Matt Smith, a renowned English actor, achieved widespread recognition at the age of 26 when he was handpicked by acclaimed producer Steven Moffat to portray the iconic role of the Eleventh Doctor in the BBC's groundbreaking science-fiction television series, Doctor Who, in 2005.
Matthew Robert Smith was born and raised in Northampton, England, to parents Lynne (Fidler) and David Smith. He received his education at Northampton School For Boys, where he developed a strong foundation in academics. Smith's passion for the performing arts led him to pursue a degree in Drama and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. He honed his acting skills through his involvement with the National Youth Theatre, the Royal Court, and the National Theatre.
Smith made his television debut in the 2006 production of The Ruby in the Smoke, followed by a series of notable roles on television. However, it was his unexpected selection as the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who that catapulted him to international stardom. At the time of his casting, Smith was the youngest actor to take on the role, surpassing the previous record held by Peter Davison, who was 29 years old when he was cast in 1981. During his tenure on the show, Smith starred in an impressive 49 episodes, just one short of his predecessor, David Tennant. His remarkable journey on Doctor Who came to a close in 2013, a momentous year that marked the 50th anniversary of the beloved franchise. As part of this celebration, Smith appeared in the 50th anniversary special, The Day of the Doctor, alongside Tennant, guest star John Hurt, and the esteemed Tom Baker, the oldest and longest-serving actor to have played the Doctor.
Following his departure from Doctor Who, Smith has successfully transitioned to a film career, solidifying his status as a versatile and talented actor in the entertainment industry.
