| Biography |
From IMDB:
William Henry Hartnell was born just south of St. Pancras station in London. Breaking a centuries-old tradition in his family, he decided against a life in farming, instead he wanted to be an actor. Initially, he worked as a stable boy and trained to be a jockey, and also spent a short period as a flyweight boxer. At age 16, he was adopted by Hugh Blaker, a well-known art connoiseeur, who helped him to get a job with Sir Frank Benson's Shakespearean Company. He started as a general dogsboy - call-boy, assistant stage manager, property master and assistant lighting director - but was occasionally allowed to play small walk-on parts. Two years later he lefet Sir Frank Benson's group and went off on tour working for a number of different companies about Britain. He became known as an actor of farce and understudied renowned performers such as Lawrence Grossmith, Ernest Truex, Bud Flanagan and Charles Heslop. He played repertory in Richmond, Harrogate, Leeds and Sheffield and had a successful run as the lead in a touring production of "Charley's Aunt". He also toured Canada in 1928-29, acquiring much valuable experience. On his return to England, Hartnell married the actress Heather McIntyre. Hw starred in the movies "I'm an Explosive (1933)", "The Way Ahead (1944)", "Strawberry Roan (1944)", "The Agitator (1944)", "Murder in Reverse (1945)", and "Appointment with Crime (1946)". His memorable performance on the television series "The Army Game (1957)" and the movie "This Sporting Life (1963)" led to him being cast as The Doctor on Doctor Who, which he is best remembered for. |