David Tennant - Main milestones

Main milestones

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David John Tennant, born David John McDonald on April 18, 1971, in Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland, is a renowned Scottish actor. He is best known for his iconic portrayal of the Tenth Doctor in the British science-fiction television series "Doctor Who". Tennant's career spans over three decades, encompassing a wide range of roles in television, film, stage, and voice-over work. Here is a timeline highlighting some of the most significant events and milestones in his career.

Birth

April 18, 1971

David John Tennant was born in Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland, to Helen (née McLeod) and Alexander 'Sandy' McDonald. His father was a local Presbyterian minister who later served as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland from 1997 to 1998.

First Acting Job

1987

At the age of 16, Tennant landed his first acting job in an anti-smoking advertisement shown in schools. This marked the beginning of his career in acting.

Graduation and Early Career

1991

Tennant graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama) and began performing with the 7:84 Theatre Company. He changed his surname to Tennant, inspired by Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys, due to another actor already using the name David McDonald.

Doctor Who

2005

Tennant assumed the role of the Tenth Doctor in the revamped "Doctor Who" series, a role that catapulted him to international fame. He played the Doctor until 2010 and later reprised the role in several special episodes, including the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the show.

Shakespearean Roles

2008

Tennant starred in two significant Royal Shakespeare Company productions: as Hamlet opposite Patrick Stewart’s Claudius and as Berowne in "Love’s Labour’s Lost". These roles showcased his versatility and talent in classical theatre.

Marriage and Continued Success

2011

Tennant married Georgia Tennant (née Moffett), whom he met on the set of "Doctor Who". He continued to excel in various roles, including the title character in the RSC production of "Richard II" and the role of DI Alec Hardy in the TV series "Broadchurch".

Broadchurch and Other Notable Roles

2013-2017

Tennant played the lead role of DI Alec Hardy in "Broadchurch", a role that earned him critical acclaim. He also appeared in other notable series such as "The Escape Artist", "Jessica Jones", and "Good Omens".

Staged and Other Recent Work

2020-2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tennant starred in the comedy series "Staged", which featured fictionalized versions of himself and Michael Sheen. He also continued his voice-over work, including roles in "DuckTales" and "TMNT".

Return to Doctor Who

2022

Tennant returned to "Doctor Who" once again, this time as the Fourteenth Doctor, marking another significant milestone in his long-standing relationship with the series.

Other Timelines

Awards and Recognition

Doctor Who and Sci-Fi Roles

Early Career and Stage Work

Early Life and Education

Film Career

Personal Life

Recent Work and Ongoing Projects

Television Career

Theatre Awards and Nominations

Voice-Over Work