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 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, he began his career with 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 Blake's 7 (1980).
Doctor Who producer John Nathan-Turner was impressed by Baker's performance as Commander Maxil in the serial Arc of Infinity (1983) and cast him as the series' sixth lead actor in 1983. 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 Baker's dismissal from the role. Since 1999 Baker has regularly played the Sixth 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).
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