Tom Baker: podcast appearances and interviews

Thomas Stewart Baker, born on January 20, 1934, is an English actor and writer. He is best known for his role as the fourth incarnation of the Doctor in the BBC science fiction series Doctor Who, a position he held from 1974 to 1981. Baker became the longest-serving actor in the role and is often regarded as the quintessential Doctor in the show's classic series. His portrayal incorporated an eccentric personality, which contributed to his popularity with audiences in the United Kingdom and abroad. Baker's work on Doctor Who included reprising the role in audio dramas since 2009 and making a cameo appearance in the series' 50th-anniversary special in 2013. Prior to his iconic role, Baker was raised devoutly Catholic in Liverpool and initially trained to become a Christian brother before turning to acting. He joined the National Theatre company in 1968 and participated in supporting roles in genre films such as The Canterbury Tales, The Vault of Horror, and The Golden Voyage of Sinbad. His first major film role was as Grigori Rasputin in Nicholas and Alexandra, which earned him two Golden Globe nominations. Baker appeared in television series including Medics, Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), and Monarch of the Glen. Later in his career, he shifted toward voice acting, providing narration for the comedy series Little Britain and Little Britain USA. His voice was recognized as the fourth most recognizable in the UK in 2006.