(25/03/1920 – 28/03/1987)
Ninety years ago today, Patrick George Troughton was born in Mill Hill in London. He would go on to become a famous English actor, most widely known in his role as the second incarnation of the Doctor, in the long running British science-fiction television series ‘Doctor Who’, which he played from 1966 to 1969.
In 1966, Doctor Who producer Innes Lloyd decided to replace William Hartnell in the series’ lead role. The continued survival of the show depended on audiences accepting another actor in the role, especially given the bold decision that the replacement would not be at all like Hartnell.
Troughton considered various ways to approach the role, including being a tough sea captain. Doctor Who creator Sydney Newman suggested that the Doctor could be a ‘cosmic hobo’ in a similar style to Charlie Chaplin. This was the interpretation eventually chosen by Patrick Troughton and the production crew.
During his time on the series, Patrick Troughton was popular with both the production team and his co-stars. Innes Lloyd complimented Troughton, saying “He had a leading actor’s temperament. He was a father figure to the whole company and hence could embrace it and sweep it along with him”. Troughton also gained a reputation on set as a practical joker.
On 27th March 1987, Troughton was a guest at the Magnum Opus Con II science fiction convention in Columbus. Although he had been warned by his doctors not to overwork himself because of his heart condition, he appeared to be in good spirits, and participated with enthusiasm in the day’s panels. Sadly, Patrick Troughton suffered a fatal heart attack in the early hours of 28th March 1987.
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