![Britain TV Doctor Who Britain TV Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ap971545597339.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
The British sci-fi television show Doctor Who premiered in 1963 and stars a time-traveling alien called The Doctor. As a plot device, the Doctor is able to regenerate himself into an entirely “new,” person which allows for the show’s producers to conveniently change the lead actor as they see fit, with the thirteenth and latest incarnation of The Doctor played by Peter Capaldi.
Take a look back at all the actors who’ve played the Doctor over the years.
![William Hartnell Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-01.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Doctor Who 50th anniversary Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-02.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Jon Pertwee Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-03.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Fan told me I will die - Baker Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-04.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Peter Davison Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-05.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Doctor Who 50th anniversary Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-06.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Doctor Who 50th anniversary Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-07.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Doctor Who 50th anniversary Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-08.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Christopher Eccleston Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-09.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Billie Piper, David Tennant Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-10.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Doctor Who Experience Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-11.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Doctor Who Series 8 Doctor Who](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doctor-who-12.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Biden Dropped Out
- Ukraine’s Plan to Survive Trump
- The Rise of a New Kind of Parenting Guru
- The Chaos and Commotion of the RNC in Photos
- Why We All Have a Stake in Twisters’ Success
- 8 Eating Habits That Actually Improve Your Sleep
- Welcome to the Noah Lyles Olympics
- Get Our Paris Olympics Newsletter in Your Inbox
Contact us at letters@time.com