Jon Pertwee

Jon Pertwee was a renowned British actor, best known for his portrayal of the Third Doctor in the long-running BBC science fiction series Doctor Who. Born in Chelsea, London, Pertwee was educated at Sherborne School and later attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he was a classmate of Roger Moore and Vivien Leigh. He began his career in the entertainment industry during World War II, performing with the Royal Navy and later joining the BBC as a radio presenter.

● Early Life and Education

Pertwee was born to Avice Scholtz and Roland Pertwee, a British actor and playwright, and was raised in a family of actors, including his cousin, Bill Pertwee. He was educated at Frensham Heights School and later attended Sherborne School in Dorset, where he developed an interest in acting and entertainment. Pertwee's early life was influenced by his family's connections to the theatre and film industry, including his father's work with Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence. He was also a fan of science fiction authors such as H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, which would later influence his work on Doctor Who.

● Career

Pertwee's career in the entertainment industry spanned over five decades, during which he worked with notable actors and directors, including Orson Welles, Laurence Olivier, and Alfred Hitchcock. He began his career as a radio presenter and actor, working with the BBC and performing in various radio plays and comedy sketches. Pertwee's early work included appearances on BBC Radio shows such as The Navy Lark and Waterlogged Spa, alongside Stephen Murray and Leslie Phillips. He also worked in film, appearing in movies such as A Yank in the R.A.F. and Carry On Cleo, alongside Sid James and Kenneth Williams.

● Doctor Who

Pertwee's most notable role was as the Third Doctor in the BBC science fiction series Doctor Who, which he played from 1970 to 1974. During his time on the show, Pertwee worked with notable actors, including Katy Manning, Nicholas Courtney, and Roger Delgado, who played the Master. His portrayal of the Third Doctor was known for its dandyish style and action-oriented storylines, which were influenced by the James Bond films and The Avengers (TV series). Pertwee's work on Doctor Who also included collaborations with notable writers, such as Robert Holmes and Terry Nation, who created the Daleks and Cybermen.

● Other Work

In addition to his work on Doctor Who, Pertwee appeared in a variety of other TV shows and films, including The Navy Lark, Waterlogged Spa, and Worzel Gummidge. He also worked as a voice actor, providing voices for animated films and TV series, such as The Clangers and SuperTed. Pertwee's other notable work included appearances on The Morecambe & Wise Show and The Two Ronnies, alongside Eric Morecambe, Ernie Wise, and Ronnie Barker. He also worked with Monty Python members, including John Cleese and Eric Idle, on various comedy projects.

● Personal Life

Pertwee was married twice, first to Jean Marsh and later to Ingeborg Rhoesa. He had two children, Sean Pertwee and Dariel Pertwee, who both followed in his footsteps in the entertainment industry. Pertwee was known for his love of cars and motorcycles, and was a member of the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain. He was also a fan of science fiction and fantasy literature, and was a friend of authors such as Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke.

● Legacy

Pertwee's legacy as an actor and entertainer continues to be celebrated by fans of Doctor Who and British comedy. He was awarded a BAFTA TV Award for his work on Doctor Who and was also nominated for a British Comedy Award. Pertwee's influence can be seen in the work of other actors and comedians, including David Tennant and Matt Smith, who have both played the Doctor in Doctor Who. His contributions to British entertainment have been recognized by organizations such as the BBC and the British Film Institute, and he remains a beloved figure in the world of science fiction and comedy. Category:British actors