Born on this day in 1908 - William Hartnell, the first Doctor

William Henry Hartnell was born on 8^th January 1908 in St Pancreas, London.

Hartnell was a former boxer and jockey who made his theatre debut in the 1920’s and his film debut in 1932 in “Say It With Music”. He was initially reluctant to play the part of the Doctor in the series but was convinced that he should accept the role by producer Verity Lambert and director Waris Hussein.

Hartnell made his first regular appearance in “An Unearthly Child” Episode 1, on November 23^rd 1963. Ongoing health problems forced him to leave the role and he made his final regular appearance in “The Tenth Planet” Episode 4 on 29^th October 1966.

He was to appear in the shows tenth anniversary story “The Three Doctors” along with Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee. Sadly due to ill health he had to play the part seated and reading his lines from cue cards.

William Hartnell died peacefully in his sleep of heart failure on 23^rd April 1975 in Marden, Kent. He was survived by his wife since 1929, Heather.