Births on January 20

Tom Baker, English actor

Thomas Stewart Baker, born on January 20, 1934, is a highly distinguished English actor and writer, celebrated globally for his distinctive presence and iconic voice. He is perhaps most renowned for his transformative portrayal of the Fourth Incarnation of the Doctor in the globally acclaimed science fiction television series Doctor Who. His tenure, spanning from 1974 to 1981, marked a pivotal era for the show and remains the longest of any actor in the title role, cementing his legacy as one of the character's most beloved and recognisable embodiments. His era saw the series reach unprecedented viewing figures, with the 1979 episode "City of Death" attracting an audience of 16.1 million viewers in the UK, a record for the classic series.

Beyond his time-travelling exploits, Baker's rich, resonant voice, often described as "sonorous," has become a hallmark of his career. In 2006, it was notably voted the fourth-most recognisable voice in the United Kingdom. This distinctive vocal quality made him the perfect narrator for the popular television comedy series Little Britain (2003–2006) and its international spin-off, Little Britain USA (2008), where his authoritative yet subtly humorous delivery became an integral part of the shows' comedic identity.

Tom Baker's Early Life and Path to Acting

Baker's life before acting was remarkably diverse and unconventional. At the tender age of 15, he embarked on a path of spiritual devotion, beginning studies as a religious brother. However, after six years, he gradually realised that the monastic life was not his true calling. At the age of 21, he departed from religious life and undertook national service, serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps. This period of service provided him with unique life experiences before he transitioned once more, joining the Merchant Navy.

It was only after these varied life chapters that Tom Baker truly pursued his passion for acting. He joined the prestigious Royal National Theatre, working under the legendary Sir Laurence Olivier, a testament to his talent and dedication. Despite this prestigious beginning, his professional acting career, particularly in major roles, began relatively later in life. His breakthrough came in 1971, at the age of 37, when he delivered a powerful and critically acclaimed performance as the enigmatic Grigori Rasputin in the Oscar-nominated film Nicholas and Alexandra. This role earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor, marking his arrival on the cinematic stage.

His impressive portrayal in Nicholas and Alexandra led to another significant role as the villainous Prince Koura in the fantasy adventure film The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973). It was his striking and commanding presence in this film that caught the attention of Barry Letts, the producer of Doctor Who, directly leading to his momentous casting as the Fourth Doctor in 1974.

Impact and Later Career Highlights

Tom Baker's era on Doctor Who is widely celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and iconic moments. His portrayal infused the Doctor with a unique blend of eccentricity, cosmic wit, and an underlying sense of gravitas, captivating audiences with his wide-eyed curiosity, long multi-coloured scarf, and fondness for "jelly babies." Many stories from his period, such as "Genesis of the Daleks," "The Ark in Space," "Pyramids of Mars," and "City of Death," are now revered as classics within the series' extensive canon, consistently ranking among fan favourites and critical successes.

Following his departure from Doctor Who, Baker continued to enjoy a robust and varied acting career, securing regular roles in numerous television series. Notable appearances include the medical drama Medics (1992–1995), the supernatural detective series Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) (2000–2001), and the popular BBC family drama Monarch of the Glen (2004–2005). His distinctive voice has also made him a highly sought-after voice artist across various mediums, narrating commercials, video games (such as MediEvil 2 and Hostile Waters: Antaeus Rising), audiobooks (including a memorable reading of The Lord of the Rings), radio plays, and even contributing spoken word to music albums.

Personal Life

Tom Baker has been married three times. His first marriage was to Anna Wheatcroft, with whom he had two sons. His second marriage was to his Doctor Who co-star Lalla Ward, who famously played the Time Lord companion Romana II during his tenure. He met his third wife, Sue Jerrard, a former BBC production assistant, whilst working at the BBC in London, highlighting his enduring connection to the broadcasting world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Baker

How long was Tom Baker the Doctor?

Tom Baker portrayed the Fourth Doctor for seven consecutive years, from 1974 to 1981, making him the longest-serving actor in the lead role of Doctor Who's original run.

What are some of Tom Baker's other famous roles?

Besides Doctor Who, Tom Baker is well-known for his narration in Little Britain and Little Britain USA. His early film career includes critically acclaimed performances as Grigori Rasputin in Nicholas and Alexandra (1971) and Prince Koura in The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973). He also had significant television roles in series like Medics, Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), and Monarch of the Glen.

Why is Tom Baker's voice so distinctive?

Tom Baker's voice is often described as "sonorous," meaning deep, rich, and full. Its unique tone and commanding yet engaging quality have made it highly recognisable, leading to extensive work in narration for television, radio, audiobooks, and video games.

Did Tom Baker have a career before acting?

Yes, Tom Baker had a highly unconventional and varied career before becoming a full-time actor. He initially studied as a religious brother at age 15, then undertook national service in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and subsequently served in the Merchant Navy before pursuing his acting ambitions.