Jon Pertwee
Full Name- John Devon Roland Pertwee
Birthday- July 7, 1919
Died on- May 20, 1996
Birth Place- Chelsea, London
Third Doctor- Portrayed by Jon Pertwee
Third Doctor- The third incarnation begins on 20th Century Earth, where Second Doctor was exiled. The third doctor starts working for British contingent of UNIT, an international organization investigating and defending the Earth against extraterrestrial threats. It is kind of partnership as the doctor wants facilities to repair the TARDIS, and the organization needs his expertise to combat the threats. Doctor becomes their scientific advisor. He spends most of his time exiled on Earth. That’s why he also has to act as reluctant mediator in Time Lord’s covert missions allotted to him. He is basically a person of non-violent nature, and uses his fighting skills only when there is no other alternative. This incarnation fights with Yeti and Cybermen. His exile is lifted up by Time Lords when he saves them from Omega. Now he becomes free to travel in time and space again. In the course of time, he runs into Daleks. His final action is with Sontarans in medieval England and with Daleks on planet Exxilon. He contracted radiation poisoning on the planet Metabelis 3. Consequently, when TARDIS brought him back to UNIT headquarters, he collapses and enters fourth incarnation.
Life and Career- Jon Pertwee is an English actor. His most popular role is in “Doctor Who” as the third Doctor. He played this part from 1970 to 1974. Besides this, he is also remembered for “Worzel Gummidge”. He also remained the host of murder mystery quiz program “Whodunnit!” for Thames Television. His notable voice work includes Spotty in the cartoon series “Super Ted”.
Jon was the son of well known screenwriter and actor Roland Pertwee. After completing his studies from Surrey, he became an officer in the Royal Navy. He also spent some time in naval intelligence during Second World War.
He started his acting career after war as a comedy actor. It was on radio in “Waterlogged Spa” and “Puffney Post Office”. During late 1950s, he got a long running role as the Chief Petty Officer Pertwee in “The Navy Lark” on BBC Radio.
Besides Radio, he has also worked on stage. His stage credits include the role of Lycus in London Production of “A Funny Thing happened on the Way to the Forum”.
He has also appeared in four Carry On films: “Carry On Cleo”, “Carry On Screaming”, “Carry On Cowboy” and “Carry On Columbus”. His TV career started with small roles in kids show like “Mr. Pastry”, “The Avengers” and “The Goodies”.
In 1969, he got short listed for the role of Doctor. He was the first Doctor incarnation, who worn fancy clothes. His “Doctor Who” stint was longest among all the actors, who played this part. After leaving “Doctor Who”, he joined “Worzel Gummidge” in 1979.
He returned to Doctor’s role once again in 1983, on the 20th anniversary television special “The Five Doctors”. He also appeared in its 1993, charity special “Dimensions in Time”. He also worked in a stage play “Doctor Who- The Ultimate Adventure”.
In 1990s, he appeared in two BBC Radio 4 comedies “Harry Hill’s Fruit Corner” and “The Skivers”. He remained the part of 1993’s unofficial 30th anniversary release of “Doctor Who” entitled “30 Years of Time Travel and Beyond”. He also participated in its audio productions for BBC Radio, “The Paradise of Death” and “The Ghosts of N-Space”.
His last TV appearance was on “Surprise Surprise” in April 1996 and last film appearance was in a short film “Cloud Cuckoo” in June 1994. He died of heart attack in Connecticut on 20th May, 1996. He had married twice, first to Jean Marsh in 1955 and second time to Ingeborg Rhoesa in August 1960. He is survived by his two children Sean and Dariel.
