William Hartnell Biography

Fast Facts

• Served in the Tank Corps of the British Army during World War II, returning to acting after 18 months due to a nervous breakdown
• Met his mentor Hugh Blaker, who arranged for him to study at the Italia Conti acting school, at the age of 14
• Started out as an assistant stage manager and property master for Sir Frank Benson's Shakespearean Company
• Born an illegitimate child, he never knew who his father was and spent much of his early life shoplifting because he lived in poverty
• Made his screen acting debut in the film "Say It with Music" in 1932
• Quote: "(On his role as The Doctor): "I think I represent a cross between the Wizard of Oz and Father Christmas․""
• Best known for his role as the First Doctor in "Doctor Who" and as Sergeant Grimshawe in "Carry on Sergeant․"
• After learning how the "Doctor Who" series would continue after his departure, he was the one who suggested Patrick Troughton for the role
• His only published biography, "Who's There? The Life and Career of William Hartnell," was written by his granddaughter, Judith Carney, in 1996
• Was initially reluctant to accept the role of The Doctor because he had spent much of his career as a serious actor in major films