David Tennant Career Retrospective | Conversations on Broadway

Career Conversations with David Tennant. Moderated by BroadwayWorld.com's Richard Ridge of "Backstage with Richard Ridge!"
Over his twenty-seven year long acting career, David Tennant has left a trail of memorable characters over an expansive and diverse array of film, television and on stage credits.
Currently, David can be seen on stage as the title character in Shakespeare’s Richard II as a part of the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s King & Country: Shakespeare’s Great Cycle Of Kings series. The series marks the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and will run at the BAM Harvey Theater through April 29th.
This past November, Tennant starred as the villainous ‘Dr. Zebediah Kilgrave’ otherwise known as ‘The Purple Man’ opposite Krystin Ritter in the Netflix Marvel series Jessica Jones. The streaming service aired the 13-episode in its entirety on November 20th, 2015.
Tennant will next star as the world-renowned Scottish psychiatrist RD Laing in Robert Mullan’s Mad to be Normal alongside Elizabeth Moss. The story follows Dr. Laing and his unique community at Kingsley Hall, East London during the 1960’s. The film completed production the past Fall of 2015 and is set to release in 2016.
Tennant is most recently known for his role as detective ‘Alec Hardy,’ on the critically acclaimed BBC crime series Broadchurch. Tennant ‘s character was brought to the small town of Broadchurch to investigate the murder of an 11-year-old local boy. In its second season, Broadchurch was nominated and won several awards, including the 2014 BAFTA TV Award for “Best Drama Series.” Season 3 of the series will begin filming this summer.
Tennant starred alongside Rosamund Pike in the British comedy What We Did on Our Holiday as the dad of a family who struggles keeping any secret quiet on their family trip. Lionsgate released the film in the US and on VOD on July 10th, 2015.
Tennant is most recognizable for his portrayal as the 10th Doctor on the widely beloved series Doctor Who. The BBC science fiction series itself has become a pop culture fixture and a fifty-year cult favorite. It depicts the adventures of the time traveling humanoid alien Doctor as he defends himself against foes and protects whole civilizations and people in need. In November 2013, and 2015 as part of Doctor Who‍‍ '‍s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Tennant's Doctor was voted "The UK's Favourite Doctor" in a survey held by the Radio Times magazine. Tennant has appeared in many spin-offs of the series. These include: his directorial debut on the 2007 “Doctor Who Confidential” episode; a small role in the show’s webcast “Scream of the Shalka”; an appearance as the Doctor in an animated version of the show for CBBC’s Totally Doctor Who, The Infinite Quest; and a starring role as the Doctor in another animated six-part Doctor Who series entitled Dreamland. An enthusiast and loyal supporter of the series, Tennant announced that he would be stepping down from the role in 2008 after his participation in the 50th anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor.” For his part in the show, Tennant won three TV Quick Awards, three SFX Awards, four National Television Awards, and two BAFTA awards, among numerous other nominations over the course of his four-year Doctor tenure.

[@shadowdancing33]

I'm a huge David Tennant fan and this interview makes me appreciate him even more. I know he's known for being a "fan friendly" and this interview just proves the kind of person he is. He's just really nice, not only because he wants to be but he IS actually really nice. We need more actors like him who's amazingly talented, grounded, and values his fans. Oh and being very funny and extremely handsome doesn't hurt, either *swoon*

[@LoriDem]

shadowdancing i was lucky enough to meet him for a brief moment at a comic con type deal in DC. He was so kind and engaging.

[@carolleader8509]

I just love david tenner so much and special I like him in doctor who when he did the bit when he said I don't, want to go.

[@theamericanyoutuber]

Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth are two I can name. And Chris Evans. Lots of Marvel and LoTR actors.

[@EmmaRiddle543]

Does anyone else just click on anything with David Tennant on it Cos I do

[@gilliansimpson1241]

I do too xx

[@nicolakirton2252]

He is amazingly versatile - truly talented actor.

[@stephcinema]

Yes lmao

[@dale3404]

As fast as I can.

[@supriyajoshi1347]

We r simple people aren't we? we see David Tenant..We click

[@kalakritistudios]

There's more than an hour of David just sitting and talking and I didn't know about that for an entire year?

[@yarasmit4914]

he also has a podcast!

[@elizaheathen]

God, how can anyone not love this man? I would die to have a conversation with him. Preferably for five hours over drinks in a Scottish pub

[@Jack-er1sc]

I'd rather have a rather different kind of conversation in his bed.

[@hauntedhose]

Be less impressed more involved

[@angedejeudi]

"Oh my god, they brought you coffee! Be nice!" I loved this part way too much, that tone especially

[@k1tkat-kate]

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[@giahannguyen6939]

1:11:33

[@tieraneybassett1796]

THE WAY HE SAT DOWN IN THE CHAIR WAS SO CUTE

[@WinterFrangipani]

Besides being an extremely talented actor, Mr. Tennant comes across as brilliant, well spoken, nice man. And with a keen sense of humor. We need more actors like him. The bit about the collective reading of Shakespeare plays is inspiring. The interviewer does a very good job too.

[@sashana8310]

This interviewer is such a fanboy .... I love it 😅

[@idas7827]

i'm obsessed with how the interviewer laughs as if everything david tennant says is the funniest thing he's ever heard

[@komalsalve8511]

Here after Good Omens and wow I can't believe I watched a 1 HOUR 38 MINS INTERVIEW of just 1 person! AND I STILL WANT MORE! This was almost like a freestyle stand-up comedy piece. Loved it! One of the best interviews ever! David Tennant deserves all the good in the world!

[@frizzlethecat2084]

Agreed, completely. the worst thing about Tennant-interviews is that they're too short. They need to be at least one hour - and preferably as well-done as this one.

[@EmmaRiddle543]

OMG the way he sat down in that chair was adorable

[@allonsy_dt]

17:20 "Def.. Huh terrified. Every single time, every single time I.. I.. I.. I do wonder wh.. yes. I.. It’s weird I was.. this is.. has been.. because uuuuh sorry. Tell you what, I’ll use sentences"

[@panbread1546]

How is it even possible to dislike David Tennant? He’s so... genuinely pleasant. Seriously.

[@terristevens5563]

Like I said above in a reply, I've met him twice and what you see here is who he really is. He is funny, truthful, charming and real. And you can't help but love him.

[@livb6945]

"tell you what.... I'll use sentences" 😂 😂 😂

[@presentfuture7563]

By various critical metrics this man is already considered one of the finest actors of his generation (his Hamlet has been called second only to Olivier) and he still has impostor syndrome. God I love David Tennant.

[@NannyOggins]

I saw Olivier in Hamlet and I prefer David. It may be a fashion thing, a style of the times but I find David more real.

[@mexico53ify]

I found this to be a wonderful and truly revealing interview, of both David Tennant and Richard Ridge. Thank you Richard, for the depth of your questions, which allowed your interviewee to reveal his layers in such a humourous, linguistically rich and thoughtful way. You asked decent questions, and gave David the space to answer them in depth. A wonderful interview.

[@k1tkat-kate]

+

[@EmeraldWings90]

This is the best interview ever. David is brilliant, as usual, no question about it - but also, this is so well-researched (like he said) and the questions are so intelligent and it's just a treat to watch.

[@eringryffin]

I continue to be in awe of Richard's depth and genuine interest and respect for his guests. He lets them talk and talk and that is so rare these days, with all these hosts interrupting continually sometimes. This said, David Tennant is one of the nicest guys out there and this interview is just such a treat.

[@CaptApril123]

Dick Cavette was excellent at that, one of the reasons he had such interesting guests.

[@biggie321hp]

David Tennant is one wonderfully charming son of a bitch. Love this man.

[@LondonCelt]

Him going from describing the Christmas Invasion to talking about bringing down the government is just genius! Very Doctor-ish thing to do!

[@dutchpascale]

David is just amazing. Funny, kind and thoughtful...

[@SennaJeagerjaques]

This is the best David Tennant interview ever. Interesting questions (and answers). He is an amazing actor and a lovely person. Thank you.

[@mixedcolors10]

When I watch David in interviews like this, I find it so hard to believe he's the same person who played characters like Alec Hardy, and Kilgrave, or the many, MANY really intense characters he's played over the years. I've watched a lot of his shows/movies for years and I'm always in awe of how talented of actor he is. I just saw the trailer for his new show Des where he plays a serial killer. I hate the genre of serial killers, there so over done but I'll watch it knowing that David will be great. I've never not liked him in anything, even if the show/movie sucked he's always good.

[@yubantwo2086]

I agree with you except for one critical point. DT makes us see the heart and what motivates his characters. Hardy took the world on his shoulders. He was caring and good but also callus & nearly broken, hanging on sometimes by a mere thread (he was never mean for mean sake but for self-preservation). Inside Man, in which he played an amiable vicar, that character is taken to the darkside and breaks our hearts in the process of his demise motivated by the best of intentions. The winning ingredients of which he possesses in abundance are head, heart, humanity, and humor (irony too, but it doesn't alliterate).

[@MySkydawg]

⁠@@yubantwo2086 Something I’ve noticed and appreciate (having been bingeing David Tennant interviews like mad) is that he almost never describes his villain roles as villains. I remember an interview for Jessica Jones where he explains that objectively, Kilgrave was absolutely a terrible human being, but he didn’t see himself as a villain because no-one really ever does. They all have some sort of conviction that they are in the right even if they’re actually absolutely wrong. That seems to be something that he carries into every character but specifically his villainous/darker/complex characters and it always ends up being absolutely believable because you can feel this sincerity that maybe others that play similar characters (that set out from the beginning to be ‘a villain’) almost never manage. He brings and shares massive amounts of depth to his characters as a result and it seems to be part of what makes them all so compelling. An absolutely outstanding actor (as well as an amazing human being).

[@supremeoverlorde2109]

I really admire David's work. It's interesting because it's not uncommon for me to hear people talk about him as though he's only capable of playing really bombastic and manic or angry characters. I guess that's because things like Doctor Who and Good Omens and Harry Potter are among his best-known projects --- and no shade to his performances in DW or GO because I adore them both. But I think it's when you take a look at other works he's done, such as Single Father, Broadchurch, Des, There She Goes, Around the World in 80 Days, his Shakespeare plays, etc, that you realize the guy can pull off almost anything.

[@margaretgaal937]

Great interview. Tennant has five children and looks young and energy and humor. This is a delight to hear about his life in acting.

[@gingersal8052]

What a gem of an interview, it could have gone on for many hours! David Tennant is hilarious, eloquent and beautifully humble like always and the interviewer's dedication and enjoyment are a delight to watch.

[@milesliess]

17:17 - 17:43 this is why i love him so much

[@theamericanyoutuber]

2:38 When you don't want to sit properly, so you hover for a second.

[@frizzlethecat2084]

"Get a room!" - had me laughing out loud.

[@graziemille2454]

I would gladly register for a Master class taught by David Tennant on the works of Shakespeare . And when was the last time you heard an American actor use the phrase “raison d’etre”? He is so educated and eloquent. His is brilliant whether reading children stories or Shakespeare’s soliloquies. I also agree that I forgot I was listening to Shakespeare while watching David’s Hamlet. I so envy high school students today to learn Hamlet by watching this film.

[@brittanyarnquist3495]

I started clapping at the end and I'm just sitting here alone... anyway, that was such a fantastic interview! Loved it.

[@mamiedubingo]

Well, I'm clapping with you

[@CaptApril123]

We all do that...

[@kenyehganda1107]

This interviewer has the best laugh! :)

[@userbunny14]

David talking about how much Patrick and Ian love each other... and now hes sort of like that with Michael Sheen.

[@karidiabo4384]

What an absolutely lovely human being.

[@nikkiprock3013]

"Pretty iconic character...I'm quite please with myself!" NOW WE KNOW IT'S SCROOGE!!!

[@k1tkat-kate]

+

[@i4dezign73]

Yes, I did unashamedly punch the air and fangasm when he mentioned Alec Hardy! :D

[@macaddy8552]

It is kind of scary, what DT was talking about in 49:18.... it happened. He said he won't happen, but it did. We all need the Doctor, for times like these. :o

[@Vidyut_Gore]

Impossible to not love David Tennant.

[@braddenscott6932]

I love him in pretty much everything he did. Taking Over the Asylum is a truly great little comic piece with some great Scottish talent if anyone wants to look it up.

[@AmandaSHI]

He is simply the sunshine of my life, period.

[@interstellar1962]

What an enjoyable interview. David effortlessly oozes such charm, along with a massive portion of common sense. Just be nice to people, he says, it's not rocket science but so many people, in all walks of life, find it hard to leave their ego at home. Keep up the good work matey!

[@AnupapayaPoopy]

He's such a ten out of ten i cry

[@anyawx6812]

I watched him in Good omens and now I’m in love 🥰

[@tanith1163]

I wonder if DT has ever been approached about doing a MasterClass about Shakespeare...based on how passionately he discusses it here, it would be awesome!

[@annieinwonderland]

Late to the party but he spearhead the retrospectives that RSC they did during covid and they continue to do.

[@Beautifullytragic6]

He's utterly delightful.

[@IAmFJ1]

David Tennant is just great. Moderator did great too.

[@FaultyFrontalLobe]

He's absolutely brilliant! What is not to like about David Tennant? Not one thing. Every evil or quirky character he plays he knocks it out of the park. Such talent.

[@nicolevalente3085]

can we just acknowledge how great this interview?

[@HereIStandbyU]

I loved the interviewer. He left David talk, made super interesting questions. Brilliant

[@aloucadaruiva]

He is an amazing actor and it's amazing to see how brilliant he is. David knows what to say, and it's amazing to hear him speak!

[@joebaumgart1146]

One of the Greatest actors and greatest people of all times and The Doctor!

[@banelightwood1830]

Me: I’m gonna just watch 5 min of this for now Also me: a liar

[@EmmaRiddle543]

Me too I missed the bus 🤣🤣

[@dezidarkling6150]

@@EmmaRiddle543lol ikr!

[@gerrardjones28]

An hour and a half of this legend talking, yes please!

[@VtRD]

What a range of projects he's had over almost three decades in acting. Waiting for season three of Broadchurch was hard, and worth the wait! You have to pay attention when he's on film--not only for the performance, but for his accent, which is a challenge to understand. Worth your attention for sure.

[@danielledeschamps3769]

I admire this man so much!

[@yashiAR]

I love such long conversations. David is so funny and seems like a genuine, marvellous person. Also the interviewer for this did great research and very well presented. 👌👏🏼

[@jennigee51]

I am watching this for the first time, I’ve always liked David, he’s definitely one of the more grounded actors, and just such a nice person who cares about everyone.

[@Ineffabl3]

I've run out of David Tennant interview's to watch so im just rewatching them😭

[@pia91]

And here I was, thinking I coulnd't love and admire this brilliant, funny and kind man any more!

[@lunasinplaneta]

So funny and so inspirational. David is a truly kind human being, he doesn't stop amazing me more and more as I know more about him. His advices are simple although full of wisdom, I think. I'll try to be nicer even more from now. Thank you so much for such a delightful interview, and I must say it actually warmed my heart.

[@RLviddy]

I love the respective passionate natures of Richard and David.

[@fabulousmyriad267]

Thank you for this brilliant upload! David is funny and insightful as ever though its hard not to hold my sides from laughing so much.

[@ruthtouhey7382]

Loved this honest & open interview. Great interviewer (unlike the BAFTA one) - thoroughly well researched. Delightful

[@EmeraldWings90]

"Don't give them your inner monologue while you're sitting in front of them." 1:03:14

[@mooniejohnson]

My English teacher in 8th grade had us read Shakespeare on a riser that was part of the room (oddly, it was the same classroom where I took my French classes) and one of our projects was to write and then perform a play entirely in both iambic pentameter and as much Elizabethan as we could. I miss Mr. Winterfeldt.

[@armychic15]

I truly enjoyed watching this interview (again). David is an amazing actor and beautiful person - just makes me smile☺❤

[@abbyhuntley3171]

Richard's laugh is so sweet!

[@linshanhsiang]

He talks about how great it is when it works on stage. I briefly had a taste of that playing the mother in an amateur production of "Barefoot in the Park". My main speech when my daughter turns to me for advice with her marriage. I was distinctly aware of the audience waiting to see what I would say, and thinking about how I would say it... (instead of just trying to get through the scene without screwing up). It was magical. And the director complimented me afterwards! David here really gives a generous answer, sharing what it's actually like to play in Shakespeare and I've never heard that before! ..

[@linshanhsiang]

To think that fifty years and a bit ago a man was born in Scotland with ten times the talent, ten times the charm, ten times the good looks, and way nicer than anybody else! If we needed evidence that the world is not fair? But then, we get to enjoy seeing him perform in movies and TV and interviews, so aren't WE lucky?

[@ritusharma-bx1nk]

What an honest interview! He just enjoys his work and that's why he is so good.. All the best David. Be this dynamic always!

[@lucianafatima]

The best Doctor ever!!!!

[@abbyhuntley3171]

OMG my friends and I used to spend hours and hours making up and acting out Doctor Who stories when we played out on the street!

[@CaptApril123]

'having the blue MM's removed'.. they where actually brown. This is a reference to Van Halen having it written into a contract that the brown MM's be removed from a bowl of them that were to be placed in the break room during one of the bands concerts. Many people think this is simply the arrogance of popular spoiled rock stars but it was actually about safety. That clause was written into the contract in between other clauses that specified exactly how the stage and equipment would be placed and set up. If the band found there were brown MM's in the snack bowl they knew that the people running the venue did not read that section of the contract and the stage was probably unsafe to perform on. There have been many performers and technicians killed and/or injured due to improper stage set-ups.

[@gloriakushala6374]

This is the man who improvise in Shakespearian language... that's just mind blowing 🤩

[@benkata]

delightful interview

[@persona3640]

I knew David Tennant since I was a kid cuz the doctor but never clicked with him and now at my 30s I am obsessed… ❤

[@myatime906]

I'm a huge fan of David Tennant and I want to meet him someday

[@terristevens5563]

I've met him twice here in the US and my son with Aspergers Syndrome now has a new idol to look up to. David spent extra time talking with him while about 300 other people waited patiently for his autograph behind him. David will stay over the time he was supposed to leave just to get to talk to people. He is a truly gifted actor and an amazing human being. What you see here is really who he is.

[@CeliaCostaStudio]

Amazing interview! Tennant is just perfect!

[@juliazay5148]

We should have listened to David Tennant in 2016.

[@abadstroller]

The Doctor is a time traveler. Always listen to them-they've visited here before.

[@olgalysenko3681]

This is such an interesting interview!

[@aishab007]

holy crap, I love him so much 😂 the perfect man ❤️❤️❤️

[@lorella40]

Absolutely brilliant! I've enjoyed every moment!

[@farmor1023]

What an amazing talent!

[@janejamison6056]

17:06 - 17:42 makes me giggle, how many thoughts one great question causes!

[@AnupapayaPoopy]

1:09:25 Oh my god that's David's Doctor of Drama Acceptance Speech!

[@linshanhsiang]

This is so awesome!

[@iamnotnormal7941]

Only 6 dislikes, It just shows how amazing David Tennant is. I REALLY want to meet him. Although, it's rather unlikely as he probably doesn't come to Australia.

[@k1tkat-kate]

What a fantastic video! Such fun to watch

[@dm613]

If that's the 5 minute speech I'm thinking of (getting his honorary doctorate at his alma mater), I believe he told them that if there's anything else they are skilled at, do that instead (or at least while waiting for that role)! And of course, he did tell them that if they pursue acting further, to be on time, know the lines, and be nice. Yes, he is a Doctor!

[@CarolJudeOon]

Especially memorizing when he speaks about his first 'home,' the theater. Fingers crossed that 'Good' will make it over to the BAM in a year or two...

[@christinewahl3470]

Thank you for this.David is just wonderful.I love him.

[@gabrielvdenton]

I love David Tennant’s reading of how to train your dragon and wizards of once!

[@doncelladehierro3988]

Why is so cute and gorgeous!!. Just i love him.

[@samyy9226]

The man. The mythm the legend that is David

[@lulwaa8254]

Ridge's laugh is priceless

[@SuaraNakal]

1:10:58 Now I officially love this man!

[@gilliansimpson1241]

I do xx

[@danielpease641]

Fantastic

[@EmmaRiddle543]

I’ve learnt something about getting good roles KNOW PEOPLE

[@sallyatticum]

I think it is more like Work with people who then want to work with you again because you were such a joy to work with; and also Be good in something so that when you are seen by someone casting something else, they will want you in their show. He certainly had to audition early on, just not any more.

[@marycummings7616]

Someone needs to clone David Tennant.........I'll most definitely take one!!

[@Thermool]

Mary Cummings They did. He’s with Rose now. Lol

[@LockenFisch]

1:24:50 Now i Know hes talking about Ducktales. Cant wait :D

[@adele_hgbk]

With his beard completely shaved, he looks like my science teacher 😂😂❤️

[@jamiestewart1223]

Adelita Hgbk I would be in trouble then!

[@rosejenkins4403]

great interview!

[@glorialeo2513]

David is quite funny. He's my favourite Dr. Who and love him now as Crowley on Good Omens.