Colin Baker

Colin Baker
Name	Colin Baker
Caption	Baker in 2019
Birth date	8 June 1943
Birth place	Waterloo, London, England
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1969–present
Spouse	Marion Wyatt (m. 1966; div. 1975), Liza Goddard (m. 1978; div. 1984), Myra Frances (m. 1984; div. 2001)

Colin Baker is an English actor best known for portraying the Sixth Doctor in the long-running BBC science fiction series Doctor Who. His tenure from 1984 to 1986 was marked by a bold and confrontational interpretation of the Time Lord, distinguished by his multicoloured coat and a more abrasive personality. Baker has maintained a prolific career in British theatre and television, becoming a beloved figure at fan conventions and remaining a prominent ambassador for the Doctor Who franchise.

Early life and education

Born in Waterloo, London, he was raised in Rochdale and later Manchester, where he attended St Bede's College. Initially pursuing a legal career, he studied law at the London School of Economics before deciding to follow his passion for performance. He subsequently trained as an actor at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), graduating in 1969 and embarking on a professional stage career.

Acting career

Baker's early television work included a regular role as Paul Merroney in the BBC drama series The Brothers during the 1970s. He made notable guest appearances in popular series such as Blake's 7 and The Tomorrow People, and played the villainous Bayban the Butcher in an episode of Doctor Who spin-off K-9 and Company. His stage work has been extensive, encompassing performances in Shakespearean plays, modern dramas, and musicals in theatres across the United Kingdom, including the Royal National Theatre.

Doctor Who

Baker was cast as the Sixth Doctor following his appearance as Commander Maxil in the Doctor Who story Arc of Infinity. He made his full debut in the 1984 serial The Caves of Androzani, regenerating from Peter Davison's Fifth Doctor. His era, produced by John Nathan-Turner, featured stories like Vengeance on Varos and Revelation of the Daleks, and introduced his companion Peri Brown, played by Nicola Bryant. His tenure was controversially cut short when he was asked to leave the role by the BBC management in 1986, not returning to film a regeneration scene; his final televised story was The Trial of a Time Lord. He has since reprised the role extensively in Big Finish audio dramas.

Other work

Beyond his iconic role, Baker has appeared in numerous television series, including a long-running stint as David Keye in ITV's The Bill and guest roles in programmes like Jonathan Creek and Doctors. He is a regular participant in the touring stage show Doctor Who: The Ultimate Adventure and has competed on the BBC reality series I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. His voice work includes narration for documentaries and audiobooks.

Personal life

Baker has been married three times: to Marion Wyatt, actress Liza Goddard, and actress Myra Frances; he has four children from his first marriage. A resident of Buckinghamshire, he is known for his candid and engaging presence at fan events and on social media. He is also a published author, having written an autobiography titled *Look Who's Talking*.

Legacy and influence

Despite the turbulent circumstances of his television departure, Baker's portrayal of the Sixth Doctor has been re-evaluated and greatly celebrated through expanded universe media, particularly the acclaimed Big Finish audio plays. His enduring popularity is evidenced by his consistent high rankings in fan polls and his dedicated following at events like San Diego Comic-Con and official conventions. He remains an active and cherished part of the Doctor Who community, influencing subsequent actors to embrace the role's longevity in non-televised formats.

Category:1943 births Category:English male television actors Category:Doctor Who actors Category:Living people