Contents
Last updated on the 11 August 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 18 April 1971, Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland.
David Tennant grew up in a close-knit family with his parents, Helen and Alexander “Sandy” McDonald and his siblings, Blair and Karen. His father was a minister who served as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, which influenced Tennant’s upbringing. From a young age, Tennant was passionate about acting, inspired by his love for the British sci-fi series “Doctor Who.” At just three years old, he declared his ambition to become an actor, a dream he pursued with unwavering determination.
David Tennant’s education began at Ralston Primary School and continued at Paisley Grammar School. His talent was recognised early on by actress Edith MacArthur, who predicted a successful career for him after seeing him perform at the age of ten. Tennant attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, now known as the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he graduated with a degree in acting12.
David Tennant’s career took off with his role in the BBC Scotland drama series “Takin’ Over the Asylum” (1994), where he played the manic-depressive Campbell Bain. However, it was his portrayal of the Tenth Doctor in the iconic series “Doctor Who” (2005-2010) that catapulted him to international fame. Tennant’s charismatic and energetic performance endeared him to fans and solidified his place in the annals of television history. He later reprised the role in 2013 and returned as the Fourteenth Doctor in 2023.
Beyond “Doctor Who,” Tennant’s career highlights include his role as DI Alec Hardy in the critically acclaimed crime drama “Broadchurch” (2013-2017), where he delivered a powerful performance as a troubled detective. He also portrayed the villainous Kilgrave in the Marvel series “Jessica Jones” (2015-2019), earning praise for his chilling and nuanced portrayal. Tennant’s versatility extends to the stage, where he has performed in numerous Shakespearean productions, including a lauded portrayal of Hamlet with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2008
In addition to his acting prowess, Tennant has lent his voice to various animated series, most notably as Scrooge McDuck in the reboot of “DuckTales” (2017-2021). His contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognised with numerous awards, including the National Television Award for Special Recognition in 2015.
On the personal front, Tennant married actress Georgia Moffett in 2011. The couple have five children, including Georgia’s son from a previous relationship, whom Tennant adopted. Despite his busy career, Tennant is known for being a devoted family man, often seen spending quality time with his wife and children. The family splits their time between homes in London and Scotland, maintaining a relatively private life away from the public eye.
He is a supporter of the Labour Party and a patron of several charities, such as Comic Relief, Headway and the ACCORD Hospice.
Suggested viewing
Broadchurch (2013)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4
“Broadchurch” is a compelling crime drama set in a small coastal town. When an 11-year-old boy is found dead on the beach, detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller work together to solve the murder mystery. The show explores the impact of the tragedy on the community, uncovering secrets and revealing hidden connections along the way.
Top cast: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan, Charlotte Rampling.
The Politician’s Husband (2013)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.1
The Politician’s Husband examines the world of a high-powered political couple. A once ambitious minister’s career is abruptly derailed, while his wife, previously content in the shadows, ascends to greater heights. Their dynamic shifts dramatically as power imbalances within their marriage and the cutthroat political arena collide, leading to a shocking betrayal that threatens to unravel their carefully constructed lives.
Top cast: David Tennant, Emily Watson, Watson, Jack Shepherd, Roger Allam, Ed Stoppard, Anamaria Marinca, Sarah Woodward, Sylvestra Le Touzel, Chipo Chung.
Doctor Who (1963)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.6
“Doctor Who” is a long-running science fiction TV series that follows the adventures of a time-traveling alien known as the Doctor. With their trusty TARDIS, the Doctor explores different planets and times, battling enemies and saving civilisations. The show combines thrilling adventures, complex storytelling and iconic characters to captivate audiences worldwide.
Top cast: David Tennant, Billie Piper, Catherine Tate, Freema Agyeman, John Barrowman, John Simm, Bernard Cribbins, Kylie Minogue, Elisabeth Sladen, K9.
Good Omens (2019)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.0
“Good Omens” is a fantasy-comedy miniseries based on the novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. It follows an angel named Aziraphale and a demon named Crowley, who reluctantly team up to prevent the apocalypse. With their humorous banter, they navigate through prophecies, meddling humans and celestial bureaucracy in a race against time to save the world from destruction.
Top cast: Michael Sheen, David Tennant, Jack Whitehall, Sam Taylor Buck, Adria Arjona, Michael McKean, Frances McDormand, Daniel Mays, Sian Brooke.
Inside Man (2022)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.6
In this riveting tale, the convergence of two seemingly disparate worlds takes center stage. A vicar residing in a quaint English town and an intriguing prisoner on death row in the United States, once a distinguished criminology professor, find their paths intertwined. However, when a maths teacher falls victim to an abduction and is confined to a chilling basement, the ensuing narrative unfolds into an ominous and exhilarating journey.
Top cast: David Tennant, Stanley Tucci, Dolly Wells, Lydia West, Lyndsey Marshal, Louis Oliver, Atkins Estimond, Dylan Baker, Mark Quartley.
Des (2020)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6
“Des” is a miniseries based on the true crime story of Dennis Nilsen. It explores the chilling tale of Nilsen, a serial killer who murdered and dismembered young men in 1980s London. The series delves into the police investigation, psychological profiling and Nilsen’s disturbing confession, revealing the horrors of his crimes.
Top cast: David Tennant, Daniel Mays, Jason Watkins, Ron Cook, Barry Ward, Ben Bailey Smith, Alex Bhat, Jay Simpson, Bronagh Waugh.
Staged (2020)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.5
“Staged” is a comedic television series that revolves around actors David Tennant and Michael Sheen, playing fictionalised versions of themselves. The show follows their attempts to rehearse for a play during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown via video calls. It explores their hilarious interactions, personal struggles and the challenges of remote collaboration in an entertaining and relatable manner.
Starring David Tennant, Michael Sheen, Georgia Tennant, Anna Lundberg, Lucy Eaton, Nina Sosanya.
