David Tennant bio, filmography, son, children, height, age, wife 2025

Biography of David Tennant

David Tennant is a Scottish actor who shot to fame playing the Tenth Doctor in the sci-fi series "Doctor Who," plus memorable turns as Barty Crouch Jr. in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and the demon Crowley in "Good Omens."

David won hearts worldwide when he played Giacomo Casanova in the BBC series. He's won several National Television Awards and a People's Choice Award for "Favorite Actor."

Childhood and Adolescence

Born David John McDonald in spring 1971, he grew up in the Scottish town of Bathgate with parents Alexander "Sandy" and Essdale Helen McDonald. The youngest of three kids, David has an older sister Karen and brother Blair. The actor's grandfather, Archie MacLeod, was a well-known footballer in Britain.

His father, a Presbyterian minister, moved the family to parishes in Paisley and later Ralston, Renfrewshire. He raised his children in the faith, hoping his sons might follow him into ministry. David's mother dreamed that he would become a lawyer.

In childhood, David Tennant was obsessed with 'Doctor Who'

But David was different – he'd been obsessed with movies since he was tiny. At just three, David fell under "Doctor Who's" spell and knew he didn't want to be a Time Lord – he wanted to be the actor who played one. He recalled later:

I remember talking with my parents after watching Jon Pertwee regenerate into Tom Baker on 'Doctor Who.' I was tiny, but we discussed what actors do. I remember understanding the difference between the character and the actor when they explained it. I got what a fictional character was – and I hate when people say kids can't tell fantasy from reality.

The boy first performed in public in his primary school choir. David excelled academically, especially in English, though he skipped school theater. Instead, he joined his father's summer church missions on Great Cumbrae island. There he performed in plays based on biblical stories alongside games and activities. His desire to become an actor grew stronger.

At 17, David enrolled at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. He made friends who shared his love of theater, movies, and parties.

His mother pushed for him to get a teaching diploma after graduation, worried he'd struggle to find work as an actor. But David changed his surname (there was already a David McDonald in the actors' union), adopting the stage name from a Pet Shop Boys member, and immediately started landing roles. His start was with the Edinburgh theater company "7:84" in the pantomime "Cinderella and the Magic Monkey.

Acting Career

In 1996, the press hailed Tennant as "an extraordinary actor of his time." He rehearsed with three theater companies simultaneously – Manchester Royal Exchange, Dundee Rep, and Royal Lyceum Edinburgh. He then moved to London, where he played Alan in The Slab Boys Trilogy (Young Vic Theatre), Nick in What the Butler Saw (National Theatre), and Touchstone in As You Like It (Royal Shakespeare Company).

Tennant wrote a detailed essay about his final role, revealing that he initially auditioned for Orlando and was shocked when offered the jester's part instead:

I remembered Touchstone from the play, and he seemed like something I was completely wrong for – full of tired old gags and references that had been stale for 300 years. So I wasn't worried; they'd obviously find some brilliant comedian who could bring fresh humor and energy to the role.

But director Stephen Pimlott saw something different – he saw Touchstone in Tennant. Tennant brilliantly brought the character to life on stage, and comedy roles started coming his way. From there, David flipped to dramatic roles, appearing in Romeo and Juliet, The Rivals, Hamlet, Richard II, and more. For his performance in The Glass Menagerie, Tennant was honored with the Theatre Management Association's award for Best Actor.

David Tennant as Touchstone in As You Like It

He made his screen debut as Neil McDonald in the supernatural series Dramarama. The actor also starred in other British series – Children in Need, Takin' Over the Asylum, and Midsomer Murders.

He played a drunken student in the acclaimed drama Jude, then in 1998 landed the lead role of undertaker Richard in the romantic drama L.A. Without a Map. Vinessa Shaw played his character's Hollywood actress love interest. Johnny Depp also had a cameo, and Tennant described him as completely down-to-earth and always on time.

After the film's release, David's movie career took off. He appeared in The Last September as Captain Gerald Colthurst, the romantic drama Love in the 21st Century as John, and the film Foyle's War as Theo Howard. He starred alongside James Dreyfus and Adam Levy in the comedy Being Considered, and with Stephen Campbell Moore and Emily Mortimer in Stephen Fry's war film Bright Young Things. At that time, Tennant was also nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor.

2005 became a breakthrough year for David. He became a British heartthrob playing Giacomo Casanova in the titular film. His childhood dream also came true when he was offered the role of the Tenth Doctor, the time-traveling alien in the legendary series Doctor Who.

In 2005, David Tennant got the role of the Doctor

Tennant joined the long-running series, which had begun decades before his birth in 1963. He was recognized as the best performer of this role according to Doctor Who magazine readers.

David starred in the series for five years while juggling other projects. At the height of his fame, he starred in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Barty Crouch Jr.), The Quatermass Experiment (Gordon Brisco), and The Romantics (Jean-Jacques Rousseau).

Harry Potter: David Tennant played Barty Crouch Jr.

Tennant delivered a multifaceted and striking performance in the historical film Einstein and Eddington, where he portrayed the famous scientist Arthur Eddington. Andy Serkis played Einstein opposite him.

In the drama Lady Chatterley's Lover, David appeared as Richard Hoggart, and he returned as the Time Lord in The Sarah Jane Adventures, a Doctor Who spin-off.

Tennant's work in the drama series Single Father earned him a TV Choice Award. He brilliantly played widower Dave Tiler, struggling to raise four children alone after his wife's death.

Meanwhile, the actor starred with Alice Eve and Kelly Macdonald in the comedy The Decoy Bride, then landed the lead role of Jimmy Murphy in the sports drama United, based on the Munich air disaster.

David took on detective and spy roles in several series: Broadchurch (Alec Hardy), Spies of Warsaw (Jean-François Mercier), The Escape Artist (Will Burton).

Broadchurch: David Tennant and Olivia Colman

In 2013, the actor reprised his role as the Doctor in the sci-fi action film The Day of the Doctor. He worked on the set with Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman, and Billie Piper.

David Tennant introduces The Day of the Doctor

In 2015, Tennant transformed into the sinister Kevin Thompson/Kilgrave in the TV series Jessica Jones. He starred alongside Krysten Ritter, Rachael Taylor, and Carrie-Anne Moss in the thriller. Around the same time, David voiced characters in animated series like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Fugitoid), DuckTales (Scrooge McDuck), and Final Space (Lord Commander).

This scene from Jessica Jones even became a meme

Tennant starred with Robert Sheehan and Kerry Condon in the American crime drama Bad Samaritan, playing thief Carl Erendreich.

In 2019, the actor appeared alongside Welsh colleague Michael Sheen in the comedic miniseries Good Omens, based on Neil Gaiman's novel. He masterfully played fallen angel Crowley, who teams up with his old friend, angel Aziraphale, to prevent the apocalypse.

David Tennant & Michael Sheen surprise Good Omens Guests

In 2020, David joined the series Criminal: UK, playing the character Dr. Edgar Fallon. Another standout project during pandemic lockdown was the series Staged, where he and Michael Sheen played themselves rehearsing a new production online.

David Tennant and Michael Sheen - Art Comparisons (Staged)

In 2021, the actor celebrated his 50th birthday while continuing to film the original British lockdown series Staged. In the first and second seasons, Tennant starred with Welsh actor and old friend Michael Sheen. Both portrayed themselves navigating their quarantine lives without work.

David Tennant and Michael Sheen in Staged

According to director Simon Evans, he'd jump at the chance to write another script for the brilliant acting duo of the Welshman and the Scotsman. Tennant was also set to star in the adventure series Around the World in 80 Days, taking on the lead role of Phileas Fogg.

In September 2021, David Tennant was cast as former FSB agent Alexander Litvinenko, author of "Blowing Up Russia: Terror from Within," who was poisoned with polonium in London, with Margarita Levieva playing his wife. The four-part series Litvinenko, revealing the details of the murder investigation, was released in 2022.

David Tennant's Personal Life

His sister says David was never much of a heartbreaker. He preferred spending time with friends, going to the movies, and attending theater performances. Tennant was named Europe's sexiest man four times, but he didn't get into serious relationships with women for years. Or maybe he was just really good at keeping his love life out of the spotlight.

David's first public relationship came in 1999 with actress Anne-Marie Duff. They had worked together on stage, and their shared interests brought them closer. Their romance lasted four years, but David wasn't ready for marriage.

David Tennant and Anne-Marie Duff were theater colleagues

Right after their breakup, David started dating actress Natalie Walter for just over a year. Then he was spotted with Keira Malik, though that fling was short-lived. Fans were hoping for an engagement announcement between Tennant and actress Sophia Myles, who he dated from 2005 to 2007, but it wasn't meant to be.

In 2010, David finally found "the one" and proposed to actress Georgia Moffett. They married on December 30, 2011. The Scottish actor met her in 2008 on the "Doctor Who" set – a show that would prove twice life-changing for David. Georgia is the daughter of Fifth Doctor Peter Davison and actually played the Doctor's daughter in the series, while Tennant was playing the Doctor himself.

David Tennant and Georgia Moffett in 'Doctor Who'

When proposing, David wrapped a larger gift box in wrapping paper, which contained another box, and then another, with the ring in the smallest one. Georgia looked confused as she opened each box, and David started thinking his elaborate plan was backfiring. But when she finally reached the smallest box, Georgia said yes – much to his relief.

David Tenant & His Wife Are Preparing for Child

In March 2011, the couple welcomed their daughter, Olive. David also adopted Georgia's son Tyler from a previous relationship around this time. In 2013, they welcomed son Wilfred, followed by daughter Doris two years later. Their third daughter, Birdie, was born in 2019.

David Tennant with his wife and children

According to Tennant, when Tyler found out they were expecting another baby, he actually asked if his parents knew about birth control and proceeded to give them a little lecture on the topic. But Tennant says his big, close-knit family is what truly makes him happy.

In 2020, David's wife joined him in the TV series "Staged," playing herself just like he did.

David Tennant Now

In 2022, David Tennant appeared in another adaptation of Neil Gaiman's work, this time the graphic novel "The Sandman," with Tom Sturridge in the lead role. Tennant and his wife provided the voices for Dora and Laura Lynn. He also starred alongside Stanley Tucci and Dolly Wells in the British thriller "Inside Man."

David Tennant in the series 'Inside Man'

In 2023, David reprised his role as Crowley. The highly anticipated second season of "Good Omens" shifted its focus to the relationship between Crowley and Aziraphale, and the finale gave hope for a third season. In December, it was announced that Amazon had renewed the series for another season, which would be its last.

David Tennant and Michael Sheen ('Good Omens')

Another exciting 2023 project for the British actor was the science fiction series from the "Star Wars" universe, "Ahsoka," in which he voiced the architect droid Huyang.

Interesting Facts

From early childhood, Tennant's room was a "Doctor Who" shrine, filled with books, souvenirs, and figurines, including a replica of the robot dog K-9. According to close family friend Innes Smith, he decided to become an actor because he desperately wanted to play the Doctor. His grandmother even knitted him a long striped scarf like Tom Baker's, who was the fourth actor to play the role.
One of Tennant's first Edinburgh theater productions left a lasting impression. In the pantomime "Shinder, the Magical Monkey," a mechanical toy fell on him and broke his index finger.
In the TV series "Doctor Who," Tennant appeared in four forms: as the Tenth Doctor's reincarnation, then as Lady Cassandra O'Brien who transferred her mind into his body, John Smith, who in the episodes "Human Nature" and "The Family of Blood" was a different person but still considered the Doctor. The fourth incarnation was a half-human clone known as the "Meta-Crisis Tenth Doctor."
In 2006, The Pink Paper named Tennant the sexiest man in the world, to which David, with his characteristic irony, noted that "it's fine to think that Doctor Who is gay."
For the actor's 50th birthday, an e-book "Tennant of Clan Macdonald" by Ukrainian author Galina Pavlenko was released with the help and cooperation of Russian journalist Anastasia Koroleva.