With young British actor Matt Smith stepping into Doctor Who's title role, Wired.com takes a look back at the 10 actors who have previously portrayed sci-fi TV's most enduring hero.
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Our gallery, "A Who's Who of Doctor Who," runs down the men who have played The Doctor throughout the show's 45-year run.
While viewers debate the casting of Smith -- who, at 26, is set to become the youngest Doctor ever -- a veteran fan signs off on the idea.
"I am excited about him because he represents evolution and growth, and I hate a static Doctor Who," says Alfred "Tuna" Snider, a professor of forensics who has been hosting a weekly Doctor Who theater event in his Vermont home for more than 15 years. Calling Smith "very young and somewhat goth," Snider says the young actor could be perfect if new producer Steven Moffat emphasizes the Time Lord's dark side.
"If so, Matt Smith would seem to be ideal," Snider says. "He has not shown a lot of comic potential in his previous roles, so that side might be toned down. Perhaps less silliness in terms of puns."
What do you think? Does Smith have what it takes to assume the mantle of sci-fi's longest-running TV franchise? If not, who does? And who would make the perfect companion for Smith when the actor joins the series in 2010? Let us know in the comments below.
Image courtesy BBC
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