The question of age often fascinates fans, especially when it comes to beloved characters like the Doctor from Doctor Who. When each actor first stepped into the TARDIS as the Doctor, how old were they? It’s a fun piece of trivia that reveals some interesting facts, and sometimes, a few surprises, about the actors who have embodied this iconic role. While it might seem straightforward, pinpointing the exact age can be a bit more nuanced than you might think, depending on whether you consider the casting announcement, the start of filming, or the broadcast of their first full episode.
This exploration isn’t about getting bogged down in minor details, but rather to appreciate the range of ages at which talented Doctor Actors have taken on this incredible role. And, perhaps more amusingly, to realize how time marches on – as the original article playfully pointed out, David Tennant, once the young heartthrob Doctor, is now among the more senior actors to have played the part.
Let’s dive into the ages of the actors when they first became the Doctor, acknowledging that there are various points to consider, but aiming for a generally agreed-upon age for each. Consider this your go-to guide for settling those Doctor Who age debates and impressing your friends at the next trivia night!
The Doctors’ Ages When They First Took Flight in the TARDIS
To keep things clear, we’ll focus on the age of each actor around the time their casting was announced, filming began, and their first episode aired. You’ll notice that these ages are generally very close, often the same, but for the sake of thoroughness, we’ve included all three data points.
William Hartnell – The First Doctor
- 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 standard, becoming the Doctor at the age of 55. His portrayal established the character’s core traits, and his age lent a grandfatherly wisdom to the role right from the start.
Peter Capaldi – The Twelfth Doctor
- 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’s age upon casting, Peter Capaldi brought a seasoned gravitas to the Twelfth Doctor. Fans were excited to see another mature actor take on the role, proving that the Doctor could be portrayed at any age.
David Tennant – The Fourteenth Doctor
- Birth date: April 18, 1971
- Casting announced: October 23, 2022
- Shooting begins: June 2022 (approx.)
- 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 was a celebrated event. At 51, he reprised the role with the same energy and enthusiasm that made him a fan favorite the first time around, albeit with a bit more experience under his belt.
Jon Pertwee – The Third Doctor
- 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 brought a different kind of action-hero charm to the Third Doctor. Stepping into the role around 50 years old, his Doctor was sophisticated, adventurous, and very much a man of action.
Patrick Troughton – The Second Doctor
- 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
Taking over from William Hartnell was no small feat, but Patrick Troughton, at 46, made the role his own. His Second Doctor was more mischievous and comedic, yet still deeply intelligent and heroic.
Sylvester McCoy – The Seventh Doctor
- 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 became the Seventh Doctor. His portrayal evolved from comedic beginnings to a darker, more manipulative incarnation, showcasing his range as an actor.
Colin Baker – The Sixth Doctor
- 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 exactly 40 years old when his tenure as the Sixth Doctor began. Known for his flamboyant costume and sometimes bombastic personality, Baker’s Doctor is a memorable part of the show’s history.
Christopher Eccleston – The Ninth Doctor
- 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 when cast, Christopher Eccleston relaunched Doctor Who for a new generation. His Ninth Doctor was battle-scarred and emotionally complex, setting the stage for the show’s modern era.
Tom Baker – The Fourth Doctor
- 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, another 40-year-old upon casting, became the longest-running Doctor and an instant icon. His Fourth Doctor was eccentric, whimsical, and undeniably captivating.
Paul McGann – The Eighth Doctor
- 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 took on the role for the Doctor Who TV movie. Though his on-screen time was limited at the time, his Eighth Doctor has become a beloved figure through audio dramas and expanded universe materials.
Jodie Whittaker – The Thirteenth Doctor
- 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 ground as the first female Doctor, cast at age 35. Her Thirteenth Doctor was optimistic, energetic, and compassionate, bringing a fresh perspective to the role.
David Tennant – The Tenth Doctor
- 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 a relatively young age of 33. His Tenth Doctor became incredibly popular, known for his charm, wit, and emotional depth.
Ncuti Gatwa – The Fifteenth Doctor
- Birth date: October 15, 1992
- Casting announced: May 8, 2022
- Shooting begins: November 2022
- First episode broadcast: 2023 (approx.)
- Age at casting announcement: 29
- Age when shooting begins: 30
- Age at first broadcast: 31 (approx.)
Ncuti Gatwa takes the crown as one of the youngest doctor actors, cast at just 29. His Fifteenth Doctor promises to bring a vibrant and dynamic energy to the role, exciting fans for the future of Doctor Who.
Peter Davison – The Fifth Doctor
- 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, making him another of the younger actors to play the Doctor. His Fifth Doctor was more vulnerable and sensitive, a departure from his predecessors.
Matt Smith – The Eleventh Doctor
- 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 for being the youngest actor cast as the Doctor, at just 26 years old. His Eleventh Doctor was quirky, energetic, and full of childlike wonder, proving that youth could bring a unique and compelling dimension to the character.
Conclusion
From the seasoned William Hartnell to the youthful Matt Smith and Ncuti Gatwa, the actors who have played the Doctor span a wide age range. This list demonstrates that the essence of the Doctor isn’t defined by age, but by the talent and unique interpretation each actor brings to the role. Whether in their twenties or their fifties, these doctor actors have each left an indelible mark on the Doctor Who legacy, proving that the Time Lord can be compelling at any age. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal and adaptability of the Doctor, a character who continues to regenerate and capture the imaginations of audiences across generations.
