David Tennant | Success Story of the “Doctor Who” Actor

David Tennant is one of the most prominent TV personalities worldwide. He has been a part of the entertainment industry for over three decades. In his successful career, David has worked on significant projects like Doctor Who, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Sandman, Fright Night, How to Train Your Dragon, and its sequel. The film and TV fraternity considers David Tennant one of the most iconic actors of the generation. 

About

David Tennant is a BAFTA award-winning actor from Bathgate, Scotland. He rose to fame during the mid-2000s with the outstanding portrayal of the tenth incarnation of Doctor Who. David has won several prestigious accolades like Emmy, People’s Choice, BBC Audio Drama, and National Television Awards. He has worked with iconic actors like Colin Farrell, Elisabeth Moss, Sir Michael John Gambon, Margot Robbie, and Andrew Clement Serkis. Recently, David starred in Amazon Prime Video’s fantasy drama Good Omens.  

Early Life

On the 18th of April 1971, David John McDonald was born in Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland. His father, Alexander Sandy McDonald, was a moderator of the annual general assembly of the church of Scotland. In contrast, his mother, Helen McLeod, was the daughter of famous footballer Archie McLeod. David has two siblings. He grew up in Ralston, a small suburban area in Renfrewshire. David told his parents that he would become an actor from age three. As a child, David loved watching Doctor Who. His parents did not want him to get into the acting business. They wanted David to pursue conventional work. However, young David was stubborn and single-minded when it came to acting. 

For schooling, David attended the Paisley Grammar school in Paisley, Renfrewshire. He continued watching Doctor Who throughout his childhood. At age eight, he met the fourth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who, Tom Baker. Young David queued up in a book-signing event to get Tom’s autograph. Throughout his childhood, he only missed one episode of Doctor Who. During his school years, his classmates often bullied him for his appearance. Initially, he used to write essays on Doctor Who in school. However, other children used to make fun of him and his love for the series. David grew up hating his school and teenage years. He was assaulted several times. From age ten, David began participating in school productions. Renowned Scottish actress Edith MacArthur noticed him. She told David’s parents that he’d become a star. 

Beginning of Career

After acting in school productions, David started attending the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. At age sixteen, he passed the Academy’s exam. The same year, while still in secondary school, David began his professional acting career. Glasgow Health Board cast him in an anti-smoking film. The film aired in various schools and on TV. A year later, he acted in an episode of Dramarama. After graduation, David started working in plays. One of his first roleplays as various characters were in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. Soon after that, he portrayed a transgender barmaid in Rab C. Nesbitt. During the early 90s, David played several minor roles on stage and on television. 

Initial Years

After starring in various plays like Jump the Life to Come, Merlin, and Scotland Matters, David landed his first prominent role in television. David Blair cast him in a six-part drama Takin’ Over the Asylum in 1994. During the filming, David met famous writer and comic actress Arabella Weir. She lived in London at the time and needed a lodger. 22-year-old David wanted to go to London for a short time. Eventually, Arabella decided to lodge him. The two worked together on several projects. In 1996, David made his big screen debut with Jude. Later, during the early 2000s, David acted in various plays.

Worldwide Recognition 

After acting in over seventy projects, David became the tenth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who. In June 2005, he made a brief appearance at the show. His first full-length episode was released on Christmas day, 2005. David’s childhood dream came true when he portrayed the Doctor. He went on to become the most iconic incarnation of the character. Many fans and reputed magazines regarded him as the best Doctor on the show. David achieved worldwide recognition for his portrayal. To date, David’s portrayal of the Doctor is considered the most remarkable performance of all time. 

Also read: Benedict Cumberbatch | Success Story of the Phenomenal Actor