Since Doctor Who began over 61 years ago, we've had many great actors in the role. But perhaps none made quite as much of an impact as Tom Baker did. From the very beginning, in his debut story "Robot", he grabbed the audience's attention with his incredibly alien performance. And for seven seasons, he did not let go.
Across countless adventures, the Fourth Doctor fought against shapeshifters, mummies, vampires, androids, space pirates, and even a sentient virus! Of course, he also always saved the day, and became an icon for millions of British viewers.
Perhaps the most amazing thing about Tom Baker's Doctor is that, for those who have never watched the greatest sci-fi show in the world, the Fourth Doctor is still recognizable. Some non-fans might not know him as "the Fourth Doctor", but they'll take one look at the curly-haired man with the long scarf and think, "That's Doctor Who".
An enduring legacy
The Fourth Doctor's legacy doesn't just encompass 7 years of TV stories, either. Over the decades, he's also appeared in various expanded media, including comics, novels, and audio dramas.
The last format particularly stands out, due to Tom Baker's direct involvement. Beginning in 2009 with the BBC Audiobooks series Hornets' Nest, Tom Baker resumed playing the Fourth Doctor again. This particular series of partially narrated audios continued in 2010 and 2011 with Demon Quest and Serpent Crest, respectively.
Not long after this series, he joined many other Classic Series Doctors at Big Finish, where he's recorded many stories as part of The Fourth Doctor Adventures. In fact, not only did the range reach its 13th series this year, but a special new audio has been released today to celebrate the Fourth Doctor's 50th anniversary. Set at the end of Season 12 and featuring the Fourth Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith, and Harry Sullivan, "The Curse of Time" is sure to be worth a listen for fans of this particular TARDIS team.
More than that however, it's clear that both the Fourth Doctor and Tom Baker himself left a huge impact on the series. When Tom Baker left the role in 1981, many fans weren't sure anyone could live up to him. Certainly, no one - not even the incredibly popular David Tennant - has matched the number of seasons that Tom Baker had. But while all of us have our preferences, there's no question that Tom Baker's Doctor is still one of the very best.
Happy 50th anniversary to both the Fourth Doctor and Tom Baker. May their legacy continue for many years to come.