Matt Smith
Birthday:
28 October 1982, Northampton, Northamptonshire, England, UK
Birth Name:
Matthew Robert Smith
Height:
182 cm
Matt Smith is an English actor who shot to fame in the UK aged 26 when he was cast by producer Steven Moffat as the Eleventh Doctor in the BBC's iconic science-fiction adventure series Doctor Who (2005).Matthew Robert Smith was born and raised in Northampton, the son of Lynne (Fidler) and David Smith. He was educated at Northampton School For ...
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Matt Smith is an English actor who shot to fame in the UK aged 26 when he was cast by producer Steven Moffat as the Eleventh Doctor in the BBC's iconic science-fiction adventure series Doctor Who (2005).Matthew Robert Smith was born and raised in Northampton, the son of Lynne (Fidler) and David Smith. He was educated at Northampton School For Boys. He studied Drama and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. He got into acting through the National Youth Theatre and performed with the Royal Court and the National Theatre.Smith made his television debut in The Ruby in the Smoke (2006) and won several further roles on television but was largely unknown when he was announced as the surprise choice for the role of the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who. He was younger than any other actor to have taken the role (Peter Davison was previously the youngest, aged 29 when he was cast in 1981). Smith starred in 49 episodes of Doctor Who (three short of his predecessor, David Tennant). He left in the momentous 50th anniversary year of the Doctor Who legend in 2013, which included starring in the 50th anniversary special, Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (2013) and acting with Tennant, guest star John Hurt and the oldest living and longest-serving actor to play the Doctor, Tom Baker.Since leaving Doctor Who, Smith has launched himself into a film career. Show less «
[on his knowledge of past Doctor Who (2005)):] I'm very aware of the rich history of Chris [Christopher Eccleston] and David [David Tennant]...Show more »
[on his knowledge of past Doctor Who (2005)):] I'm very aware of the rich history of Chris [Christopher Eccleston] and David [David Tennant], and I've gone back and watched a lot of those episodes. And the previous history? I have to be honest, I can't claim to have watched the show in its entirety or have been a follower as avidly as some people are - and that's what I'm realising, that people love this show, people are avid, avid fans of it, and know it, and know its history and are part of it. I can't claim to know it as well as that, but I'm going to make it my business to do so, and fall into it in as much depth as I possibly can. [February 2009] Show less «
[on being the youngest actor to play The Doctor] I think the whole issue of me being the youngest has worked in my favour. I think there's a...Show more »
[on being the youngest actor to play The Doctor] I think the whole issue of me being the youngest has worked in my favour. I think there's an interesting contradiction of having a young face and an old soul. There's something funny about it, and it also allows you to reinvent being old. It's interesting because, when I first took the part on, obviously there was a bone of contention for some of the diehard fans. Show less «
As a character, the Doctor is excited and fascinated by the tiniest of things. By everything. By every single thing. That's what's wonderful...Show more »
As a character, the Doctor is excited and fascinated by the tiniest of things. By everything. By every single thing. That's what's wonderful about him as a character. It's why children like him, I think. Because he doesn't dismiss anything. He's not cynical. He's open to every single facet of the universe. Show less «
[on why he had no intention to become the longest serving Doctor Who] Tom Baker did it for seven years but he did it in different circumstan...Show more »
[on why he had no intention to become the longest serving Doctor Who] Tom Baker did it for seven years but he did it in different circumstances. I couldn't do this for seven years. I'd be run into the ground. Show less «
What struck me about Lis [Elisabeth Sladen] was her grace. She welcomed me, educated me, and delighted me with her tales and adventures on D...Show more »
What struck me about Lis [Elisabeth Sladen] was her grace. She welcomed me, educated me, and delighted me with her tales and adventures on Doctor Who. And she also seemed to have a quality of youth that not many people retain as they go through life. Her grace and kindness will stay with me because she had such qualities in abundance and shared them freely... I will miss her, as will the world of Doctor Who and all the Doctors that had the good pleasure to work with Lis Sladen and travel the universe with Sarah Jane. Show less «
[on Trevor Eve's criticism of the BBC for spending so much money on a "children's programme" such as Doctor Who (2005)] If we all listen to ...Show more »
[on Trevor Eve's criticism of the BBC for spending so much money on a "children's programme" such as Doctor Who (2005)] If we all listen to Trevor Eve, then we're in trouble. Thank you very much, Trevor, we appreciate your opinion, but that's ridiculous. Doctor Who (2005) is brilliant. That's why it attracts some of the best writers in the country, and some of the best actors. Trevor, try telling that to Sir Michael Gambon. Show me any other series that can tackle this many big issues, appeal to this broad a range of people, and still have a laugh along the way and I will say, 'You can't.' That's what I'd say to Trevor Eve. At least we're never predictable. At least we're inventive. This whole show is testament to Steven Moffat, and his ambition and his scope, and that's a privilege to be part of. It's as simple as that. Show less «
[on Peter Capaldi] If I had to pick someone, I'd pick him. Cos I think he's great. And weirdly enough, after The Eleventh Hour, he came up t...Show more »
[on Peter Capaldi] If I had to pick someone, I'd pick him. Cos I think he's great. And weirdly enough, after The Eleventh Hour, he came up to me in the street and said "Ah, mate, well done, I watched your episode last night, it was brilliant, I think you're really good". And I really needed that. I needed a sort of boost and I never forgot it. Show less «
I'll miss playing a character that can bounce from A to Z like that and that is the cleverest in the room but also the silliest in the room....Show more »
I'll miss playing a character that can bounce from A to Z like that and that is the cleverest in the room but also the silliest in the room. You know, just being the Doctor, he's the Doctor. What a character. Of course there's always a part of you that goes "I never want to go". There are no parts like this. I think it's a good time for me to move on and we've got the 50th anniversary. It's the biggest year in the show's history and I'm playing the part and I pass it on with a smile to the next guy and say "Good luck, buddy. You're going to have to work hard". Show less «
[on Doctor Who (2005)] There was a backlash when I was cast. I was 26 and I was unknown. And people went "That is not Doctor Who". I always ...Show more »
[on Doctor Who (2005)] There was a backlash when I was cast. I was 26 and I was unknown. And people went "That is not Doctor Who". I always knew I wanted it to be quite physical and I wanted the comedy to be quite physical and I knew I wanted him to feel very clever but at the same time to not quite understand the human race. Show less «
At university I had a big coloured scarf and people would often say, 'All right, Doctor Who (1963)?' And, I thought, I rather liked that not...Show more »
At university I had a big coloured scarf and people would often say, 'All right, Doctor Who (1963)?' And, I thought, I rather liked that notion. Show less «
As we get older - perhaps I'm just speaking for myself - we can get too cynical.
As we get older - perhaps I'm just speaking for myself - we can get too cynical.
As a kid, I knew all of the dinosaurs. It's one of those tragedies that I've forgotten what dinosaurs are cool.
As a kid, I knew all of the dinosaurs. It's one of those tragedies that I've forgotten what dinosaurs are cool.
Apparently, as a kid, I used to eat spiders. Maybe there's some Freudian significance behind that.
Apparently, as a kid, I used to eat spiders. Maybe there's some Freudian significance behind that.
Any actor worth his salt has a responsibility to reinvent himself from part to part.
Any actor worth his salt has a responsibility to reinvent himself from part to part.
Actors, movie stars, rock stars, I can meet them with no worries - but with footballers I go weak at the knees. All of them.
Actors, movie stars, rock stars, I can meet them with no worries - but with footballers I go weak at the knees. All of them.
If I was making a tea advert, I would want to communicate about tea is that it can console you, it can start your day, there is the warmth a...Show more »
If I was making a tea advert, I would want to communicate about tea is that it can console you, it can start your day, there is the warmth and the ritual, and you can share it; you make someone a cup of tea and you offer it to them. Show less «
I think that, if the world was a bit more like Comic-Con, we'd all be a little happier.
I think that, if the world was a bit more like Comic-Con, we'd all be a little happier.
I just love vampires.
I just love vampires.
I am terribly clumsy, so there is a plethora of walking into lamp-posts, falling over, dropping things, and ruining sofas.
I am terribly clumsy, so there is a plethora of walking into lamp-posts, falling over, dropping things, and ruining sofas.
I'm not handsome enough to be James Bond. Maybe a villain, though.
I'm not handsome enough to be James Bond. Maybe a villain, though.
I'd like to do a play in New York.
I'd like to do a play in New York.
I was always aware of Doctor Who (1963), but I didn't grow up with it.
I was always aware of Doctor Who (1963), but I didn't grow up with it.
I used to read Gore Vidal books and think I was cool.
I used to read Gore Vidal books and think I was cool.
I used to love ninja movies. That was my thing.
I used to love ninja movies. That was my thing.
I thought Skyfall (2012) was a sumptuous film.
I thought Skyfall (2012) was a sumptuous film.
I think Jennifer Saunders would be great in Doctor Who (2005).
I think Jennifer Saunders would be great in Doctor Who (2005).
I think expectations of Doctor Who (2005) should always be high, because it's a show that must always progress and get better and better.
I think expectations of Doctor Who (2005) should always be high, because it's a show that must always progress and get better and better.
I got injured when I was a kid, and it prevented me from becoming a footballer.
I got injured when I was a kid, and it prevented me from becoming a footballer.
I am a terrible sleeper.
I am a terrible sleeper.
I am a fancy dress grump, to be honest.
I am a fancy dress grump, to be honest.
I am a fan of a bright sock. They're bold.
I am a fan of a bright sock. They're bold.
I always steal a pair of socks on every photo shoot I do. It's my thing.
I always steal a pair of socks on every photo shoot I do. It's my thing.
For clothes, I like Dover Street Market and Acne. For vintage, I go to Mint just off Seven Dials. For shoes, it's Church's and Russell & Bro...Show more »
For clothes, I like Dover Street Market and Acne. For vintage, I go to Mint just off Seven Dials. For shoes, it's Church's and Russell & Bromley. Show less «
Even now, I'm very superstitious, in silly ways. I always put my left boot on first. Or on set, I always tie my bow tie from right to left.
Even now, I'm very superstitious, in silly ways. I always put my left boot on first. Or on set, I always tie my bow tie from right to left.
I quite like the idea of family. That's probably the greatest achievement in the world. I've got a lot to achieve workwise - I'd love to dir...Show more »
I quite like the idea of family. That's probably the greatest achievement in the world. I've got a lot to achieve workwise - I'd love to direct - but family would be good. Show less «
I constantly watch The Simpsons (1989) and an English cartoon called The Raccoons (1985) and Adventures of the Gummi Bears (1985). I was obs...Show more »
I constantly watch The Simpsons (1989) and an English cartoon called The Raccoons (1985) and Adventures of the Gummi Bears (1985). I was obsessed with ninja films, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987), I used to love that as well. Show less «
I asked for a piano in the TARDIS, but it hasn't happened. I'd love to see The Doctor rock up and play, but it'd have to be done in an inven...Show more »
I asked for a piano in the TARDIS, but it hasn't happened. I'd love to see The Doctor rock up and play, but it'd have to be done in an inventive and silly way. Show less «
Every two weeks on Doctor Who (2005), the set is completely different, the world is different and there are new actors coming in. So, it's c...Show more »
Every two weeks on Doctor Who (2005), the set is completely different, the world is different and there are new actors coming in. So, it's constantly surprising, and it's a pressure that you relish, actually. Show less «
Time travel is such a magic concept.
Time travel is such a magic concept.
There is a history of footballers in my family; my granddad played for Notts County and my dad played at county level.
There is a history of footballers in my family; my granddad played for Notts County and my dad played at county level.
The storytelling in Doctor Who (2005) is quite universal.
The storytelling in Doctor Who (2005) is quite universal.
Spiders - the way they move freaks me out. It's so malevolent.
Spiders - the way they move freaks me out. It's so malevolent.
Some people don't need to work hard because they are so talented.
Some people don't need to work hard because they are so talented.
Police boxes, tweed blazers and bow ties feel quite English, but I think that is one of his virtues, one of the strengths of Doctor Who (200...Show more »
Police boxes, tweed blazers and bow ties feel quite English, but I think that is one of his virtues, one of the strengths of Doctor Who (2005). Show less «
Overnight ratings are dead. It's just not the way TV is sold any more.
Overnight ratings are dead. It's just not the way TV is sold any more.
No, I'm not religious. At all. I'm an atheist.
No, I'm not religious. At all. I'm an atheist.
It seems like there's a real appetite for science fiction in the States.
It seems like there's a real appetite for science fiction in the States.
I've always loved dinosaurs.
I've always loved dinosaurs.
I'm not hugely technical with things, but I guess that the thing I use most is my iPhone, on a practical level.
I'm not hugely technical with things, but I guess that the thing I use most is my iPhone, on a practical level.
So many more people recognise you and want to take up a moment of your time for a photo or a hello. You try to deal with it with grace and a...Show more »
So many more people recognise you and want to take up a moment of your time for a photo or a hello. You try to deal with it with grace and a degree of humour, because what's the alternative? Show less «
Kids should feel afraid of Doctor Who (2005). All the adults I've talked to remember fondly being afraid when they were kids. That's part of...Show more »
Kids should feel afraid of Doctor Who (2005). All the adults I've talked to remember fondly being afraid when they were kids. That's part of the reason they remember it and love it. And if you're afraid in a controlled way, you sort of appreciate fear in some respect. Show less «
It's hard work, Doctor Who (2005), but let's be frank about it, I'm fortunate to be rewarded in the ways that I am. I don't just mean financ...Show more »
It's hard work, Doctor Who (2005), but let's be frank about it, I'm fortunate to be rewarded in the ways that I am. I don't just mean financially, I mean the nature of the part and everything that comes with it. Show less «
If you want to give it a good go, you've got to make some sacrifices and be as dedicated as you can be. Particularly with 'Doctor Who.' It's...Show more »
If you want to give it a good go, you've got to make some sacrifices and be as dedicated as you can be. Particularly with 'Doctor Who.' It's two or three hours of line-learning a night. Show less «
If I see a spider in the flat, I try to get a cup and a piece of paper and throw it out of the window. I can't kill them because they're goo...Show more »
If I see a spider in the flat, I try to get a cup and a piece of paper and throw it out of the window. I can't kill them because they're good for catching flies. Show less «
If I could film, we'd film every episode of Doctor Who (2005), in New York. I have an affinity with the city. It has some wonderful location...Show more »
If I could film, we'd film every episode of Doctor Who (2005), in New York. I have an affinity with the city. It has some wonderful locations and it is devastatingly vast and huge. Central Park looks amazing on camera. Show less «
I'm awful at karaoke, but if I did have to sing, I'd go for my favourite Frank Sinatra song 'I've Got You Under My Skin.' The fact I love Fr...Show more »
I'm awful at karaoke, but if I did have to sing, I'd go for my favourite Frank Sinatra song 'I've Got You Under My Skin.' The fact I love Frank is my grandfather's doing: he drummed it into me from a very early age that Frank Sinatra is God. Show less «
I would be sitting in my flat watching TV, and Doctor Who (2005) would be on with my flatmate there. I would have loved to share the fact th...Show more »
I would be sitting in my flat watching TV, and Doctor Who (2005) would be on with my flatmate there. I would have loved to share the fact that I was the new Doctor, but I couldn't. I was going mad. My dad was rather flabbergasted. When I told him, he laughed. He was excited, elated and very proud. Show less «
I think there's an interesting contradiction of having a young face and an old soul. There's something funny about it, and it also allows yo...Show more »
I think there's an interesting contradiction of having a young face and an old soul. There's something funny about it, and it also allows you to reinvent being old. Show less «
I think that every artistic venture is a risk, and it has to be that way, so you do as much preparation as you can and make that as thorough...Show more »
I think that every artistic venture is a risk, and it has to be that way, so you do as much preparation as you can and make that as thorough as you can possibly make it, until you turn up on set. It's about taking risks, and some might work and some might not, but that's what makes it interesting. Show less «
There are great disciplines from being a sportsman that you can transfer into being an artist. The preparation, the sacrifice, the constant ...Show more »
There are great disciplines from being a sportsman that you can transfer into being an artist. The preparation, the sacrifice, the constant desire to improve. Show less «
Sometimes when you lose your mobile phone, even though it's frustrating, it's sort of rewarding in many ways because, though we do rely on t...Show more »
Sometimes when you lose your mobile phone, even though it's frustrating, it's sort of rewarding in many ways because, though we do rely on them a lot, we are not reliant on them. The world continues without. Show less «
Troughton (Patrick Troughton) is my favorite. The Tomb of the Cybermen (Doctor Who: The Tomb of the Cybermen: Episode 1 (1967)) is one of my...Show more »
Troughton (Patrick Troughton) is my favorite. The Tomb of the Cybermen (Doctor Who: The Tomb of the Cybermen: Episode 1 (1967)) is one of my favorites. The Cybermen are so creepy in it. What's wonderful about Troughton is that he is weird and peculiar. It's a wonderful performance. I think the Cybermen were the scariest they've ever been in that. Show less «
(on his Brazilian girlfriend): It's a bloody nightmare because she's 6,000 miles away. But what can you do when you're in love?
(on his Brazilian girlfriend): It's a bloody nightmare because she's 6,000 miles away. But what can you do when you're in love?
(On the Eleventh Doctor and his companion, Amy Pond): He's a lot less tolerant than a lot of Doctors and she's got a fire in her soul, in he...Show more »
(On the Eleventh Doctor and his companion, Amy Pond): He's a lot less tolerant than a lot of Doctors and she's got a fire in her soul, in her belly, and so they combust together ... but there's a great affection and love there. Show less «
(On getting the role as The Doctor): When I got the role I paced around the room for about three days because I didn't know what to do. I wa...Show more »
(On getting the role as The Doctor): When I got the role I paced around the room for about three days because I didn't know what to do. I was just smiling and thought 'I'm the Doctor!' It's weird! Show less «
(On working with Christian Slater in the play, "Swimming with Sharks"): He's cool, Christian, I liked him. He's a good guy but I had a tough...Show more »
(On working with Christian Slater in the play, "Swimming with Sharks"): He's cool, Christian, I liked him. He's a good guy but I had a tough time, for a variety of reasons. I'd never done that length of run before. It was quite a learning curve. Show less «
I just want to try and make brave choices and not get too het up about ladders. Look at the careers of people like Michael Gambon and Ian Mc...Show more »
I just want to try and make brave choices and not get too het up about ladders. Look at the careers of people like Michael Gambon and Ian McKellen. Learn your craft. I'm still rough around the edges and I want to keep on improving. Show less «
(On being cast as The Doctor) I'm just so excited about the journey that is in front of me. It's a wonderful privilege and challenge that I ...Show more »
(On being cast as The Doctor) I'm just so excited about the journey that is in front of me. It's a wonderful privilege and challenge that I hope I will thrive on. Show less «
David Tennant has made the role his own, brilliantly, with grace, talent and persistent dedication. I hope to learn from the standards set b...Show more »
David Tennant has made the role his own, brilliantly, with grace, talent and persistent dedication. I hope to learn from the standards set by him. Show less «
(On being cast as the Eleventh Doctor): I'm flabbergasted. I haven't slept really to be honest. Truthfully, I haven't. I probably look a bit...Show more »
(On being cast as the Eleventh Doctor): I'm flabbergasted. I haven't slept really to be honest. Truthfully, I haven't. I probably look a bit 'bags under the eyes' now because it's sort of an iconic part of our culture. My granddad knows about it, my Dad knows about it, it's been around since 1963 and I think it has the iconic kind of status that Robin Hood or Sherlock Holmes have and I'm sort of taking that on. Show less «
(On acting at the National Youth Theatre): As a young actor, there is no better place to learn your craft.
(On acting at the National Youth Theatre): As a young actor, there is no better place to learn your craft.
(On his acting choices): I quite like the transitions of being an actor, because you get to explore these little pockets of life. So if you'...Show more »
(On his acting choices): I quite like the transitions of being an actor, because you get to explore these little pockets of life. So if you're playing a builder you get to know about building, if you're playing a scientist or a physician or something you get to know about physics. And similarly with this world I like exploring their culture, that very sort of upper middle class, addictive... that's part of the reason I love it. Show less «
(on working with Lindsay Duncan in That Face): I completely admire her. She's a constant source of information - not only about acting but a...Show more »
(on working with Lindsay Duncan in That Face): I completely admire her. She's a constant source of information - not only about acting but about life and love. She's a cool cat. There's something very rock 'n' roll about her. Show less «
(on getting into acting): What sealed the deal for me was joining the National Youth Theatre, going up to London and spending the summer doi...Show more »
(on getting into acting): What sealed the deal for me was joining the National Youth Theatre, going up to London and spending the summer doing plays with them. I did Murder in the Cathedral in 2003, playing Thomas a Becket, and the next year I was in The Master and Margarita. Show less «
Matt Smith's Photos
Mr. Collins
Thomas
Bully
Alex
The Doctor
Prince Philip
Himself - Guest, Himself
Morgan
Himself - Guest, Himself
