The first incarnation of the Doctor was played by William Hartnell, star of 'The Army Game in the late 1950s. Below is a list of every actor to have played the Doctor.
1. William Hartnell 1963-66
2. Patrick Troughton 1966-69
3. Jon Pertwee 1970-74
4. Tom Baker 1974-81
5. Peter Davison 1982-84
6. Colin Baker 1984-86
7. Sylvester McCoy 1987-89
8. Paul McGann 1996 (also appeared in 2013 mini episode 'The Night of the Doctor'
9. Christopher Eccleston 2005
10. David Tennant 2005-2010 (returned for 50th anniversary special 'The Day of the Doctor' in 2013)
11. Matt Smith 2010-2013
12. Peter Capaldi 2014 onwards
Note: John Hurt appeared as a different version of the Doctor known as the War Doctor, making hid first aappearance in the series 7 finale 'The Name of the Doctor, also appearing in 'The Night of the Doctor minisode and 'The Day of the Doctor' anniversary special.
William Hartnell was the first actor to play Doctor Who, portraying the character from 1963 to 1966.
William Hartnell was the first actor to play the Doctor in the TV series "Doctor Who," starting from 1963.
As of now, the next actor to play the iconic role of the Doctor in "Doctor Who" has not been officially announced. The casting of the Doctor is typically kept under wraps until the BBC makes an official announcement.
When one actor wants to leave or has been in Doctor Who for too long, instead of the show ending because the main character has gone, the Doctor regenerates and turns in to a new docotr (actor) so the show can continue on.
Paul Kasey is a British actor and creature performer who has appeared in multiple episodes of "Doctor Who" playing various alien characters. He is known for his physical and prosthetic work, bringing to life creatures such as Ood, Cybermen, Judoon, and more in the series.
William Hartnell was the first actor to play Doctor Who, portraying the character from 1963 to 1966.
William Hartnell was the first actor to play the Doctor in the TV series "Doctor Who," starting from 1963.
William Hartnell was the oldest actor to play the Doctor in the original series of Doctor Who, taking on the role at the age of 55 in 1963.
Actor Joel McCrea was the first one to play Doctor Kildare in the 1937 film titled Interns Can't Take Money.
The first person to play The Doctor was William Hartnell.He became the first Doctor in 1963 and played the role until 1966. He also made a special appearance in the 1973 episode called "The Three Doctors".More information & further reading:The First DoctorWilliam Hartnell
He wasn't. They found a simmilar actor to play his role...
Patrick Troughton
Matt Smith, at 26 he is the youngest actor to play the role of The Doctor.
Between 1963 and 1966
David Tennant, but this is only my opinion. I would say the next best actor to play the doctor was Tom Baker.I totally agree with that statement.In my opinion the best Doctor is David Tennant and my second best Doctor is Matt Smith.
Ralph Carrigan has: Played Cyberman in "Doctor Who" in 1963. Played Cheerleader in "Doctor Who" in 1963. Played Extra in "Doctor Who" in 1963. Played Robot in "Doctor Who" in 1963. Played Monoid Two in "Doctor Who" in 1963. Played Undergraduate at Party in "The Wednesday Play" in 1964. Played M.P. in "The Body Stealers" in 1969.
William Hartnell played the First Doctor from 1963 until 1966 (3 years)