Jon Pertwee, a renowned actor, is best known for his iconic portrayal of the Third Doctor on the BBC's science-fiction television series Doctor Who, a role he held from 1970 to 1974. His remarkable 60-year entertainment career spanned various mediums, including radio, films, and cabaret.
Born John Roland Pertwee on July 7, 1919, in the Chelsea area of London, he was the second son of famous playwright, painter, and actor Roland Pertwee and actress Avice Pertwee. His writer brother, Michael Pertwee, was three years his senior. The Pertwee family had a rich history in show business, and Jon's early life was marked by encouragement from his parents and teachers to pursue his passion for the performing arts.
At Wellington House preparatory school in Westgate-On-Sea, Kent, Jon was nurtured in his creative endeavors as a small and rebellious child. Later, at Frensham Heights co-educational school, he experienced his first taste of "real" theatre with real women in school stage productions of "Twelfth Night" and "Lady Princess Stream".
In 1936, Jon auditioned for and was accepted by the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). However, he was later expelled for refusing to play the part of the wind in a play. Despite this setback, Jon continued to hone his craft, ultimately achieving great success in his long and illustrious career.
Jon Pertwee passed away on May 20, 1996, due to a heart attack. The BBC announced his death, and he was survived by his wife, Ingeborg Rhoesa, his son, Sean Pertwee, a talented actor, and his daughter, Dariel Pertwee, a stage actress.
