Former Doctor Who star Matt Smith has opened up about his life-changing experience on the show, reflecting on what it was like to carry on the Doctor’s legacy by portraying his own version of the character. Smith was the Eleventh Doctor in the sci-fi show, having played the character from season 5 through season 7. While Doctor Who season 14 now stars Ncuti Gatwa in the lead role, Smith’s time on the series is still remembered, with his version being a major part of the show.

Speaking with Variety, Smith opened up about his time on Doctor Who, saying that it was one of the best acting experiences of his career.

Beginning at 7:50, the former star discusses how important the legacy of his role as the Doctor was, as well as how it impacted his life during the time he was on the series. Check out what Smith had to say about his role on the show below:

[Playing the Doctor was] one of the greatest experiences of my life. And not just mine, you know, my family, my friends. Because it’s such…to be so closely connected with a part like that. For the legacy of it, one, but also just for the day-to-day of being, like, having to think like the Doctor is sort of magic, really.

Why Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor Will Always Be Well-Remembered

Smith’s Doctor followed David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor, the latter of whom is still considered one of the best protagonists in the sci-fi series. Despite having to follow such a tough act, the Eleventh Doctor became a standout among the character’s incarnations, having an infectious energy and curiosity about the universe on his travels. His humanity is also an important factor in his development, something that grounds his personality and makes him more relatable. Such a performance respected the history of the character while adding a new layer to who he is.

The role also helped launch Smith’s acting career to new heights, later getting roles in franchise films like Terminator Genisys and critically praised movies like Last Night in Soho. In TV, he played the role of a young Prince Phillip in The Crown seasons 1 and 2, and is also set to return as the fearsome Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 2. Since many of these roles came after his time as the Eleventh Doctor, it’s clear the show impacted him just as much as he impacted the show.

While Smith hasn’t been on the cast of Doctor Who since making a guest appearance in season 8, his influence can be felt in the personality of Doctors that came after him. This includes Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor, whose unique costumes and interactions with the world reflect a similar down-to-earth personality as Smith’s rendition. While the Eleventh Doctor actor is grateful for the chance to take on the role, his portrayal was also a great influence on those who came after him.

Source: Variety/YouTube