Thomas Stewart Baker (born 20 January 1934) is an English actor and writer. He is best known for playing the fourth incarnation of the Doctor in the BBC science fiction series Doctor Who from 1974 to 1981, making him the longest-serving actor in the role. Raised devoutly Catholic in Liverpool, Baker initially sought to become a cleric before turning to acting. He joined the National Theatre company in 1968. Following supporting roles in films such as Nicholas and Alexandra (1971) and The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973), he was working part-time on a building site when he was cast as the lead in Doctor Who (1974–1981). Baker, who incorporated his own personality into the Doctor, became highly popular with audiences both in the UK and abroad; his portrayal is often considered the best and most quintessential of the programme's classic series. Baker appeared in the television series Medics (1992–1995), Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) (2000–2001) and Monarch of the Glen (2004–2005). He moved into voice acting later in his career, providing narration for the comedy series Little Britain (2003–2006) and Little Britain USA (2008). In 2006, his "sonorous" voice was voted the fourth-most recognisable in the UK. (Via Wikipedia)