Matt Smith Almost Backed Out of Playing Doctor Who

Matt Smith, known for his iconic role as the eleventh Doctor in the BBC’s long-running sci-fi series, revealed that he almost quit playing the character due to the intense pressure from fans. Speaking to Variety, Smith, now 41, explained that he was frequently approached by fans who would remind him not to “break Doctor Who,” largely unaware of his identity as the actor playing the role.

Smith recalled that he briefly considered leaving the show but was quickly convinced by his agent to continue. He took over the role from David Tennant in 2010 and remained as the Doctor until 2014. During his tenure, he was joined by Scottish actress Karen Gillan, who played companion Amy Pond. Gillan has since achieved significant success in Hollywood, starring in films such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jumanji.”

Smith expressed his pride in Gillan’s accomplishments: “I’m so proud of her. She always had her eyes on the prize—she knew she wanted to move to L.A. and make big films, and she f—king did it.”

Additionally, Smith revealed that he has turned down numerous significant roles since leaving Doctor Who. His on-screen assistant, Karen Gillan, praised his discerning approach to choosing projects, stating, “If you knew the things he hasn’t done, you’d be shocked. He’s turned down some huge things because they weren’t the right stories for him. And it was exactly the right move.”

Smith’s stories serve as a reminder that even the most iconic roles can be overwhelming, and it is crucial to prioritize one’s well-being and artistic vision in the face of immense pressure.