Why did William Hartnell leave Doctor Who?

1. William Hartnell. Although Hartnell wanted to stay in the role that was beloved by millions and had helped create a massive hit for the BBC, ill health played a part in his leaving.

Is William Hartnell still alive?

Deceased (1908–1975)
William Hartnell/Living or Deceased

How old is William Hartnell?

67 years (1908–1975)
William Hartnell/Age at death

What happened to William Hartnell?

Hartnell’s health had worsened during the early 1970s and, in December 1974, he was admitted to hospital permanently. In early 1975, he suffered a series of strokes, brought on by cerebrovascular disease, and he died in his sleep of heart failure on 23 April 1975 at the age of 67.

How old was William Hartnell when he played the Doctor?

The early show, kept an air of mystery around the Doctor and the main draw, was Ian and Barbara – finding out a little bit more – every week; about their alien kidnappers. The Doctor was played by William Hartnell – a 40-year veteran of stage and screen, at the time he took the role of the Doctor.

When did William Hartnell return to the TARDIS?

Hartnell reprised the role in the tenth anniversary story The Three Doctors (made in 1972, broadcast 1972-1973) with the help of cue cards, but appeared only in pre-filmed inserts seen on video screens. Hartnell’s health had deteriorated in the early 1970s, and in December 1974 he was admitted to hospital permanently.

When did Patrick Troughton and William Hartnell join the doctors?

Pertwee’s time with the show also saw the first of the popular ensemble stories in which previous Doctors appear alongside the current one. Broadcast over December 1972 and January 1973, The Three Doctors saw him joined by Patrick Troughton and William Hartnell in what would be the latter’s final acting engagement.

How did William Hartnell get his first job?

Often known as Billy, he left school at 14 with no prospects. He was mentored by a well-known artist and art collector, Hugh Blaker, who had seen him boxing in boys’ clubs, where he went to sketch the young fighters. He became Bill’s unofficial guardian (his mother becoming Hugh Blaker’s housekeeper) and he arranged for him to train as a jockey.