Paul McGann and Colin Baker Dish on Doctor Who
Colin Baker, who played the 6th Doctor Who, and Paul McGann, who played the 8th Doctor Who, came together at Salt Lake Comic Con 2014. Relaxing on a comfortable couch, the two took questions from the audience and bantered about their respective Doctors.
McGann, who brought his Doctor to audio, admits to being nervous following Sylvester McCoy in the iconic role. When Baker accepted the role, he was asked what he would like the Doctor to be. “I would like to play a Doctor, who isn’t necessarily easy to get a handle on,” Baker said. He’s an alien; he would have motivations that humans may not be able to understand. Baker wanted to play a doctor that took time to understand. “I do like brave television,’ says Baker, “as long as you get a payoff.” During the hiatus of the Doctor from television, radio plays continued to be produced. “The joy of audio is that he looks the same,” says Baker of his Doctor. “He’s got blonde, curly hair.” The Companions McGann thought that the best companions have a Sancho Panza kind of thing going on where he’s the real genius. “The companion can be at least the equal, can they not?” asks McGann. “Oh why not?” asks Baker. “All good companions are.” Favorite Scene McGann’s favorite scene was his regeneration into John Hurt. Baker chose the scene where Azmael died in the Doctor’s arms in ‘Twin Dilemma’ as his favorite. “It was a defining moment,” says Baker. Favorite Doctor “I’ve always had a soft spot for Chris Eccleston,” says McGann. “Patrick Troughton – he did the tough job,” says Baker. Costume Makes the Doctor “I didn’t like my costume. I thought it was a tad ridiculous,” says Baker. “Now I love it.” Part of the reason that he loves it is because of the royalties from the action figures that people buy. “The kids want the colorful one,” says Baker. Day of the Doctor “When you see us under the sheets, that was us,” says Baker. On Steven Moffat “I don’t know that he knows what’s happening in six weeks,” says McGann. “I think that’s a plus,” says Baker on Moffat’s spontaneity. Favorite Villains McGann likes the Weeping Angels, but Baker panned his opinion. “A proper doctor knows when an Angel comes up to you, you alternate eyes,” says Baker winking each eye in turn. Baker would choose the Slitheen. “Things that fart? Brilliant – best monster ever,” says Baker. He also likes the Silence. Least Favorite Monster “The Daleks and the Cybermen were a pain to work with,” says Baker. The people inside couldn’t see out of the costume, and with the Daleks, the Doctor just needs to move at a slightly faster pace than a snail. When Baker found out that he got the role as the Doctor, he came home, opened the door and spread his arms wide. “I AM THE DOCTOR!” Baker said. “That’s nice,” responded his wife. “Could you put the rubbish out?” The Doctors fought for the attention of a service dog who they allowed on stage. Baker went so far as to try to entice the dog to take a treat from Baker’s lips. “Those dog biscuits taste quite nice,” says Baker. Those who are looking to get into Doctor Who should start with William Hartnell. “There’s only one way to watch anything; start at the beginning,” says Baker. |
On YouTube:
The Doctor in the Dalek - brilliant cosplay from young Josh |