1. – William Hartnell, Doctor Who, 1963. The veteran Irish actor was first choice for BBC’s iconic Time Lord. And passed. The far less sympathetic – gruff and thereby considered acceptably eccentric – Hartnell helped create the world’s longest-running science fiction series during 1963-66. When asked to quit due to his failing health, the idea of the Doctor’s regenerative powers became the best way to introduce a new actor as a different Doctor…
Birth year: 1910Death year: 93Other name: Casting Calls: 1