A show as old and as iconic asDoctor Whowill always attract big name actors. A cultural phenomenon that is known the world over, many stars consider it a badge of honor to appear in the series. In the earliest days ofDoctor Who, there were many ‘before-the-were-famous’ turns from a hugely diverse group of actors, ranging from Julian Glover to Martin Clunes.
This list focuses on stars who were already well-known when guesting on the show. From A-list icons to comedy legends, it seems that in the vast and expanding Whoniverse, there is a potential role for every kind of performer. As the showenters its 60th year, fans can only imagine who else might turn up with (or against) the Doctor in the future.
10Peter Butterworth
Arguably the first proper guest star inDoctor Who, Peter Butterworth was also the first actor to play a recurring humanoid villain in the series AND the first othermember of the Doctor’s own race(aside from Susan). He appeared in two serials in the third season of the show, alongside William Hartnell’s First Doctor.
The Meddling Monk was a mischievous interferer, messing around with history for his own nefarious means. At the time, Butterworth was making his name in a host of comedy series and movies, and brought a lovable charm to the character of the Monk.
9Bill Nighy
Once touted as a very popular choicefor the role of the Doctor himself, Bill Nighy eventually turned up in a lovely cameo appearance at the end of the heart-breaking Series 5 episode ‘Vincent and the Doctor.’ Scripted by Richard Curtis, it’s a sweet little role that allows Nighy to show off his eccentric charms.
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Nighy’s work stretches across the stage and screen, with appearances in everything from romantic comedies (including several written by Richard Curtis) to science fiction and fantasy. It was inevitable that he’d find his way to the Whoniverse eventually.
8Maisie Williams
Maisie Williams was at the height of herGame of Thronesfame when she appeared in four episodes of Series 9, alongside Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor. The darkness of Williams’GoTcharacter, Arya Stark, is definitely reflected in her performance as Me inDoctor Who.
Many regard ‘The Woman Who Lived’ to be one of the highlights of the series since it returned in 2005, and that is in no small part thanks to Maisie Williams' haunted, beyond-her-years portrayal of a girl doomed to live forever. It was perfect casting and stellar acting.
7Nick Frost
First appearing as a surprise cameo in the 2014 season finale ‘Death in Heaven,’ Nick Frost stole Christmas in his performance as a wise-cracking,no-nonsense Santa Claus.
‘Last Christmas’ was a dark episode, but Frost brought light and humor to the adventure, with his version of Santa somewhere between Edmund Gwenn’s twinkling Kris Kringle fromMiracle on 34th Streetand a kickass action hero. He was a perfect foil for Capaldi’s stern incarnation of the Doctor, too.
6Lynda Baron
Lynda Baron was a British television legend, appearing in many soaps and drama series early in her career, before landing a larger role in theclassic sitcomOpen All Hours. Her first brush withDoctor Whowas actually as a singer, providing a song for the Hartnell adventure ‘The Gunfighters.’
Her first onscreen appearance was as the scenery-chewing villain Captain Wrack in the Fifth Docor (Peter Davison) story, ‘Enlightenment.’ Baron is at her best here as a space pirate Eternal, yearning for a universe in which she could create and destroy as she pleased. Baron would appear again as a different character in the Eleventh Doctor episode ‘Closing Time,’ in 2011.
5Carey Mulligan
Perhaps the greatest companion who never was, Sally Sparrow in the series 3 episode ‘Blink’ was given witty, inquisitive life by Carey Mulligan. Indeed, it’s Mulligan’s performance in this iconic episode that won her the Constellation Award for Best Female Performance in a 2007 Science Fiction Television Episode.
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Mulligan’s big breakthrough might have come afterDoctor Who(in coming-of-age dramaAn Education), but she was already a presence on stage and screen. Her career has gone from strength to strength, and she remains one of the UK’s best-loved actresses.
4Timothy Dalton
Bringing one of the most infamous Time Lords in Gallifreyan history was a heady task, but Timothy Dalton rose to the challenge. His arch, bitter version of Rassilon bristled with barely-contained rage in David Tennant’s final Tenth Doctor story, ‘The End of Time.’
Dalton was the actor who brought the edge back toJames Bond in the 1980’s, and that cold, calculating sharpness is present in Rassilon as well. He completely inhabits the character, and poses a very real threat to the Doctor, and all of time itself.
3Derek Jacobi
A legendary actor well-known for his numerous appearances in Shakespeare plays, Sir Derek Jacobi had already voiced the Doctor’s arch-enemy the Master for 2003’s animatedDoctor Whostory ‘Scream of the Shalka.’ In the Tenth Doctor episode ‘Utopia,’ Jacobi presents audiences with two very different sides of his acting prowess.
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As Professor Yana, he’s a bumbling bundle of eccentric joy – kindly, warm and full of excitement. However, the moment Yana remembers who he truly is, Jacobi changes on a dime. Once he becomes the Master, the warmth in both his voice and his eyes dies. It’s a hair-raising transition.
2John Hurt
For the 50th anniversary special, ‘The Day of the Doctor,’ Steven Moffat needed a new Doctor, one to squeeze in between the McGann and Eccleston incarnations. He also wanted this Doctor to be played by one of the biggest actors in the world. Cue John Hurt.
A sprawling career lay behind John Hurt, with roles in movies as diverse asAlien,The Elephant Man, andMidnight Express. His version of thebattle-weary War Doctorwas one for the ages, with Hurt bringing all of his experience and expertise to the role. He was a joy to watch, and a welcome addition to the rich tapestry ofDoctor Whohistory.
1Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue is one of the biggest pop stars in the world, and she actively approached theDoctor Whoteam about appearing in the series. It was an offer they couldn’t refuse! She was immediately written into the 2007 Chirstmas Special, ‘Voyage of the Damned,’ to star alongside David Tennant.
The character of one-off companion Astrid Peth was specifically written for Minogue. Her creative designer Will Baker was a hugeDoctor Whofan, and he had previously incorporated elements of the show into Kylie’s live performances.
