Doctor Who
Thirteen actors have headlined the series as the Doctor. The transition from one actor to another is written into the plot of the show with the concept of regeneration into a new incarnation, a plot device in which a Time Lord "transforms" into a new body when the current one is too badly harmed to heal normally. Each actor's portrayal is unique, but all represent stages in the life of the same character. Together, they form a single lifetime with a single narrative. The time-travelling feature of the plot means that different incarnations of the Doctor occasionally meet. The Doctor is currently portrayed by Jodie Whittaker, who took on the role after Peter Capaldi's exit in the 2017 Christmas special "Twice Upon a Time".
Richard Franklin (actor)
Richard Kimber Franklin (born 15 January 1936) is an English actor, writer, director and political activist. Principally a stage actor, he has also appeared as a regular character in several high-profile British television programmes, including "Crossroads," "Emmerdale Farm," and most notably in the BBC science fiction television series "Doctor Who," in which he portrayed Captain Mike Yates of UNIT. Franklin initially played the part from 1971 until 1974, but has returned to the role on a number of occasions both on television and in Doctor Who spin-off media. Franklin is a prolific dramatist and author of books such as "Forest Wisdom: Radical Reform of Democracy and the Welfare State" reflecting his left-wing political views and activism, as well as novels based in the Doctor Who universe. Franklin has stood as an independent candidate for Parliament several times and founded the Silent Majority Party.