1. William Hartnell: As the First Doctor, Hartnell set the stage with a stubborn but grandfatherly demeanor, leading the series from its inception in 1963. His Doctor was pivotal in establishing the core elements such as the TARDIS and regeneration.
2. Patrick Troughton: The Second Doctor, known as the “Cosmic Hobo,” brought a whimsical and impish nature to the character, often playing the recorder and facing off against iconic villains like the Cybermen.
3. Jon Pertwee: The Third Doctor, exiled to Earth, was an action-oriented figure who often collaborated with UNIT. Known for his dapper style and Venusian Aikido skills, he battled foes like the Master.
4. Tom Baker: As the Fourth Doctor, Tom Baker became iconic with his eccentric personality and a long scarf. His tenure is one of the most memorable, facing classic monsters during his adventures.
5. David Tennant: Known for his energetic and emotionally complex portrayal, the Tenth Doctor captured hearts with his deep sense of loneliness masked by wit and charm. He returned as the Fourteenth Doctor for anniversary specials.
6. Matt Smith: As the Eleventh Doctor, Smith brought a youthful exuberance combined with an old soul, exploring complex storylines like the Silence and Trenzalore.
7. Peter Capaldi: The Twelfth Doctor was known for his fierce intellect and initially standoffish demeanor, evolving into a character deeply questioning his own morality.
8. Christopher Eccleston: The Ninth Doctor, marked by his haunted, post-Time War vortex, revived the series with a balance of darkness and joy.
9. Paul McGann: Although his time was short onscreen, the Eighth Doctor reignited the flame of the Time Lord with passion and romantic charm through subsequent audio dramas.
10. John Hurt: The War Doctor, a hidden incarnation who fought in the Time War, brought gravitas to the lore by saving Gallifrey with the help of his future selves.
1. Jodie Whittaker: As the Thirteenth Doctor, she broke new ground as the first woman to lead the series, with a portrayal full of warmth and earnestness that transformed the Doctor’s legacy.
2. Jo Martin: The Fugitive Doctor, introduced during Whittaker’s era, deepened the show’s lore with her intriguing past and was the first Black woman to portray the Doctor.
3. Joanna Lumley: In “The Curse of Fatal Death,” a Comic Relief special, Lumley brought a comedic flair to the non-canonical Doctor.
4. Arabella Weir: In “Exile,” an audio adventure, Weir offered a unique take on the Doctor as a woman grappling with life in hiding.
5. Miranda Richardson: Portrayed a female Doctor in a spoof sketch, adding to discussions about the Doctor’s gender flexibility.
6. Sandra Dickinson: Voiced the role of a female incarnation in an animated parody, highlighting the Doctor’s many possibilities.
7. Lenny Henry: Although primarily known for comedy, Henry’s brief portrayal in a spoof offered a playful critique of the series.
8. Alice Obiefune: A companion from the Titan Comics series, known for her adventures alongside the Eleventh Doctor, expanding the series into new media.
9. River Song: Played by Alex Kingston, she’s not a Doctor but deserves mention as a complex and significant female character closely tied to the Doctor’s life and story.
10. Susan Foreman: The Doctor’s granddaughter and the first companion, who traveled with William Hartnell’s Doctor, she set the foundations for future companions.