Matt Smith claimed that he tried out for the role of Will McKenzie in the popular comedy series The Inbetweeners but was unsuccessful.
Despite this setback, Smith persevered and secured numerous big roles in television programs, including the eleventh incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who, possibly his most recognized role to date.
His performance as Prince Philip in The Crown garnered him a Primetime Emmy nomination. He was cast as Daemon Targaryen in the HBO series House of the Dragon in 2022.
Matt Smith was revealed as the Eleventh Doctor in the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who in January 2009. He took over for David Tennant, who announced his departure in October 2008.
Despite his relative obscurity at the time, Smith was chosen for the role over Paterson Joseph, David Morrissey, Sean Pertwee, James Nesbitt, Russell Tovey, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Robert Carlyle, and Billie Piper.
His lack of celebrity inspired a news headline that read “Doctor Who?” in reference to the title of the show.
How old was Matt Smith when he played Doctor Who?
Smith was 26 years; English actor Matt Smith became well-known in the UK at the age of 26 after being chosen by director Steven Moffat to play the Eleventh Doctor in the enduring science fiction adventure series Doctor Who (BBC, 2005).
Who succeeded Matt Smith?
As the 12th Doctor in the British television series Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi took Matt Smith’s place. From 2013 to 2017, Capaldi held the position. Jodie Whittaker, the 13th Doctor, took over in 2017.