
- Casting announced: January 5, 1996
- Shooting begins: January 15, 1996
- First episode broadcast: May 12, 1996
- Age at casting announcement: 36
- Age when shooting begins: 36
- Age at first broadcast: 36
Paul McGann was 36 when he became the Eighth Doctor. Although his televised tenure was brief, his Doctor is celebrated in expanded media for his romantic and Byronic persona.
Jodie Whittaker: The Groundbreaking Thirteenth Doctor
Alt text: Jodie Whittaker, pioneering actor doctor who as the first woman in the role, smiling warmly in a promotional picture for Doctor Who Series 11.
- Birth date: June 17, 1982
- Casting announced: July 16, 2017
- Shooting begins: October 31, 2017
- First episode broadcast: October 7, 2018
- Age at casting announcement: 35
- Age when shooting begins: 35
- Age at first broadcast: 36
Jodie Whittaker broke barriers as the first female Doctor, taking on the role at 35. Her Thirteenth Doctor was known for her optimism and inclusive spirit.
David Tennant: The Popular Tenth Doctor
Alt text: David Tennant, fan-favourite actor doctor who in his first incarnation, striking a dynamic pose as the Tenth Doctor in his pinstripe suit and converse.
- Birth date: April 18, 1971
- Casting announced: April 16, 2005
- Shooting begins: July 2005
- First episode broadcast: December 25, 2005
- Age at casting announcement: 33
- Age when shooting begins: 34
- Age at first broadcast: 34
David Tennant first became the Doctor at 33. His Tenth Doctor is widely considered one of the most popular, charming audiences with his energy and emotional performances.
Ncuti Gatwa: The Energetic Fifteenth Doctor
Alt text: Ncuti Gatwa, the youngest actor doctor who in the modern era, pictured smiling brightly, representing the fresh energy he brings to Doctor Who.
- Birth date: October 15, 1992
- Casting announced: May 8, 2022
- Shooting begins: November 2022
- First episode broadcast: 2023 (?)
- Age at casting announcement: 29
- Age when shooting begins: 30
- Age at first broadcast: 31 (?)
Ncuti Gatwa is the youngest actor to take on the role in the modern era, cast at 29. His Fifteenth Doctor promises to bring a youthful vigour and new dynamic to the character.
Peter Davison: The Vulnerable Fifth Doctor
Alt text: Peter Davison, actor doctor who who was notably young for the role at the time, in a studio portrait as the Fifth Doctor, wearing his cricket attire and contemplative expression.
- Birth date: April 13, 1951
- Casting announced: November 4, 1980
- Shooting begins: April 13, 1981
- First episode broadcast: January 4, 1982
- Age at casting announcement: 29
- Age when shooting begins: 30
- Age at first broadcast: 30
Peter Davison was also 29 when cast, embodying a more vulnerable and human Doctor, contrasting with his predecessors.
Matt Smith: The Youngest Eleventh Doctor
Alt text: Matt Smith, the youngest actor doctor who to date, in a promotional shot as the Eleventh Doctor, with his bow tie and quirky, youthful energy.
- Birth date: October 28, 1982
- Casting announced: January 3, 2009
- Shooting begins: July 20, 2009
- First episode broadcast: April 3, 2010
- Age at casting announcement: 26
- Age when shooting begins: 26
- Age at first broadcast: 27
Matt Smith holds the record as the youngest actor to be cast as the Doctor at just 26. His Eleventh Doctor was characterized by youthful exuberance and a whimsical nature.
Bonus Doctors: Age is Just a Number!
Even beyond the main line of Doctors, the universe of Doctor Who has seen other actors step into the role, often at later stages in their careers:
- David Bradley: Age 75 at first broadcast
- John Hurt: Age 73 at first broadcast
- Richard Hurndall: Age 73 at first broadcast
- Peter Cushing: Age 51 at first film release
- Jo Martin: Age 39 (?) at first broadcast
Conclusion: The Ever-Changing Age of the Doctor
From the seasoned William Hartnell to the youthful Ncuti Gatwa, the actors who have played Doctor Who have spanned a wide range of ages, each bringing their own interpretation and energy to the role. The debate about the ‘right’ age for the Doctor is ongoing, but one thing is clear: the character’s enduring appeal transcends age, captivating audiences across generations. Whether young or older, each actor has left an indelible mark on the Doctor Who legacy.
So, is David Tennant the third oldest? As of his Fourteenth Doctor incarnation, yes, placing him among the more mature actors to have taken on this timeless role. But as Doctor Who proves time and time again, the story is always evolving, and the age of the Doctor is just one fascinating facet of this ever-changing phenomenon.
