Doctor Who 1963 Cast
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television series that follows the adventures of the Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who travels through time and space in the TARDIS. The classic series ran from 1963 to 1989, featuring seven different actors as the Doctor.
The Doctors of Classic Who
William Hartnell
The First Doctor (1963-1966)
Patrick Troughton
The Second Doctor (1966-1969)
Jon Pertwee
The Third Doctor (1970-1974)
Tom Baker
The Fourth Doctor (1974-1981)
Peter Davison
The Fifth Doctor (1982-1984)
Colin Baker
The Sixth Doctor (1984-1986)
Sylvester McCoy
The Seventh Doctor (1987-1989)
Carole Ann Ford
Susan Foreman
Notable Companions
| Actor | Character | Years | Doctor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carole Ann Ford | Susan Foreman | 1963-1964 | First Doctor |
| William Russell | Ian Chesterton | 1963-1965 | First Doctor |
| Jacqueline Hill | Barbara Wright | 1963-1965 | First Doctor |
| Elisabeth Sladen | Sarah Jane Smith | 1973-1976 | Third & Fourth Doctors |
| Nicholas Courtney | Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart | 1968-1989 | Multiple Doctors |
| Louise Jameson | Leela | 1977-1978 | Fourth Doctor |
| Sophie Aldred | Ace | 1987-1989 | Seventh Doctor |
About Classic Doctor Who
Doctor Who premiered on BBC on November 23, 1963, the day after President Kennedy's assassination. Created by Sydney Newman, the series was initially conceived as an educational program for families, combining historical adventures with science fiction.
The show introduced the concept of regeneration when William Hartnell's health issues necessitated his departure, allowing the series to continue with new actors. Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor became the most iconic of the classic era, serving for seven years—the longest tenure of any Doctor.
Legacy
Classic Doctor Who laid the foundation for what would become one of the longest-running science fiction series in television history. After its cancellation in 1989, the series was revived in 2005, continuing the story and mythology established during these 26 seasons.