The Doctor (Doctor Who)
The Doctor is the main character in the long-running BBC science fiction series, Doctor Who. He is an alien from the planet Gallifrey and part of a race known as the Time Lords.
The Doctor travels in a time machine known as a TARDIS, which can transport him and his companions across time and space.
A feature of the Time Lord race is the ability to regenerate when fatally wounded, and The Doctor has regenerated ten times during the course of the series. His adversary, The Master has the same ability, although chose not to regenerate when he received a fatal injury in The Last Of The Time Lords.
Actors who have played The Doctor
The plot device of regeneration was initially created when it was clear that William Hartnell could no longer continue in the role. This has allowed the series to continue despite a disparate range of actors playing the role of The Doctor.
The Doctor is currently portrayed by David Tennant, but on 3 January 2009, it was announced that his successor will be Matt Smith. Smith's first appearance in the role will air in the spring of 2010.
The actors who have played The Doctor in the television series (including the TV movie) are:
| Incarnation | Actor | Dates |
| First Doctor | William Hartnell | 23 November 1963 – 29 October 1966 |
| Richard Hurndall | 25 November 1983 | |
| Second Doctor | Patrick Troughton | 29 October 1966 – 21 June 1969 |
| Third Doctor | Jon Pertwee | 3 January 1970 – 8 June 1974 |
| Fourth Doctor | Tom Baker | 8 June 1974 – 21 March 1981 |
| Fifth Doctor | Peter Davison | 21 March 1981 – 16 March 1984 |
| Sixth Doctor | Colin Baker | 16 March 1984 – 6 December 1986 |
| Seventh Doctor | Sylvester McCoy | 7 September 1987 – 6 December 1989 in the series, and 27 May 1996 in the Doctor Who film |
| Eighth Doctor | Paul McGann | 27 May 1996, in the Doctor Who film |
| Ninth Doctor | Christopher Eccleston | 26 March 2005 – 18 June 2005 |
| Tenth Doctor | David Tennant | 18 June 2005 – present day |
| Eleventh Doctor | Matt Smith |
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