Happy 46th, Doctor Who
With two hearts, a respiratory bypass system that allows you to go without air, an internal body temperature of 60 degrees and the ability to enter a self-induced coma-like state until your body heals from any mortal injury, it’s not wonder you look as good as you do.
You don’t look a day over 400!
On the eve of the eleventh incarnation (Matt Smith will assume the role in 2010), Tellyspotting wishes the Doctor a very happy 46th birthday. The series premiered in the UK 46 years ago today on November 23, 1963 when William Hartnell stepped into the role as the first Doctor in An Unearthly Child.
Happy birthday to all 11 of you. William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and Matt Smith. Each of you brought that little bit extra to the role. William Hartnell created an air of mystery around the character of the Doctor and was the first, obviously, to encounter the Daleks and the Cybermen. Patrick Troughton became the clever Doctor, always one step ahead of his enemies. Jon Pertwee was more the 007 type introducing the suave, man-of-action nature of the Doctor. Tom Baker was the proverbial wanderer of the universe and seemed to be very moody at times. Peter Davison was the Alan Alda of Doctors, very vulnerable, sensitive and inclusive. Colin Baker brought unpredictability and a little ego to the Doctor while Sylvester McCoy went from an amiable, bumbling Wally Cox-type personality to a more dark, secretive chess player as the character progressed. Appearing in only one episode, Paul McGann, the Eighth Doctor, never ceased to seize life and was widely regarded as the most romantic and human of all Doctors at the time. Christopher Eccleston spent more time encouraging others to act than being the one to always solve everything while the current Doctor, David Tennant is, well, David Tennant. Light-hearted, witty, easy going, talkative with a hint of ruthlessness and danger not far behind.
What better way to celebrate than to take a brief glimpse at The End of Time to be broadcast on Christmas night in the UK.
