Patrick Troughton: Biography of the Second Doctor

Patrick Troughton stepped into the TARDIS in 1966 with a task that might have daunted any actor — replacing the beloved William Hartnell. Instead of imitating his predecessor, Troughton reinvented the Doctor from the ground up, injecting warmth, mischief, and a touch of chaos that saved the series from cancellation.

Full Name: Patrick George Troughton · Born: 25 March 1920 · Died: 28 March 1987 · Doctor Who Tenure: 1966–1969 · Number of Children: 6 · Notable Non-Who Role: The Omen (1976)

Six key facts about Troughton’s life, one pattern: his biography is a mix of well-documented milestones and persistent gaps that fuel fan curiosity.

Why Did Patrick Troughton Leave Doctor Who?

Creative Differences with Production

Troughton’s exit from Doctor Who in 1969 wasn’t a sudden decision. According to Wikipedia, he felt the role had run its natural course after three seasons. The production demands were intense — 21 serials in three years — and Troughton reportedly chafed at the rigid filming schedule that left little room for other work.

Fear of Typecasting

The dominant reason for his departure was a fear of being typecast. Troughton believed that three years was the maximum time any actor should play the Doctor to avoid becoming inseparable from the character. This concern was widely reported by BBC archives, which note that his decision preserved the show’s ability to reinvent itself through regeneration.

Troughton’s Decision to Move On

He formally left the series after The War Games, the final serial of the 1969 season. But Troughton didn’t sever ties completely — he returned for the 20th anniversary special The Five Doctors in 1983 and made appearances in other Doctor Who anniversary productions. His departure, as documented by IMDb, opened the door for Jon Pertwee to take over and proved that the regeneration concept could work.

The implication: Troughton’s self-awareness preserved the show’s longevity.

Did William Hartnell Like Patrick Troughton?

Hartnell’s Initial Reluctance to Regeneration

When BBC producers first proposed replacing Hartnell with a new actor, the original Doctor was reportedly skeptical. The concept of regenerating the lead character was unprecedented in British television. According to Wikipedia, Hartnell worried that recasting would undermine the show’s credibility. But after meeting Troughton and watching his early performances, Hartnell’s attitude shifted.

Developing Mutual Respect and Friendship

Hartnell eventually described Troughton as “a fine actor” and supported his casting. The two developed a warm off-screen friendship, with Hartnell famously attending Troughton’s early recording sessions to offer encouragement. The BBC notes that Hartnell’s seal of approval helped smooth the transition for a skeptical audience. The implication: Hartnell didn’t just tolerate Troughton — he actively backed the man who would carry the show forward.

The pattern: Hartnell’s endorsement was crucial for the show’s continuity.

Were Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee Friends?

Colleagues on the Set of Doctor Who

Troughton and Jon Pertwee shared more than the TARDIS — they shared a genuine, lasting friendship. Pertwee succeeded Troughton as the Third Doctor in 1970, and the two actors worked together on multiple occasions. IMDb notes that Pertwee admired Troughton’s work and often credited him with making the transition between Doctors feel natural.

A Lasting Personal Friendship

Beyond the set, Troughton and Pertwee socialized frequently and remained close until Troughton’s death. Pertwee referred to Troughton as a “dear friend” in interviews, and the two collaborated on charity events and stage productions outside Doctor Who. The pattern: Troughton built deep, genuine bonds with his fellow Doctors — a generous nature as a colleague.

The catch: this camaraderie is documented entirely through anecdotes, not formal records.

Did Patrick Troughton Wear a Wig in Doctor Who?

The Iconic Bushy Hairdo

The Second Doctor’s trademark mop of dark, tousled hair is one of the most recognizable looks in classic Doctor Who. But that signature style wasn’t entirely natural. According to Wikipedia, Troughton wore a wig because his natural hair was already thinning by the time he took the role in 1966.

Wig vs. Real Hair: The Truth

The wig became an integral part of the character’s visual identity — the unkempt, bohemian look reinforced the Second Doctor’s eccentric, mischievous personality. BritBox describes the Second Doctor as “warm and whimsical with sharp intellect and dark undercurrents,” and the wig contributed to that disarming appearance. The catch: what fans assumed was Troughton’s natural hair was a carefully crafted piece of costume design that helped define the character.

The implication: the wig was a deliberate costume choice that enhanced the character’s charm.

What Was Patrick Troughton’s Cause of Death?

Heart Attack at Age 67

Patrick Troughton died of a heart attack on 28 March 1987, three days after his 67th birthday. According to Tardis Fandom, he suffered his third and final heart attack at 7:25 AM after ordering breakfast at a hotel in Columbus, Georgia. He was in the United States attending a science fiction convention, as confirmed by IMDb.

Pre-existing Health Issues

Troughton had a known history of cardiovascular problems, having experienced earlier heart attacks before the fatal one. A low-credibility rumor circulated after his death — repeated by WhatCulture and discussed on Forteana Forum — suggesting the heart attack was triggered by sexual activity at the convention. This claim is unverified and not supported by any official medical or biographical source. The official, documented cause remains a heart attack consistent with his pre-existing condition.

The pattern: the rumor persists despite a total absence of evidence.

The pattern across every account of Troughton’s life is consistent: he was a deeply private man who nevertheless formed lasting, genuine bonds with his colleagues. His decision to leave Doctor Who was driven not by ego but by a clear-eyed understanding of what the role would cost him. For the generations of actors who have since taken up the mantle of the Doctor, Troughton’s example — embrace the character, but know when to let go — remains the unspoken benchmark. For fans, the takeaway is bittersweet: the Second Doctor saved the show, but the man behind the wig paid a personal price that only his closest friends and family ever truly saw.