Colin Baker facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Colin Baker
Baker in 2014
Born	Colin Charles Baker (1943-06-08) 8 June 1943 (age 82) Waterloo, London, England
Education	St Bede's College, Manchester
Alma mater	London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1970–present
Known for	Sixth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who
Spouse(s)	Liza Goddard ​ ​ (m. 1976; div. 1978)​ Marion Wyatt ​ (m. 1982)​
Children	5 (1 deceased)

Colin Baker is a famous English actor. He was born on June 8, 1943. He is best known for playing the Sixth Doctor in the popular science fiction TV show Doctor Who. He was the Doctor from 1984 to 1986. Before that, he played Paul Merroney in the TV series The Brothers from 1974 to 1976.

Many fans really like his performances as the Sixth Doctor in audio plays. These audio stories are made by a company called Big Finish Productions.

Colin Baker's Early Life

Colin Charles Baker was born in Waterloo, London. When he was three, his family moved to Rochdale. He went to St Bede's College, Manchester. There, he was very good at ancient languages like Greek and Latin.

He wanted to go to Oxford University. However, his father wanted him to study law. So, Colin worked in a lawyer's office for five years. But he decided law wasn't for him.

At 23, he changed his mind and went to drama school. He chose the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). He finished his studies there in 1969.

Colin Baker's Acting Career

Early TV Roles

Baker with his The Brothers co-star Jean Anderson in 1976

In the early 1970s, Colin Baker had many TV roles. He was in a BBC show called The Roads to Freedom in 1970. The next year, he played Count Steinbock in Cousin Bette.

In 1972, he acted with Anthony Hopkins in War and Peace. He also appeared as Crown Prince Wilhelm in Fall of Eagles.

His biggest role at that time was Paul Merroney in The Brothers. He joined the show in 1974. His character became very important for three and a half seasons.

After The Brothers, he worked a lot in theatre. He also made guest appearances on TV. One famous role was Bayban the Butcher in Blake's 7 in 1980.

Playing the Doctor in Doctor Who (1984–1986)

Colin Baker first appeared in Doctor Who as Commander Maxil in 1983. This was in an episode called Arc of Infinity. Soon after, he was chosen to play the Doctor himself.

His first full appearance as the Doctor was in The Twin Dilemma in 1984. This episode caused some discussion. The Doctor's character seemed a bit harsh at first.

Colin Baker at a Doctor Who event in 1986

His time as the Doctor was interrupted in 1985. Doctor Who took a break from TV for 18 months. The head of BBC1, Michael Grade, said the show had become too violent.

During this break, Colin Baker starred in a Doctor Who radio story called Slipback.

Doctor Who returned to TV in 1986. The season was one long story called The Trial of a Time Lord. This story was about the show itself being "on trial." Colin Baker wanted to play the Doctor for many years.

However, the BBC decided to change the actor playing the Doctor. Colin Baker was removed from the role. He had been the Doctor for less than three years, including the break. This made his time as the Doctor the shortest at that point.

He was offered one last episode to show his character changing into the next Doctor. But he turned it down. So, the next Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, appeared in a wig to show the change. Colin Baker later said he regretted not doing that final scene for the fans.

In 2011, Colin Baker became the president of the Doctor Who Appreciation Society. This is a fan club for Doctor Who.

Doctor Who in Other Media

Colin Baker has played the Doctor many times after his TV run.

• In 1989, he starred in a stage play called Doctor Who – The Ultimate Adventure.
• He wrote Doctor Who stories for Doctor Who Magazine in the 1990s.
• He appeared in charity specials like Dimensions in Time in 1993.
• In 2022, he had a cameo in the Doctor Who special "The Power of the Doctor".
• He also appeared in Tales of the TARDIS in 2023.

Peter Davison, Sylvester McCoy and Colin Baker at the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend in 2013

Since 1999, Colin Baker has voiced the Sixth Doctor in many audio adventures for Big Finish Productions. Fans really enjoy these audio plays. In a poll, he was voted the "greatest" Doctor in this audio format.

He also hosts a podcast called Into the TARDIS. In this podcast, he talks about different audio stories.

After Doctor Who

Colin Baker at the 2015 Magic City Comic Con

After leaving Doctor Who, Colin Baker has acted a lot in theatre. He has been in plays like Privates on Parade and Deathtrap. He often performs in pantomime shows around Christmas.

In the 1990s, he made guest appearances in TV shows like Casualty and Jonathan Creek. He also appeared on the game show Countdown.

In 2003, he was on Top Gear. He raced a car against characters like a Cyberman and a Dalek.

He has also appeared in other TV shows like Little Britain and Doctors.

Colin Baker has written a weekly column for his local newspaper, Bucks Free Press, since 1995. His articles were collected in a book called Look Who's Talking.

In 2012, he took part in the TV show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. He finished in 8th place.

Colin Baker's Personal Life

Colin Baker's first wife was actress Liza Goddard. They were married for 18 months. With his second wife, Marion Wyatt, he has four daughters. They also had a son who sadly passed away as a baby.

Colin Baker is a friend of the writer Stephen R. Donaldson.

He is against fox hunting. In 2015, he signed a letter with other famous people to oppose changes to the Hunting Act 2004.

Film and Television Appearances

Film

Television

Stage

Audio drama

Video games

Web

See also

In Spanish: Colin Baker para niños