Patrick Troughton

Patrick Troughton
Mark Garland · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Patrick Troughton
Birth date	March 25, 1920
Birth place	Mill Hill, London, England
Death date	March 28, 1987
Death place	Columbus, Georgia, United States
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1945-1987
Notable works	Doctor Who, The Omen, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger

Patrick Troughton was a renowned English actor, best known for his role as the Second Doctor in the long-running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who. He was a versatile actor who appeared in numerous British television shows, including The Count of Monte Cristo, The Adventures of Robin Hood, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Troughton's career spanned over four decades, during which he worked with notable actors such as Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, and Ralph Richardson. He was also a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed in various Shakespearean plays, including Hamlet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

● Early Life and Education

Patrick Troughton was born in Mill Hill, London, England, to Edward Troughton and Dorothy Troughton. He was educated at Mill Hill School and later attended the Embassy Theatre in London, where he studied acting under the guidance of Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Troughton's early life was influenced by his parents, who were both involved in the theatre and encouraged his interest in acting. He was also inspired by actors such as Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, and Buster Keaton, who were popular during the 1920s and 1930s. Troughton's education was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the Royal Navy and was stationed on the HMS Valiant.

● Career

Troughton's acting career began in the 1940s, when he appeared in various theatre productions, including The Merchant of Venice and The Importance of Being Earnest. He later transitioned to television and appeared in shows such as The Quatermass Experiment, The Adventures of Sir Lancelot, and Ivanhoe. Troughton's career was marked by his versatility, as he played a wide range of roles, from comedy to drama to science fiction. He worked with notable directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean, and Carol Reed, and appeared in films such as The Man in the White Suit, The Black Knight, and Jason and the Argonauts. Troughton was also a member of the Actors' Equity Association and supported various charity organizations, including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the Theatrical Charitable Fund.

● Doctor Who

Troughton's most notable role was as the Second Doctor in the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who. He played the role from 1966 to 1969 and appeared in numerous episodes, including The Power of the Daleks, The Highlanders, and The War Games. Troughton's portrayal of the Doctor was marked by his eccentric and unconventional style, which became a hallmark of the character. He worked closely with the show's producers, including Sydney Newman and Verity Lambert, and helped to develop the character's personality and traits. Troughton's time on Doctor Who was also marked by his collaborations with other actors, including Frazer Hines, Deborah Watling, and Wendy Padbury.

● Filmography

Troughton's filmography includes a wide range of films, such as The Omen, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, and The Gorgon. He also appeared in television movies, including The Sweeney, The Professionals, and Minder. Troughton's film career was marked by his versatility, as he played a wide range of roles, from horror to comedy to drama. He worked with notable actors such as Gregory Peck, Ingrid Bergman, and Peter Cushing, and appeared in films directed by Richard Donner, Gordon Hessler, and Terence Fisher. Troughton's filmography also includes appearances in documentaries, such as The Making of Doctor Who and The Story of Doctor Who.

● Personal Life

Troughton was married three times, to Dorothy Troughton, Shelagh Troughton, and Erica Troughton. He had six children, including David Troughton, who is also an actor. Troughton was known for his private nature and kept his personal life out of the public eye. He was a fan of cricket and football and supported teams such as Middlesex County Cricket Club and Tottenham Hotspur F.C.. Troughton was also a member of the British Actors' Equity Association and supported various charity organizations, including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the Theatrical Charitable Fund.

● Legacy

Troughton's legacy is marked by his contributions to the world of science fiction and television. He is remembered for his iconic portrayal of the Second Doctor in Doctor Who and his numerous appearances in other television shows and films. Troughton's influence can be seen in the work of other actors, including Tom Baker, Peter Davison, and Colin Baker, who have all played the role of the Doctor in Doctor Who. He is also remembered for his versatility and range as an actor, and his ability to play a wide range of roles in various genres. Troughton's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of Doctor Who and science fiction around the world, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected actors of his generation. Category:English actors