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Patrick TroughtonEnglish actor
Date of Birth: 25.03.1920
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Patrick Troughton
Early LifePatrick George Troughton was born on March 25, 1920, in Mill Hill, England. He was the son of Alec George Troughton and Dorothy E. Offord. He studied at Mill Hill School and later attended the Embassy School of Acting in Swiss Cottage under the guidance of Eileen Thorndike. During his time at the acting school, Troughton won a scholarship to Leighton Rallius' studio in the John Drew Memorial Theater in Long Island, New York, USA.
War Years
When World War II broke out, Troughton decided to return to Britain on a Belgian ship. However, the ship hit a mine and sank near the British coast. Troughton managed to survive by getting on a lifeboat. In 1939, he joined the repertoire theater in Tonbridge and in 1940, he enlisted in the British Navy. He served as a captain and commanded a motor gunboat in the North Sea.
Before Doctor Who
After the war, Troughton returned to the theater in 1945. He worked with the Amersham Theatre Company, Bristol Old Vic, and Pilgrim Players from the Mercury Theatre in Nottingham. Troughton made his television debut in 1947. In 1948, he had a small role in the thriller "Escape" alongside William Hartnell. He also played a minor role as a pirate in the adventure film "Treasure Island." In 1953, Troughton became the first actor to portray the folk hero Robin Hood on television in the series "Robin Hood" aired by the BBC.
Doctor Who
In 1966, the producer of Doctor Who, Innes Lloyd, decided to replace William Hartnell as the lead actor of the show. The future of the series depended on how the audience would accept the new actor in the role of the Doctor, considering the bold decision to have a different appearance from Hartnell. Lloyd chose Troughton because of his extensive acting experience and versatility. Troughton embraced various approaches to portray the Doctor and adapt to Hartnell's interpretation of the character. His performance as the second incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who lasted from 1966 to 1969.
Later Years
Troughton returned to Doctor Who three times after leaving the show. He appeared in the program "The Three Doctors" in 1973, "The Five Doctors" in 1983, and supported the show at an international fan convention. He also appeared in films such as "The Omen" (1976), "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger" (1977), and made guest appearances in TV series like "The Goodies" and "Magical Mystery Box."
Legacy
Troughton was highly regarded by the Doctor Who production team and his fellow cast members. The producer Innes Lloyd referred to him as a "leading actor" and believed that Troughton could lead a whole company. Despite his success as the Doctor, Troughton had concerns about being typecast and finding other roles. He suffered two heart attacks in 1978 and 1984 but refused heart surgery. Troughton continued working in television and film until his death. He passed away on March 28, 1987, from a fatal heart attack. Troughton's contribution to Doctor Who and his talent as an actor are remembered and celebrated by fans worldwide.
