All Doctor Who Actors in Order: Including Their Companions
In this article, we will explore all the actors who have portrayed the Doctor in order, from the first Doctor, William Hartnell, to the current incarnation, Jodie Whittaker. Additionally, we will delve into the companions who have accompanied each Doctor on their travels, highlighting the unique relationships and dynamics that have made Doctor Who a beloved television series for over half a century.
Since its inception in 1963, Doctor Who has become a cultural phenomenon, with a devoted following spanning generations. The science-fiction series follows the adventures of the Doctor, a time-traveling alien who explores the universe and helps people in need while accompanied by a rotating cast of companions. Throughout the show’s long history, the Doctor has been played by many talented actors, each bringing their unique take on the character and adding to the show’s enduring appeal.
First Doctor – William Hartnell
William Hartnell originated the role of the Doctor in 1963, and his portrayal of the character laid the groundwork for everything that followed. Hartnell’s Doctor was a cantankerous, grandfatherly figure who would often bristle at the actions of his companions but was always there to guide them and protect them when they needed it most. Hartnell’s tenure on the show was marked by several iconic moments, including the first appearance of the Daleks and the introduction of the concept of regeneration, which would become a central part of the show’s mythology.
Companions – Susan, Barbara, Ian
A trio of companions accompanied the First Doctor: his granddaughter Susan and two teachers from Coal Hill School, Barbara, and Ian. Susan, played by Carole Ann Ford, was a key part of the show’s early years, and her relationship with the Doctor was one of the show’s most defining aspects. Barbara and Ian, played by Jacqueline Hill and William Russell, were introduced in the show’s first episode.
Their presence helped ground the show in a more realistic setting, providing a point of entry for viewers who might not have been familiar with science fiction. Together, the three companions formed a close-knit team that would help the Doctor overcome countless dangers and challenges, and their legacy would live on long after they left the show.
Second Doctor – Patrick Troughton
Patrick Troughton took over the role of the Doctor in 1966, and his portrayal of the character was a stark departure from his predecessor. Troughton’s Doctor was a mischievous, often clownish figure who would use his wits and cunning to outsmart his enemies. Several memorable stories, including the Cybermen’s introduction and the Daleks’ return, marked his tenure on the show. Troughton’s performance as the Doctor would set the standard for future actors, and his legacy would continue to be felt throughout the show’s long history.
Companions – Jamie McCrimmon, Victoria Waterfield, Zoe Heriot
The Second Doctor was accompanied by several companions, including Jamie McCrimmon, Victoria Waterfield, and Zoe Heriot. Jamie, played by Frazer Hines, was a Scottish highlander who would become one of the show’s most beloved companions, appearing in numerous stories alongside the Second Doctor. Victoria, played by Deborah Watling, was a Victorian orphan who would prove to be a capable and resourceful ally to the Doctor. Zoe, played by Wendy Padbury, was a genius-level astrophysicist who would use her intelligence to help the Doctor in various sticky situations.
Third Doctor – Jon Pertwee
Jon Pertwee took over the role of the Doctor in 1970, and his portrayal of the character was a departure from his two predecessors. The Third Doctor was a dapper, action-oriented figure who would use his martial arts skills and clever mind to outwit his enemies. Several memorable stories, including the introduction of the Master and the return of the Daleks, marked his tenure on the show. Pertwee’s performance as the Doctor would help to solidify the show’s popularity, and his legacy would continue to be felt throughout the show’s long history.
Companions – Liz Shaw, Jo Grant, Sarah Jane Smith
The Third Doctor was accompanied by several companions, including Liz Shaw, Jo Grant, and Sarah Jane Smith. Liz, played by Caroline John, was a brilliant scientist who would assist the Doctor in his investigations. Jo, played by Katy Manning, was a brave and resourceful young woman who would become one of the show’s most beloved companions. Sarah Jane, played by Elisabeth Sladen, was a young journalist who would prove to be one of the most enduring characters in the show’s history, appearing alongside multiple incarnations of the Doctor.
Fourth Doctor – Tom Baker
Tom Baker took over the role of the Doctor in 1974, and his portrayal of the character is one of the most iconic in the show’s history. The Fourth Doctor was a bohemian, somewhat eccentric figure who would use his charm and wit to escape sticky situations. Several memorable stories, including the introduction of the Sontarans and the return of the Daleks, marked his tenure on the show. Baker’s performance as the Doctor would help to define the show’s golden age, and his legacy would continue to be felt throughout the show’s long history.
Companions – Sarah Jane Smith, Harry Sullivan, Leela, K-9, Romana, Adric, Nyssa
The Fourth Doctor was accompanied by a diverse group of companions, including Sarah Jane Smith, Harry Sullivan, Leela, K-9, Romana, Adric, and Nyssa. Sarah Jane, played by Elisabeth Sladen, made a triumphant return as the Fourth Doctor’s companion, cementing her status as one of the show’s most popular characters. Harry, played by Ian Marter, was a naval surgeon who often served as the Doctor’s ally in action-packed stories. Leela, played by Louise Jameson, was a savage warrior from a distant planet who would learn to become more civilized under the Doctor’s tutelage. K-9, voiced by John Leeson, was a robot dog who would become one of the show’s most beloved characters, appearing in both the Fourth and Fifth Doctor eras.
Romana, played by Mary Tamm and later Lalla Ward, was a fellow Time Lord who would join the Doctor on his travels, providing a different perspective on the universe. Adric, played by Matthew Waterhouse, was a young mathematical genius who often found himself over his head on the Doctor’s adventures. Nyssa, played by Sarah Sutton, was a compassionate scientist who would assist the Doctor in saving the universe.
Fifth Doctor – Peter Davison
Peter Davison took over the role of the Doctor in 1982, and his portrayal of the character was a departure from his predecessor’s larger-than-life personality. The Fifth Doctor was a more reserved figure who would use his intelligence and empathy to navigate the challenges he faced. Several memorable stories, including the Cybermen’s introduction and the Daleks’ return, marked his tenure on the show. Davison’s performance as the Doctor would help to bring a new perspective to the show, and his legacy would continue to be felt throughout the show’s long history.
Companions – Adric, Nyssa, Tegan Jovanka, Vislor Turlough
The Fifth Doctor was accompanied by a diverse group of companions, including Adric, Nyssa, Tegan Jovanka, and Vislor Turlough. Adric and Nyssa would continue to travel with the Doctor from the Fourth Doctor’s era, providing a sense of continuity for fans of the show. Tegan, played by Janet Fielding, was an Australian flight attendant who would provide a different perspective on the Doctor’s adventures. Vislor Turlough, played by Mark Strickson, was a reluctant ally of the Doctor who would eventually become a trusted friend. Together, these companions would help to define the Fifth Doctor’s era, and their presence would be remembered fondly by fans of the show.
Sixth Doctor – Colin Baker
Colin Baker took over the role of the Doctor in 1984, and his portrayal of the character was a more bombastic and outspoken figure. The Sixth Doctor was a controversial figure in the show’s history, with some fans loving his over-the-top personality and others finding him too abrasive. Several memorable stories, including the Rani introduction and the Cybermen’s return, marked his tenure on the show. Baker’s performance as the Doctor would help to bring a new perspective to the show, and his legacy would continue to be felt throughout the show’s long history.
Companions – Peri Brown, Mel Bush
The Sixth Doctor was accompanied by two companions: Peri Brown and Mel Bush. Peri, played by Nicola Bryant, was an American college student who would become one of the show’s most memorable and enduring companions. She was often caught up in the Doctor’s adventures and would prove to be a capable and resourceful ally. Mel, played by Bonnie Langford, was a somewhat controversial addition to the show, with some fans finding her overly cheery and optimistic. Despite this, she would prove to be a popular character, and her presence would help to define the Sixth Doctor’s era.
Seventh Doctor – Sylvester McCoy
Sylvester McCoy took over the role of the Doctor in 1987, and his portrayal of the character was a more manipulative and mysterious figure. The Seventh Doctor was a dishonest and cunning figure who would use his intelligence and foresight to outwit his enemies. His tenure on the show was marked by several memorable stories, including the introduction of the Doctor’s arch-nemesis, the Master, and the return of the Daleks. McCoy’s performance as the Doctor would help to bring a new perspective to the show, and his legacy would continue to be felt throughout the show’s long history.
Companions – Melanie Bush, Ace
The Seventh Doctor was accompanied by two companions: Melanie Bush and Ace. Mel, played by Bonnie Langford, would continue to travel with the Doctor from the Sixth Doctor’s era. Ace, played by Sophie Aldred, was a punk rock-loving teenager who would become one of the show’s most popular and enduring companions. Together, these two companions would help to define the Seventh Doctor’s era, and their presence would be remembered fondly by fans of the show.
Eighth Doctor – Paul McGann
Paul McGann took on the role of the Doctor in 1996 in a one-off TV movie intended to relaunch the show. McGann’s portrayal of the Doctor was a more romantic and emotional figure who would use his charm and wit to win over his enemies. His tenure on the show was brief but memorable, and he would go on to become a fan-favorite Doctor despite only appearing in a single on-screen adventure.
Companions – Grace Holloway
The Eighth Doctor was accompanied on his travels by Grace Holloway, played by Daphne Ashbrook. Grace was an American cardiologist who would find herself caught up in the Doctor’s adventures after he was brought back to life by a botched surgery. Together, the Doctor and Grace would battle the Master and save the world before the Doctor was forced to regenerate once again.
Ninth Doctor – Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Eccleston took on the role of the Doctor in 2005 in a relaunch of the show that would prove to be wildly successful. Eccleston’s portrayal of the Doctor was a more serious and tortured figure who would use his intelligence and bravery to save the day. Several memorable stories, including the return of the Daleks and the introduction of the Autons, marked his tenure on the show. Eccleston’s performance as the Doctor would help to bring the show into the modern era, and his legacy would continue to be felt throughout the show’s long history.
Companions – Rose Tyler, Captain Jack Harkness
The Ninth Doctor was accompanied by two companions: Rose Tyler and Captain Jack Harkness. Rose, played by Billie Piper, was a shop assistant who would become one of the show’s most beloved and enduring companions. Captain Jack, played by John Barrowman, was a time traveler and con man who would provide a different perspective on the Doctor’s adventures. Together, these two companions would help to define the Ninth Doctor’s era, and their presence would be remembered fondly by fans of the show.
Tenth Doctor – David Tennant
David Tennant took over the role of the Doctor in 2005, following Christopher Eccleston’s departure, and quickly became one of the most beloved Doctors in the show’s history. The Tenth Doctor was a charming and charismatic figure who would use his wit and intelligence to outsmart his enemies. Several memorable stories, including the introduction of the Cybermen and the return of the Master, marked his tenure on the show. Tennant’s performance as the Doctor would help to solidify the show’s popularity, and his legacy would continue to be felt throughout the show’s long history.
Companions – Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, Donna Noble
The Tenth Doctor was accompanied on his travels by several companions, including Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, and Donna Noble. Rose would continue to travel with the Doctor from the Ninth Doctor’s era before departing the show in one of the show’s most emotional and memorable departures. Martha, played by Freema Agyeman, was a medical student who would prove to be a capable and resourceful ally to the Doctor.
Donna, played by Catherine Tate, was a wisecracking and irreverent figure who would become one of the show’s most popular and enduring companions. Together, these companions would help to define the Tenth Doctor’s era, and their presence would be remembered fondly by fans of the show.
Eleventh Doctor – Matt Smith
Matt Smith took over the role of the Doctor in 2010, following David Tennant’s departure, and quickly won over audiences with his quirky and distinctive portrayal of the character. The Eleventh Doctor was a more unpredictable and childlike figure who would use his unorthodox methods to escape sticky situations. Several memorable stories, including the Weeping Angels’ introduction and the Silence’s return, marked his tenure on the show. Smith’s performance as the Doctor would help to bring new energy to the show, and his legacy would continue to be felt throughout the show’s long history.
Companions – Amy Pond, Rory Williams, Clara Oswald
The Eleventh Doctor was accompanied by several companions, including Amy Pond, Rory Williams, and Clara Oswald. Amy, played by Karen Gillan, was a feisty and headstrong young woman who would become one of the show’s most popular and enduring companions. Rory, played by Arthur Darvill, was Amy’s husband and would often serve as the voice of reason on the Doctor’s adventures.
Clara, played by Jenna Coleman, was a mysterious figure who would appear in multiple incarnations throughout the show’s history. Together, these companions would help to define the Eleventh Doctor’s era, and their presence would be remembered fondly by fans of the show.
War Doctor – John Hurt
John Hurt played the War Doctor, a previously unknown incarnation introduced in the 50th-anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor.” The War Doctor was a dark and brooding figure who had fought in the Time War, a conflict between the Time Lords and the Daleks that had threatened to destroy the universe. The War Doctor was tormented by his choices and the atrocities he had committed to save the universe.
Companions – No official companion
The War Doctor did not have an official companion in the traditional sense, although he did have several allies who helped him to save the universe. These included the Tenth Doctor and the Eleventh Doctor, who appeared in “The Day of the Doctor,” and several soldiers who fought alongside the Doctor in the Time War. Despite his lack of a traditional companion, the War Doctor’s legacy would continue to be felt throughout the show’s long history, and his presence would help to shape the Doctor’s future.
Twelfth Doctor – Peter Capaldi
Peter Capaldi took over the role of the Doctor in 2013, and his portrayal of the character was a more intense and complex figure. The Twelfth Doctor was a more introspective and brooding figure who would use his intelligence and experience to navigate the challenges he faced. Several memorable stories, including Missy’s introduction and the Cybermen’s return, marked his tenure on the show. Capaldi’s performance as the Doctor would help to bring a new depth to the character, and his legacy would continue to be felt throughout the show’s long history.
Companions – Clara Oswald, Bill Potts, Nardole
The Twelfth Doctor was accompanied on his travels by several companions, including Clara Oswald, Bill Potts, and Nardole. Clara would continue to travel with the Doctor from the Eleventh Doctor’s era, before departing the show in a dramatic and emotional fashion. Bill, played by Pearl Mackie, was the Doctor’s first openly gay companion and would be a popular addition to the show.
Nardole, played by Matt Lucas, was a quirky and comedic figure who would provide a different perspective on the Doctor’s adventures. Together, these companions would help to define the Twelfth Doctor’s era, and their presence would be remembered fondly by fans of the show.
Thirteenth Doctor – Jodie Whittaker
Jodie Whittaker took over the role of the Doctor in 2017, becoming the first female actor to play the role in the show’s history. The Thirteenth Doctor was a more empathetic and caring figure who would use her compassion and intelligence to save the day. Several memorable stories, including the introduction of new monsters, such as the Stenza, and the return of classic foes like the Daleks, have marked her tenure on the show. Whittaker’s performance as the Doctor has helped to bring a new perspective to the show, and her legacy is sure to be felt throughout the show’s long history.
Companions – Graham O’Brien, Ryan Sinclair, Yasmin Khan
The Thirteenth Doctor is accompanied by three companions: Graham O’Brien, Ryan Sinclair, and Yasmin Khan. Graham, played by Bradley Walsh, is a retired bus driver traveling with the Doctor following the death of his wife. Ryan, played by Tosin Cole, is a young man who has dyspraxia and is struggling to find his place in the world. Yasmin, played by Mandip Gill, is a police officer eager to see more of the universe. Together, these companions help to define the Thirteenth Doctor’s era, bringing a unique perspective to the Doctor’s adventures and helping to shape the show’s future.
Fifteenth Doctor – Ncuti Gatwa
Jodie Whittaker will take over the role of the Doctor in 2024, becoming the first gay actor to play the role in the show’s history.
Companions – Ruby Sunday
Millie Gibson will act as a new Doctor Who companion, Ruby Sunday. We don’t know much more about the character currently.
