Tom Baker on being Doctor Who - Doctor Who: Robots of Death Event | BFI

Tom Baker on being Doctor Who - Doctor Who: Robots of Death Event | BFI. Subscribe: bit.ly/subscribetotheBFI
For the full event edit visit: www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/ne....
In this event Justin Johnson leads a discussion with actors Tom Baker and Louise Jameson and producer Philip Hinchcliffe on the era of the Fourth Doctor, and the making of The Robots of Death.
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[@CarlB_1962]

Can you imagine working as a labourer on a building site one day, then being cast as one of tv’s most iconic heroes the next? Tom’s joy and gratitude at his good fortune shone out of him in his portrayal of the Doctor, at least in his early seasons.

[@vaibanez17]

The very first description of him when this starts is perfect: He embodied The Doctor, he IS The Doctor. Tom Baker is just his alter-ego.

[@PIERCED6966]

One of the odd school, a perfect gentleman who respects his fans as they respect him. Probably why he is one of the most charismatic and well loved of all the Doctors. His sense of humor has me in fits of laughter. Loved his voice overs for Little Britain and as the captain character in Black Adder.

[@colinmcphan]

Tom is the most loved of all the Doctors. He is just to AWESOME.😀

[@NMWMN]

I met Tom Baker at a shopping mall appearance in Australia. We queued for hours with thousands of children. He was Dr.Who when he finally arrived to sign autographs. We kept running from the back of the queue to his table at the front of the line... pinching his jelly babies from a large jar on his table. When we got to the front, there were only three jelly babies left. He snatched up the jar away from us and paused. He let down the jar and whispered, in character "Would you like a jelly baby?"

[@Mst3kfan1994]

I seriously couldn't resist smiling when Baker mentioned the sonic screwdriver at the end.

[@DarthRushy]

+Mst3kfan1994 He dreams about it still.

[@colinmcphan]

+DarthRushy That is so funny.

[@DarthRushy]

Linda Taylor I urge you to look up Shada when you finish season 17, it's an unfinished story(they were forced to stop filming halfway through it due to a strike) where an older Tom Baker fills in the missing parts to the audience, in-character. He slips back into it effortlessly and it's a great story set in Cambridge.

[@Nautilus1972]

Simply mesmerizing. I just love listening to his voice, he could read the phone book and still have me on the edge of my seat.

[@ChristopherMeWho]

What a wonderful warm, generous, funny, talented and gracious man Tom Baker is. This is why for me his portrayal as the Doctor was so convincingly good and enjoyable to watch.

[@garethgee]

Tom Baker, what a man. We need more people like this on the planet. Exceptional.

[@DarthRushy]

He should get his own show. Again. Another 7 years.

[@colinmcphan]

I agree with that!

[@JoeThornhill]

i love Tom's last comment "The costumes and the Sonic Screwdriver, hfff, i dream about it still" 😊

[@hopebgood]

Yeah

[@1welshdevil]

He's just astounding as a human being. Love Tom.

[@colinmcphan]

Agreed!

[@TerryTanktop]

Haha, he can't escape Dr Who. He IS Dr Who.

[@michaelangus5602]

This really does show what an amazing man he is! You could listen too his voice all day, even reading the yellow pages or something

[@tabithacooper6758]

My Doctor, my first, how I never forget thee

[@lordcron]

By far the best actor to have played Doctor Who. Back in the 80's when I was a teen I use to wonder who this guy was on the campy show. The show was like a train that never stopped coming off the track and yet I couldn't stop watching it! LOL! Good to see him.

[@lisa1162]

You always have a special fondness for your first Dr Who, and Tom Baker is the Doctor I grew up with :)

[@Lukozer]

Growing up I just caught the end of the Pertwee era, but absolutely lapped up the Baker era. He made my childhood what it was, and thanks to DVD's it's an era i revisit often. But he was not only my childhood hero, he is still my hero today. I find any Tom Baker interview absolutely compelling viewing/listening and always enjoy his usually unique point of view on everything... A living legend...

[@Forgotten_Lore]

I love Tom, my fave classic Doctor, and whilst I usually shy away from the older actor (some interest me but a lot don't, like I know how amazing an actor he is but Ian McKellen doesn't interest me at all) there is just something about Tom (besides that amazing voice of his) that pulls you in and makes you want to sit down and listen to him, regardless if you like him or not, there is just something about him that makes you want to 'respect your elders' even if you don't like him.

[@Comet12864]

I love that Tom Baker is as much of a fan of Doctor Who as the rest of us are, even after all this time.

[@percyzeppelin]

Tom baker truly is magical..

[@Quinntus79]

Just recently became a DW fan. I started with Eccelston, now I kind of want to go back and see what Baker was like as the Doctor.

[@kingp260]

I recommend the Genesis of the Daleks and Robots of Death. Great episodes that really showcase his best. I love the way he explains the TARDIS's physics in a way Leela can understand lol.

[@naughtydogg_]

oh i HIGHLY recommend. 12 was my first doctor but 4 is MY doctor, nobody does it like tom

[@colinmcphan]

I totally agree with you "DarthRushy". Tom is such an exceptional talent and man. He needs to be back on the screen in a regular show of some kind. I have seen all the Doctors but Tom was so special in what he did with that character. When I watch episodes of the other Doctor's II start missing Tom and will go back and watch his episodes. Luckily BBC America is re-running some of the shows from the Tom Baker era on Sunday mornings on also Thursday night sometimes. Plus I started buying Tom's episodes on DVD now and having a blast. You can also go to the BBC America website and request them to show more of the Tom Baker era. Hope I get to meet him before we lose him.

[@Lythgoemania]

Forget Tennant. Baker will always be the best Doctor.

[@evonne_]

You are sooooooo damm right.

[@colinmcphan]

I second that. Tom's portrayal was so amazing and iconic!!!

[@Curiosity96]

no

[@lauraboiocchi4666]

+Alin Fatu yes

[@robadams8057]

I liked him, then when I saw Sylvester McCoy I found that I had a new favorite Doctor. Then I liked the Tenth . . .

[@frogstamper]

Tom Baker will always be "the" DW for me, I'm fifty one now and grew up watching Jon Pertwee and then Tom as the doctor....without a doubt Tom was the best.

[@MichaelM28]

But Pertwee was still amazing too

[@frogstamper]

Michael McGrath Agreed, Jon was a great DW, also I believe Jo Grant was "first" television crush:)

[@colinmcphan]

+Michael McGrath I respect Pertwee to and he was good. But I felt like Tom was so brilliant, natural and believable in the role that that is why Tom has also become my favorite even though I have nothing but respect for everyone that has played the role. Do you enjoy Tom at all? I know you brought up Pertwee but since this video features Tom talking about his time on Doctor Who do you like Tom's Doctor at all? I know he has nothing but love and respect for all the fans and just gave a great interview in the 500th issue of Doctor Who magazine.....maybe his last ever. That makes me sad.

[@falldownhard]

Yes, Tom Baker *IS* *THE* Doctor. What an incredible orator, as someone mentioned one could listen to him talk for hours on end. Even though I've grown to like Jon Pertwee more by a slight bit, when I go through the Baker DW serials I'm reminded just how incredible he was. No one was ever more born to play a role than Tom For Doctor Who and I consider him the best regardless of personal preferences. Will never forget the first time I saw "The Seeds Of Doom" on PBS in the States around 1981 or 1982 as we got them here some years after BBC broadcast. I was in high school and found little that interested me on television until I stumbled on this one Saturday night. I was immediately transfixed, never having seen anything before or since remotely like it.

[@meadowlane37]

I could listen to Tom Baker all day long!

[@user-ms1pg2ok4i]

Tom Baker you are The Doctor! You were my very first Doctor! We met decades ago at a con in Boston. Thank you!💙💙

[@TheNerdVoice]

After reading his book, I've come to understand his life as EASILY one of the most fascinating in the entire world. The book didn't say much except what he was going through at the time (which I wish they'd make a sequels to 'Adventures In Space and Time' for each of the actors and what they were going through) and not much about Who, but holy shit was it interesting. The man can tell a story...and I want him to. That voice...

[@CYBERDOODY]

Is this his autobiography?

[@erakosakowski2296]

CYBERDOODY Yes, "Who On Earth Is Tom Baker". Don't go in reading it with the belief that you're going to see much about his time with DH and there's interesting parts that he skips over and you really want to know more about, but overall, redic interesting.

[@John42ification]

Suddenly, I REALLY need to have a jellybaby! ... ;)

[@nigelcarren]

Tom Baker brings a rarely used 'C'-word to mind... Charming! What a raconteur! 🏆🇬🇧

[@destinationdocklands]

You are a legend Tom! Was great to see you at the Ex:CeL 50th Anniversary event!

[@grappigification]

tom baker is so amazing, i hope i can meet him one day........

[@gotindrachenhart]

He's what 79 as of 2013? And STILL makes me laugh! I'd love to just sit in a pub and have some beers with this fellow. Just to chat and get to know him.

[@Goodlucksonny]

And he's still alive today ❤

[@cmdrkoenig67]

Indeed, I loved his time on Doctor Who and I also loved some of his work in the movies I've seen him in (like "The Golden Voyage of Sindbad").

[@erichgrooms2]

The best regeneration of the Doctor. Even better than Tennant, in classic taste though. We miss him and always shall.

[@colinmcphan]

I miss Tom's Doctor the most to even though I respect all the actors who have played the role. Tom was just so damn brilliant and always great fun to watch. He will always be the perfect incarnation of the Doctor and a adorable and lovely man. His love and appreciation of the fans is tremendous.

[@EricBrunoBorgman]

"And the sonic screwdriver... I dream about it still." LOL!

[@baywi155]

Tom will always be my favorite always will

[@Arieliondotcom]

Brilliant. Never was there a role in search of a man and a man in search of a role as Tom Baker and the Doctor. He IS the Doctor, just asEccleston, Tennant and Capaldi are, all facets of one gem. So glad we have his treasures recorded to enjoy forever, both video & audio

[@bondfool]

I could listen to him talk forever. (And he probably could!)

[@UKISOCIETY]

excellent comments from Tom. Thanks for posting this!

[@ElBrandenBrazil]

The best Doctor forever! BRING HIM BACK!

[@juantanamera7798]

Basil Brush, Doctor Who, The Two Ronnies and Bruce Forsyth. Those were the days.

[@evonne_okafor]

Martin Green They are all(right now) dead expect for Tom . (Not too are if the person who with Basil is still alive)

[@marcse7en]

They were indeed! 👍

[@justintree3]

Nobody can ever replace Mr. Baker as Puddleglum in my heart.

[@crazinventor4442]

Glad to see another person who knows him as Puddleglum. I loved him in that role

[@hgriff10]

Tom is a legend, I worship the guy.

[@Jlittlelife]

still a legend after all these years,wow

[@themansayz]

Incredible!! Great story!

[@Aerojet01]

What a legend and thoroughly nice guy :)

[@jamestheposh]

Fantastic Tom, he captivates you so easily!

[@cmdrkoenig67]

He recently recorded a bunch of Doctor Who audio dramas with the late Romana I (Mary Tamm), it will be nice to hear those two working together again...I've got to see if those are available for purchase.

[@eveningtsar]

This man always makes me smile :)

[@BFIEvents]

Hi there, See the link in the event text above - almost the whole interview is on the BFI website. Thanks.

[@thisisbob1001]

Spot on

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

He is indeed so funny and amazing.. what a find from a builders site!

[@SistorCarrera]

yes he is Legend,watching that reminded me ty

[@AnthonyWilliams-dj7zx]

Tom , you are still the doctor thanks to big finish and you continue to do it flawlessly , like you have always done :)

[@BFIEvents]

Hi there, The full event edit is in the video description.

[@thedavecorp]

Amazing!

[@cmdrkoenig67]

Love Tom, he was my first Doctor!

[@BJEctoplasm]

He's still got it after all these years. He Could don the old "who" Regalia tomorrow and would be the Doctor Again!

[@OxbowisaMstie]

ty:)

[@flaggerify]

1:37 I never forget a face...

[@rainbowsalads]

for god sake, please offer him a full series.

[@marcse7en]

He's already been there, done that, and bought the scarf! 😂😂😂

[@richardmattocks]

Is there a way to see the full versions of all these clips?

[@JonCurcio]

It says "Doctor Who Tom Baker" in the ending credits of his episodes, so he isn't wrong.

[@borgduck]

Someone I know went to this. Just thought I'd mention it.

[@TheDomosaurusRex]

Met the great man on Saturday at the Excel Centre in London-made a complete fool of myself!

[@MrPsychogoro]

love this guy

[@drkmagneto]

He'll always be my "Doctor". Always the best!!

[@colinmcphan]

"Nuttybott"....your nutty! I respect Troughton and nobody put him down on this video. You though keep telling people that there wrong for saying that they enjoyed Tom's portrayal of the Doctor the best. This is a video featuring Tom Baker so people come on this site because they enjoy Tom and his work and him. Tom and Troughton have both had distinguished careers in the entertainment business. Why do you have to put down or attack either guy? Nobody on here even mentioned any other actors or put them down in any way. Again it is a video featuring an interview with Tom. It is sad that some of the "so called" Doctor Who fans would attack a guy like Tom that has nothing but love and respect for the fans. Love you Tom. Keep on doing what your doing. Blessings from America.

[@keysrandom]

Indeed.

[@Problembeing]

I was there :)

[@Solaar_Punk]

Yes, tv was magic. Made Monday's a bit easier when you could talk to your friends about the same 5 programs you'd watched fri - sun.

[@Diomedes01]

I grew up watching PBS in the late 70s and for me, Tom Baker will ALWAYS be Doctor Who.

[@xXGamerWoonaXx]

silleh, the rest of it is in the discription

[@adriansherlockdamondark.1094]

Amazingly funny, captivating storyteller.

[@JSTNtheWZRD]

I like the one that wore celery on his lapel - all of them like a Russian nesting doll🪆(could you believe there was an emoji for it)

[@NOWtheband]

He's a good lad.

[@Gallifrey1991]

Tom you are just the best

[@jcoliver75]

My Hero.

[@farmerned6]

others may be a doctor, but Tom Baker is The Doctor. The definite article, you might say."

[@theupsetter1969]

Legendary

[@jasonfernee2401]

No Doctor has ever come close to Tom Baker. Amazing man.

[@FloraComet]

didnt anybody notice that tom baker appeared at the end of the movie of the 50th anniversary???!!!

[@DireLeon2010]

Doctor, My Doctor! (stands and claps enthusiastically)

[@Strawberry3008]

Oh Tommy

[@Mary-o8r]

He will always be Dr Who to me

[@LauraGeralynKline]

💙🔥💙 #LoveTomBaker

[@logicsfinest3471]

He tells the best stories.

[@BFIEvents]

Yes we absolutely will - next week.

[@martang66]

Can we not have the Q&As? Are there legal issues?

[@xXGamerWoonaXx]

Tom. you Remind me SO MUCH of my great uncle. XD

[@moyabrennanismymum]

I LOVE TO BE A TIME LORD MYSELF

[@swiftbird4846]

Tom Baker will always be the Doctor, and the Doctor will always be Tom Baker. Tom Baker will always be Tom Baker, and the Doctor will always be the Doctor.

[@jeffcook3747]

Tom Baker was "my Doctor". I found DW on Channel 2 (PBS) in Boston. We lived north of Boston. At the time, I didn't realize that there were other Doctors (I was like 7 and came in during his series so I had no idea of Pertwee and the others). I thought the Doctor was so cool. I often imitated him while playing as a kid. Yeah, I was the nerdy scifi kid. I went on to Peter Davidson but it wasn't the same. I tried to learn all I could about who Tom Baker was. It was very difficult because it was the 70s. We had no internet. Then I found out he was an outspoken atheist and I lost all respect for him. Don't bother flaming me or try to tell me that I'm wrong. I'm as entitled to my opinion as he is his

[@Strawberry3008]

Oh tommy

[@scifiradioguy]

Tom Baker is THE benchmark for Doctor Who.

[@gerjaison]

Hahaha....Tom is my doctor! Then maybe Christopher Eccelston, then David and Matt, and the rest i rated them equal (vague memory really). In terms of acting based on youtube, i preferred Patrick Trough/Jon Pertwee/Tom Baker (equal first - marvellous acting on and off screen), Christopher Eccelston (ok maybe abit egotistic on 50th absence but fine actor)/David/Matt/Colin Baker (difficult time in Doctor Who, but fine actor)/Paul McCann/William Hartnell (equal second) then equal third Sylvester McCoy(yeah i think standup is more his strength)/Peter Davidson (starting to be bland in this era).

[@BuildsByCeyphe]

why eccelston though? i have to disagree :|

[@gerjaison]

His acting, i think he's acting is pretty versatile. If i can't convince you, then we just have to disagree with each other.

[@BuildsByCeyphe]

Gerjaison true, but it may just be the fact that some others are so great like Tom Baker, David Tennant and Matt Smith, Not to mention Peter Capaldi, that he kinda looks weak in comparisson. although this is just my opinion :D

[@gerjaison]

Christopher Heldgaard Sure, your opinion is perfectly valid!

[@BuildsByCeyphe]

Gerjaison thanks for actually not raging over random things, like others do. :D Have a continued Great day!

[@sbaxter4207]

Tom Baker on being Tom Baker, Doctor Who on being Doctor Who.

[@Nuttybott]

"By far the best actor to have played Doctor Who" Apart from William Hartnell. And Patrick Troughton. And Jon Pertwee. And possibly Peter Davison... ;-)

[@vampricyoda]

I think Tom Baker can call the role "Boo Boo Kitty Fuck" if he wants at this point, he's earned that right.

[@chymoney1]

David Tennant and Tom Baker best Doctor's ever!

[@marcse7en]

Tennant's not fit to be mentioned in the same sentence as Tom! 👎