Colin Baker

Colin Charles Baker (born 8 June 1943) is an English actor. He is known for playing the sixth incarnation of the Doctor in the BBC science fiction series Doctor Who (1984–1986) and Paul Merroney in the BBC drama series The Brothers (1974–1976). He has also performed prolifically in stage productions across the UK, particularly pantomimes. Born in London and raised in Rochdale, Baker began a career in law before training as an actor at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He had supporting parts in historical drama series such as The Roads to Freedom (1970), Cousin Bette (1971), War and Peace (1972) and Fall of Eagles (1974). Baker's role in The Brothers brought him fame but typecast him as villainous characters. He notably appeared as Bayban the Butcher in the science fiction series Blake's 7 (1980). Following Baker's role as antagonistic Commander Maxil in the Doctor Who serial Arc of Infinity (1983), producer John Nathan-Turner cast him as the series' sixth lead actor. Baker's tenure as the Doctor proved to be turbulent. BBC executives Michael Grade and Jonathan Powell were unhappy with the series' direction, enforcing an 18-month hiatus after Baker's first season and ultimately forcing his dismissal from the role. Since 1999, Baker has regularly played the Doctor in licensed audio dramas produced by Big Finish Productions. He also reprised the role in the stage play The Ultimate Adventure (1989) and the television stories Dimensions in Time (1993) and "The Power of the Doctor" (2022).