David Tennant

Biography

David Tennant (born David John McDonald, 18.4.1971)
David Tennant is a Scottish TV and stage actor, best known for taking on the lead role of the BBC series Doctor Who.

Childhood: David Tennant was born in Bathgate, West Lothian and raised in Ralston, Renfrewshire. His father, Reverend Alexander McDonald was the local Church of Scotland minister. He was the youngest of three children and was educated at Ralston Primary school and then Paisley Grammar School.

It was at secondary school that David Tennant's talents were first recognized, by his English teacher, Moira Robertson. He studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He has since said that he has been doggedly determined to play Doctor Who from a very early age. He met Tom Baker at a book signing in Glasgow, which further cemented his ambition. When choosing his professional acting name, he was influenced by Neil Tennant of the band Pet Shop Boys.

Acting Roles: David Tennant's debut acting job, after graduating from drama school was in a performance of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, which also starred Ashley Jensen. He also landed an early role as a transsexual barmaid named Davina in an episode of Rab C Nesbitt.

David Tennant then worked with Arabella Weir on Takin' Over the Asylum. When he eventually moved to London, he lodged with her for five years. They have subsequently worked together on Posh Nosh (also starring Richard E. Grant) and the audio drama Exile.

Tennnant built a successful stage career with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He also appeared semi-naked onstage at the Royal National Theatre in Joe Orton's What The Butler Saw.

In Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer's Randall & Hopkirk, David Tennant played an eccentric Scottish artist in the first episode. He also appeared in a large number of BBC drama series, such as He Knew He Was Right with Bill Nighy, Blackpool with David Morrissey and Sarah Parish in The Quatermass Experiment.

Tennant has also appeared in a number of films, including Stephen Fry's Bright Young Things, which had a ensemble cast, including Emily Mortimer, Michael Sheen, James McAvoy and Dan Aykroyd. He also played the role of Barty Crouch Jr. in the film adaptation of JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The film also starred Daniel Radcliffe, Ralph Fiennes and Michael Gambon.

David Tennant had his name put forward for the role of Doctor Who before he actually landed it, missing out originally to Christopher Eccleston. When Eccleston announced that he would not return for a second series, David Tennant was confirmed as his replacement.

Among the actresses playing the Doctor's sidekicks have been Billie Piper, Jessica Hynes and Catherine Tate. He also played the Doctor in an episode of Ricky Gervais' comedy series Extras.

In May 2008, David Tennant appeared on Derren Brown's Trick or Treat, seemingly predicting the future using automatic handwriting.

In 2009, David Tennant starred in a BBC film version of the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Hamlet. He also filmed a pilot for a NBC show entitled Rex Is Not Your Lawyer and presented Comic Relief with Davina McCall. Tennant also played the role of Pomfrey in the December 2009 release of St. Trinian's II: The Legend of Fritton's Gold.

Personal Life: David Tennant's mother, Helen, died of cancer in 2007. His father had a non-speaking cameo in the Doctor Who episode 'The Unicorn and the Wasp'.

Biography by Contactmusic.com

David Tennant Almost Played Hannibal In Bryan Fuller's TV Series

By Daniel Falconer in Movies / TV / Theatre on 23 April 2018

David Tennant

David Tennant said a few meetings with Bryan Fuller almost saw him take the lead role in NBC series 'Hannibal'.

Whether you know him for his time as the Doctor in 'Doctor Who', as the villainous fan-favourite Kilgrave in 'Jessica Jones', or for one of his other iconic roles altogether, David Tennant is a household name not just across the UK, but the world. The Scottish actor has always made a great impression on fans, and recently he's been opening up about one particular role he just missed out on.

David Tennant is renowned for his work on both the small and big screen

In 2013, Bryan Fuller decided to bring the evil character of Hannibal Lecter to the small screen on NBC. It was Mads Mikkelsen in the titular role, and whilst the series had a loyal following and was praised by much of the critical press, the show only lasted for three seasons before the axe fell down on it.

Continue reading: David Tennant Almost Played Hannibal In Bryan Fuller's TV Series

Ferdinand Review

Good

This animated comedy adventure is based on the beloved children's book, which was published in 1936 and first adapted for the big screen by Walt Disney in an Oscar-winning 1938 short. Thankfully, that warm, funny story is preserved in the middle of this animated feature, stretched out with lots of the usual slapstick and action mayhem. So while the silly, pointless mayhem will keep children giggling, it's the story's big heart that makes it worth seeing.

Ferdinand (voiced by John Cena) is a young calf growing up on a ranch in Spain, being trained to become a fighter in the bull ring. But he's far more interested in smelling the flowers. So he escapes and is adopted by Nina (Lily Day) on her quiet farm, growing up to be a gentle-giant bull. The problem is that the local villagers are terrified of his behemoth size, and he's captured by animal control and taken back to the ranch. Now he's competing with his childhood cohorts (Bobby Cannavale, Anthony Anderson and Peyton Manning, plus David Tennant as a Scottish Highland bull) for a spot in a big upcoming Madrid bullfight. But Ferdinand just wants to get back to the flowers, so he enlists the help of goofy goat Lupe (Kate McKinnon) to escape again.

The central point about being true to your nature is important and moving, played with just the right balance of humour and sentimentality, especially as it makes a strong comment on choosing love over violence. But this message is somewhat watered down by the rather corny zaniness that fills the screen, including several massive action set-pieces that not only make very little sense but feel like scenes we've seen before. The characters are colourful enough to keep us smiling, but while the animation is technically adept it's not hugely original (see also director Carlos Saldanha's Ice Age movies), and it makes virtually no use of the 3D.

Continue reading: Ferdinand Review

David Tennant To Return As Kilgrave In 'Jessica Jones' Season 2

By Daniel Falconer in Movies / TV / Theatre on 15 August 2017

David Tennant

The actor will be reprising his villainous role as the mind-controlling Kilgrave.

It's official: David Tennant will be making his return to Marvel's second season of 'Jessica Jones' on Netflix in the role of mind-controlling villain Kilgrave. Though Jones finally grew immune to his powers in the first season of her titular show, snapping his neck to stop his reign of terror, it looks like he'll be back in some form when the series makes its return.

David Tennant is no stranger to showbiz

Despite being the Big Bad of the first season, Kilgrave became quite the fan favourite character, even adding slithers of humour to his performance on varying occasions. Though we've now seen his life come to an end, we'll be seeing him make a comeback in ways that are still being kept under wraps.

Continue reading: David Tennant To Return As Kilgrave In 'Jessica Jones' Season 2

David Tennant Says Jodie Whittaker's Gender Will Be "Irrelevant" When She Plays 'Doctor Who'

By Ed Biggs in Movies / TV / Theatre on 11 August 2017

David Tennant Jodie Whittaker Doctor Who

Tennant, who played Doctor Who for five years until 2010, was asked about Whittaker's appointment by US chat show host Stephen Colbert.

Amid the backlash from some quarters against the casting of a female Doctor Who, the BBC sci-fi show’s former star David Tennant has backed the newly announced Jodie Whittaker, saying that her gender will be “irrelevant almost immediately” when she makes her debut.

The 46 year old actor, who played the Time Lord between 2005 and 2010, chatted with American talk show host Stephen Colbert on ‘The Late Show’ on Thursday (August 10th). He said that although Whittaker’s appointment was the first time a woman has played the Doctor, the character has never been of any fixed gender, so a male actor is as relevant to the part as a female one.

“Whenever the Doctor changes, there’s a backlash,” Tennant explained. “Sure, Jodie is from a different gender – but that will be irrelevant almost immediately when she takes the part. It’s about finding the right performer at the right time, and that’s Jodie without a doubt.”

Continue reading: David Tennant Says Jodie Whittaker's Gender Will Be "Irrelevant" When She Plays 'Doctor Who'

David Tennant Doesn't Think Olivia Colman Could Be Next 'Doctor Who'

By Daniel Falconer in Movies / TV / Theatre on 26 June 2017

David Tennant Olivia Colman

The actress is too busy, according to her fellow 'Broadchurch' star.

David Tennant isn't an actor who's afraid of chatting and speculating about the future of BBC sci-fi series 'Doctor Who'; after all, he did serve as the 10th iteration of the character, bringing his own unique skills to the show and becoming an instant fan-favourite version of the Doctor.

David Tennant doesn't think Olivia Colman has time for Doctor Who

For some time, fans of the show have known that this current series of 'Doctor Who' will be Peter Capaldi's final outing in the titular role, with showrunner Steven Moffat also stepping down at the end of the series. Whilst we know 'Broadchurch' creator Chris Chibnall will be taking over from Moffat, the actor stepping into the shoes of the Doctor is still to be confirmed.

Continue reading: David Tennant Doesn't Think Olivia Colman Could Be Next 'Doctor Who'

David Tennant To Reunite With Catherine Tate In 'Doctor Who' Audiobooks

By Ed Biggs in Movies / TV / Theatre on 26 October 2015

Doctor Who David Tennant Catherine Tate

The pair starred in the ever-popular BBC sci-fi series from 2006 to 2010, and will reprise their roles in three audio productions for Big Finish next year.

David Tennant is set to play ‘Doctor Who’ once again – only he’ll be returning in a series of audio dramas, rather than on television.

The 44 year old Scottish actor, who played the tenth incarnation of the Doctor from 2005 to 2010, will be reunited with his on-screen assistant Catherine Tate, who once again plays the Doctor’s companion Donna Noble.

Tennant proved to be a hugely popular Doctor Who, taking over from Christopher Eccleston who helped re-boot the series the year before. He was last seen in the 50th anniversary special in 2013, briefly reprising his take on the regenerating timelord.

Continue reading: David Tennant To Reunite With Catherine Tate In 'Doctor Who' Audiobooks

Jessica Jones, Marvel’s Superhero Private Eye, Will Be Focus Of New Netflix Series

By Elinor Cosgrave in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 11 September 2015

Krysten Ritter David Tennant Rachael Taylor Carrie-Anne Moss Erin Moriarty Netflix

‘Jessica Jones’ will be released in November on Netflix.

Jessica Jones, a lesser known Marvel superhero, is heading to Netflix. A show centering entirely on Jones will premiere on Netflix in November. The streaming service made the announcement on Thursday (10th September).

Krysten Ritter filming for Jessica Jones in New York, July 2015.

Continue reading: Jessica Jones, Marvel’s Superhero Private Eye, Will Be Focus Of New Netflix Series

4 Early Eddie Redmayne Films You Definitely Need To See

By Holly Williams in Movies / TV / Theatre on 23 February 2015

Eddie Redmayne Stephen Hawking Julianne Moore Sean Bean Kimberley Nixon David Tennant Juno Temple Christopher Lee Bill Nighy

He's finally won his Best Actor Oscar, but we've seen it coming for years.

Eddie Redmayne caused no surprise when he landed the award for Best Actor at the 2015 Oscars, following his role as a young Stephen Hawking in his epic biopic 'The Theory Of Everything' which had already won him a BAFTA and a Golden Globe.

Eddie Redmayne at the 2015 Oscars
Eddie Redmayne wins Best Actor

It was a foreseeable win, and one that Hawking himself has admitted he's very proud of for Redmayne. We were, of course, already aware of his extraordinary talents before he was cast in the movie, following appearances in 'Les Miserables' and 'My Week With Marilyn', but even before then he was gluing people to screens with his early performances. These are four movies starring Eddie Redmayne that you probably haven't seen, but definitely should:

Continue reading: 4 Early Eddie Redmayne Films You Definitely Need To See

David Tennant To Play Villain In Netflix Series 'A.K.A Jessica Jones'

By Michael West in Movies / TV / Theatre on 27 January 2015

David Tennant Krysten Ritter

David Tennant has landed a major role in a new 'Marvel' show.

David Tennant's star is truly on the rise after a string of hugely accomplished performances - most notably ITV's Broadchurch - and the Scottish actor has now landed a major new role in the U.S.

David Tennant [center right] starred in the U.S. remake of Broadchurch, Gracepoint

The former Doctor Who star will play the villain in Marvel's new Netflix series A.K.A Jessica Jones. The show stars Krysten Ritter as a former superhero turned New York City detective who covers cases involving people with extraordinary powers. Tennant will play Kilgrave, a shadowy character from Jessica's past who threatens her present day life.

Continue reading: David Tennant To Play Villain In Netflix Series 'A.K.A Jessica Jones'

What We Did On Our Holiday Review

By Rich Cline

Excellent

Although its story easily could have spun right off the rails, this British comedy uses earthy honesty to win the audience over. The filmmakers also refuse to shy away from things that are usually taboo in family movies, like marital problems, sexuality and mortality. And by never indulging in wacky slapstick or trite moralising, the movie makes the point that sometimes the worst thing we can do to our kids is try to protect them from what's really happening.

The story starts in London, as Abi and Doug (Rosamund Pike and David Tennant) set off to drive north to the Scotland Highlands for the 75th birthday of David's father Gordy (Billy Connolly). They've told their three hilariously overactive kids Lottie, Mickey and Jess (Emilia Jones, Bobby Smalldridge and Harriet Turnbull) not to say anything to anyone about their crumbling marriage. And when they arrive it's clear that everyone has something they don't want to talk about. Gordy is avoiding conversations about his terminal cancer, while David's brother Gavin (Ben Miller) and his wife Margaret (Amelia Bullmore) are also covering up facts from their recent past. Then on a day trip to the beach, the holiday takes a startling turn.

Where the film goes from here hinges on the actions of three children under 10 years old, and all three actors are terrific, creating believable characters who are bursting with individualistic personalities. Watching them try to decode the adult world around them is thoroughly engaging, with the humour lightly balanced by some darker truths. Meanwhile, the grown-up cast get to play the more obviously comical moments, including a few rather too-broad gags. But each of them keeps their character in focus, never letting them tip over into cartoonish silliness. Pike, Tennant and Connolly are all terrific, with pointed support from Miller and Bullmore, plus Imrie as a rather too-knowing social worker.

Continue reading: What We Did On Our Holiday Review

David Tennant - David Tennant leaves the Dorchester Hotel with his wife Georgia Moffett after the attending the TV Choice Awards - London, United Kingdom - Monday 9th September 2013

David Tennant Wednesday 1st June 2011 David Tennant and his fiancee Georgia Moffett leaving the afterparty for ' Much Ado About Nothing ' in Covent Garden. London, England