I reckon Colin got a really raw deal because he is fantastic and it was the writers not Colin as people often complain about his era. He did have some great stories though!
Colin Baker is one of the nicest people you could ever meet, I had the pleasure of attending an afternoon with him through a fan organisation at the Iron Horse pub, in Glasgow where he conducted an interview after which there was a Q&A, a photo and autograph signing session where I was able to talk to him for about a minute. He's a warm, friendly guy with a good sense of humour and it was wonderful hearing him talk about his time on the series. It was interesting to hear as well, that he attended the same drama school as David Suchet.
Such a wonderful man that got the raw end of the deal when he became the Doctor. He had nothing but love and admiration for the show and got screwed over by the BBC. I don't care what people think, but the Sixth Doctor will always be one of my favorite Doctors. Though I will admit his wardrobe was awful, but that wasn't his fault either.
+SpadesOfDarkness45 I've actually begun to like Colin as the Doctor. I wish BBC/the producers of the show had given him the kind of jacket he'd wanted rather than what he ended up wearing.
Anyone who hasn't listened to his big finish stories is missing out. Colin more than proved how good his doctor would have been had he not been shafted and had good writers. Always a class act :)
This man has given SO much to Doctor Who, both the fandom and the show.. and (until relatively recently) gotten so little for it in return. Seeing what a class guy he is in real life to this day (despite being unceremoniously fired for no good reason) makes me realize that he is my favorite classic Doctor (That, and Doctor Who and the pirates)
Colin Baker was my favourite Doctor of all time. He was brilliant. Just perfect. I only wish he'd stayed on for longer. Such a shame the BBC didn't put as much effort (and budget) into producing Doctor Who during Colin's reign as they do with the show now. In the mid to late 80's it was the BBC that let the show down, not the actors, but Colin being the face of the Doctor took the rap for it. So unfair.
Tom Baker had the same issue with the budget during his last few years on the show. 1979 was a really rough year for Doctor Who budget wise and inflation wise as inflation was at an all-time high in England.
I love that hes explaining everything as a fan, rather then as a former Doctor. To me he has gained so much respect in that he isn't bitter, he doesn't blow fans off. Hes just as excited to talk about it as everyone else and for that I love him.
Good old colin. His costume in the series was dire and he admitted that several times but he was one of the strongest Doctors for me next to Hartnell Troughton & Tom baker, at least from the classic series anyway. I have met Colin a couple of times at conventions and he is a nice chap.
Colin Baker wasn't to bad. Hartnell and Troughton were good and Tom Baker was amazing. I think some of the Classic era Doctors are more interesting than some of the New era Doctors (who I do like somewhat and respect). Anybody agree?
(continues) no hard feelings on his part. He then went on to take over for Jon Pertwee in 'The Ultimate Adventure' and really made the role his own on it, did a series of successful audio adventures and just became an all-around advocate for Doctor Who throughout the 90's. His attitude towards reprising his role in audio or other-wise? Basically, 'let's see what else I can do with my character that I didn't get a chance to do before...' :) Great job, Mr. Baker. I personally look (continued)
Agreed, whatever the 6th doctor may have been lacking on screen.. He MORE than makes up for in audio dramas. Given a good script, (And actual GOOD companions.. In both Evelyn and Charlie) He easily shines as the best Audio Doctor.
I used to think this, but then I saw Peter's performance as the Dish of the Day in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and was blown away by the fact that it was him: it wasn't Davison's fault, it was JNT's fault because of the way they decided to write the Fifth Doctor.
Given the fact that it's been established all along that the Doctor has a crustier or darker side, given the first incarnation, and especially the last three in flashes, the grief Colin Baker has gotten for his being the 'mean' or less likeable version was always undeserved. He certainly shines in more recent audio dramas and fan interviews like this one.
Great interview! I'm curious, did you interview Sylvester McCoy also? I have looked everywhere for an interview with him at London film and comic con but I can't find anything. I didn't meet Colin on the day but he did regard me as I met Sylvester in my Radagast the Brown costume :) Nice man.
Colin Baker is a prime example of the right way to act toward one's fandom. He was royally shafted by the BBC and he would have been entirely justified in telling Doctor Who and its producers to get fucked, but instead he's embraced what he had while he had it. He's done the con circuits, he's interacted with the fans, and he clearly still enjoys talking about the show both before, during, and after his tenure. He's just a class act, that one.
He is my 3rd favourite after Pertwee and Mat Smith. I really wish he had done more episodes or if they had stuck with him rather than McCoy (my least favourite).
I admit Colin isn't my favorite (that honor has to go to Tom Baker) but I don't dislike him either and Michael Grade was a jerk. It reminds me of some of the crap that JNT started to do to Doctor Who during Tom's last season.
I agree, some of Colin's scripts weren't that great, except for Vengenance on Varos, that was great. Some of his other other eps were good and some were so so, but that was the writer's fault, AND NOT HIS. He himself was great as the edgier, more smart alecky doctor. And yes, he was these things but his character also had a soft, child like side I believe so he stands out from the other doctors, who are all very mature in character. But as a real person he is clearly a great guy, good on Colin!
You haven't watched Tom Baker then. Tom could be mature, dark, moody, rebelous and sarcastic. But he was also very funny, witty, charming, eccentric and child like. I'm not knocking Colin at all even if he's not my all-time favorite Doctor (I don't dislike his Doctor though). Just saying Tom was unique and had a youngish vibe as well.
He certainly has proven himself a fan favorite post-Who for sure! :) I, for one, consider Mr. C. Baker the BEST of all the surviving Classic Series Doctors and it's mainly because of his involvement post-Who. That man got crap scripts, one potentially great season cancelled only to be replaced with a so-so epic 'trial' that just basically featured him watching himself and grumbling about 'railyards' and then, finally, shit-canned for basically working with what he had. However, (continued)
I think Tom Baker (as well as Colin Baker) have done some terrific work on behalf of Doctor Who after they left the role on T.V. and Tom, as well as Colin, is a fan favorite. I respect both gentlemen
"I enjoy it if the customers are happy." Translation: "This is the worst day ever. I lost my keys, I cracked my phone, I slept in, I had a nightmare about Michael Grade and I have to be here for another nine hours. F**k."
The BBC & JNT fucked up Dr Who not any of the Actors playing The Dr. Whether a fan of a particular actor or not you have to remember they could only work with what they were given. When you consider Dr Who has ALWAYS been one of the BBC's biggest exports generating millions of pounds, they were prepared to give the show very little money, resulting in poor sets, costumes & supporting cast (sometimes) resulting in an unbelievable behind the times show. Imagine Colin or Sylv with todays budget!!!
Imagine the brilliant and iconic Tom Baker with today's budget? Classic Who is still more fun and interesting to me even though I started with New Who.
I reckon Colin got a really raw deal because he is fantastic and it was the writers not Colin as people often complain about his era. He did have some great stories though!
Colin Baker is one of the nicest people you could ever meet, I had the pleasure of attending an afternoon with him through a fan organisation at the Iron Horse pub, in Glasgow where he conducted an interview after which there was a Q&A, a photo and autograph signing session where I was able to talk to him for about a minute. He's a warm, friendly guy with a good sense of humour and it was wonderful hearing him talk about his time on the series. It was interesting to hear as well, that he attended the same drama school as David Suchet.
He seems like a really nice guy, poor chap really gets a raw deal
Such a wonderful man that got the raw end of the deal when he became the Doctor. He had nothing but love and admiration for the show and got screwed over by the BBC. I don't care what people think, but the Sixth Doctor will always be one of my favorite Doctors. Though I will admit his wardrobe was awful, but that wasn't his fault either.
SpadesOfDarkness45 Totally agree with you - Love Colin!
+SpadesOfDarkness45 I've actually begun to like Colin as the Doctor. I wish BBC/the producers of the show had given him the kind of jacket he'd wanted rather than what he ended up wearing.
Anyone who hasn't listened to his big finish stories is missing out. Colin more than proved how good his doctor would have been had he not been shafted and had good writers. Always a class act :)
He's such a lovely man, I feel so bad that he has such a bad rep as the Doctor.
This man has given SO much to Doctor Who, both the fandom and the show.. and (until relatively recently) gotten so little for it in return. Seeing what a class guy he is in real life to this day (despite being unceremoniously fired for no good reason) makes me realize that he is my favorite classic Doctor (That, and Doctor Who and the pirates)
Colin Baker was my favourite Doctor of all time. He was brilliant. Just perfect. I only wish he'd stayed on for longer. Such a shame the BBC didn't put as much effort (and budget) into producing Doctor Who during Colin's reign as they do with the show now. In the mid to late 80's it was the BBC that let the show down, not the actors, but Colin being the face of the Doctor took the rap for it. So unfair.
It definitely didn't help that someone that was in charge, or very nearly (can't quite remember) hated both the show and him.
Tom Baker had the same issue with the budget during his last few years on the show. 1979 was a really rough year for Doctor Who budget wise and inflation wise as inflation was at an all-time high in England.
I love that hes explaining everything as a fan, rather then as a former Doctor. To me he has gained so much respect in that he isn't bitter, he doesn't blow fans off. Hes just as excited to talk about it as everyone else and for that I love him.
Good old colin. His costume in the series was dire and he admitted that several times but he was one of the strongest Doctors for me next to Hartnell Troughton & Tom baker, at least from the classic series anyway. I have met Colin a couple of times at conventions and he is a nice chap.
Colin Baker wasn't to bad. Hartnell and Troughton were good and Tom Baker was amazing. I think some of the Classic era Doctors are more interesting than some of the New era Doctors (who I do like somewhat and respect). Anybody agree?
He is such a nice man and so kind, I love it.
I absolutely loved the Sixth Doctor! Poor Colin, gets way too much hate for something he's not responsible (regeneration and costume).
WOW it was uploaded on my birthday...
(continues) no hard feelings on his part. He then went on to take over for Jon Pertwee in 'The Ultimate Adventure' and really made the role his own on it, did a series of successful audio adventures and just became an all-around advocate for Doctor Who throughout the 90's. His attitude towards reprising his role in audio or other-wise? Basically, 'let's see what else I can do with my character that I didn't get a chance to do before...' :) Great job, Mr. Baker. I personally look (continued)
YES. i wish he would do something more with the show. he would have been brilliant in the 50th
Agreed, whatever the 6th doctor may have been lacking on screen.. He MORE than makes up for in audio dramas. Given a good script, (And actual GOOD companions.. In both Evelyn and Charlie) He easily shines as the best Audio Doctor.
This past year Colin is tied for best audio Doctor with Tom and Paul McGann. I agree Colin has grown into the tole on audio.
I love Sixy :)
I used to think this, but then I saw Peter's performance as the Dish of the Day in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and was blown away by the fact that it was him: it wasn't Davison's fault, it was JNT's fault because of the way they decided to write the Fifth Doctor.
Given the fact that it's been established all along that the Doctor has a crustier or darker side, given the first incarnation, and especially the last three in flashes, the grief Colin Baker has gotten for his being the 'mean' or less likeable version was always undeserved. He certainly shines in more recent audio dramas and fan interviews like this one.
Great interview! I'm curious, did you interview Sylvester McCoy also? I have looked everywhere for an interview with him at London film and comic con but I can't find anything. I didn't meet Colin on the day but he did regard me as I met Sylvester in my Radagast the Brown costume :) Nice man.
Bless Colin Baker!
1:55 I always liked you Colin
Colin Baker is a prime example of the right way to act toward one's fandom. He was royally shafted by the BBC and he would have been entirely justified in telling Doctor Who and its producers to get fucked, but instead he's embraced what he had while he had it. He's done the con circuits, he's interacted with the fans, and he clearly still enjoys talking about the show both before, during, and after his tenure. He's just a class act, that one.
I think most of the former Doctors have been really great with the fans (except for maybe Eccleston).
Colin Baker's Doctor might have taken heat for being overbearing and arrogant, but he shows here what a class act he is in real life. Just great!
(continues) forward to even more of your appearances in the future. (Hint to Mr. Moffat: Voice-overs DO work... :D ) :)
what a lovely man
He is my 3rd favourite after Pertwee and Mat Smith. I really wish he had done more episodes or if they had stuck with him rather than McCoy (my least favourite).
I admit Colin isn't my favorite (that honor has to go to Tom Baker) but I don't dislike him either and Michael Grade was a jerk. It reminds me of some of the crap that JNT started to do to Doctor Who during Tom's last season.
you couldn't be more correct daniel
is colin baker still alive? AMAZING
Ikr!
Cause i thought he was mad that BBC fired him.
HES STILL HAPPY! LOL!
great interview. not my favorite incarnation/writing phase, but still cool.
pizza.
A class act..no question.
Realtime was particularly good :)
I agree, some of Colin's scripts weren't that great, except for Vengenance on Varos, that was great. Some of his other other eps were good and some were so so, but that was the writer's fault, AND NOT HIS. He himself was great as the edgier, more smart alecky doctor. And yes, he was these things but his character also had a soft, child like side I believe so he stands out from the other doctors, who are all very mature in character. But as a real person he is clearly a great guy, good on Colin!
You haven't watched Tom Baker then. Tom could be mature, dark, moody, rebelous and sarcastic. But he was also very funny, witty, charming, eccentric and child like. I'm not knocking Colin at all even if he's not my all-time favorite Doctor (I don't dislike his Doctor though). Just saying Tom was unique and had a youngish vibe as well.
what's hes saying 1:30 after "first regeneration then.."
the first regeneration was actually a REJUVENATION
did he know matt was leaving. his face when she mentioned it
He certainly has proven himself a fan favorite post-Who for sure! :) I, for one, consider Mr. C. Baker the BEST of all the surviving Classic Series Doctors and it's mainly because of his involvement post-Who. That man got crap scripts, one potentially great season cancelled only to be replaced with a so-so epic 'trial' that just basically featured him watching himself and grumbling about 'railyards' and then, finally, shit-canned for basically working with what he had. However, (continued)
I think Tom Baker (as well as Colin Baker) have done some terrific work on behalf of Doctor Who after they left the role on T.V. and Tom, as well as Colin, is a fan favorite. I respect both gentlemen
This is one of those moments that make me hate Christopher Eccleston despite him being my favorite incarnation of the Doctor. :(
Well, obviously Hartnell, Tom Baker, and Troughton could be highly eccentric too!
You know matt smith yeh?
If he does, he certainly hasn't let it show... :)
he looks like Varys of GameOf Thrones !!!
"I enjoy it if the customers are happy."
Translation: "This is the worst day ever. I lost my keys, I cracked my phone, I slept in, I had a nightmare about Michael Grade and I have to be here for another nine hours. F**k."
Would've been a great doctor with more time, better writing, and perhaps more restraint ( I'm looking at his uniform)
he *was* great
Peter Dinklage for the new Doctor!
He was nice describing his time as the Doctor but he and the entire show did get the shaft so he must hold some resentment.
The BBC & JNT fucked up Dr Who not any of the Actors playing The Dr.
Whether a fan of a particular actor or not you have to remember they could only work with what they were given.
When you consider Dr Who has ALWAYS been one of the BBC's biggest exports generating millions of pounds, they were prepared to give the show very little money, resulting in poor sets, costumes & supporting cast (sometimes) resulting in an unbelievable behind the times show. Imagine Colin or Sylv with todays budget!!!
Imagine the brilliant and iconic Tom Baker with today's budget? Classic Who is still more fun and interesting to me even though I started with New Who.
Why is he shaking like that? uh oh....
he says 12 incarnations... for a lawyer .. lost the plot a bit.. great human though.. cheers