While the Doctor and their regular companions are always the stars of the show onDoctor Who, most episodes feature one-off characters that play major roles in the plot of the story of the week. Sometimes, these characters might pop up once or twice more, recurring throughout a season and connecting to that season’s overarching plot. Though their tenures may be brief, that hasn’t stopped some from becoming fan favorites.
SinceDoctor Whohas been on the air for almost sixty years, it’s no surprise that a vast number of actors —including some recognizable faces— have lent their talents to this classic sci-fi show. While guest roles are a great way to showcase unsung talent in the acting world, there are also many beloved actors who haven’t yet made appearances on the program. Any of these guest stars could create huge interest for a big episode — and make for a great watch.
7Nathan Fillion
A beloved name in the world of television,the star ofFireflyandCastlewould make a wonderfully unexpected, yet completely fitting, guest appearance onDoctor Who.With his acting chops and his talent for quips, sci-fi fans are never disappointed when Nathan Fillion graces screens.
RELATED:Firefly: Shepherd Book’s Untold Story
Fillion could play any number of roles in aDoctor Whoguest appearances, but audiences would jump for joy to see him return as an outer-space scavenger or an outlaw on a futuristic world, hearkening back to his roots as Malcolm Reynolds. His character might use his rakish charm to deceive the Doctor and friends, or he might become a reluctant ally, throwing out one-liners to keep the mood light.
6Phoebe Waller-Bridge
The brilliant mind behind shows likeFleabagandKilling Evehas shown her onscreen talent as the lead character in the former. Waller-Bridge has a snarky, distinctly British sense of humor that would undoubtedly translate well intoDoctor Who,and it’s easy to imagine hertagging along with the Doctor and friendsfor an episode or two.
Waller-Bridge could play any number of guest roles, from a clueless civilian who falls into an enemy trap, to a hardheaded skeptic who refuses to believe that an alien invasion is occurring. Regardless, her excellent comic timing would be a perfect fit for a lighthearted escapade, one in which the Doctor inevitably saves the day.
5Kyle McLaughlin
FromTwin PeakstoDavid Lynch’sDune,McLaughlin is no stranger to roles that allow him to explore the supernatural or the science fictional. Many of his characters are quirky or unique, the perfect fit for a show likeDoctor Who.Though non-British actors don’t appear on the show very often, McLaughlin’s acting skill and his talent for deadpan comedy would fit in well with the show’s distinctive feel.
RELATED:Thriller Series To Watch If You Love Netflix’s Archive 81
If McLaughlin were to appear on the show (which is, admittedly, unlikely), he could make a callback to his days as Special Agent Dale Cooper onTwin Peaks, perhaps appearing as a member of an Americanversion of UNIT. He has also demonstrated a talent for portraying a sinister presence (as in theTwin Peaksrevival), and may make a fantastic villain inDoctor Whoas well.
4Nicola Coughlan
Surprisingly few Irish actors have been featured onDoctor Who, and as a rising star of the past few years, Nicola Coughlan has great potential to represent Ireland in the iconic sci-fi program. Thanks to her roles as Claire Devlin onDerry GirlsandPenelope Featherington onBridgerton, Coughlan has shown that she can fit into roles in a wide variety of eras — and a guest role onDoctor Whocould take her anywhere in space and time.
Both of her best-known roles show Coughlin playing characters of great intelligence and wit. She could to a researcher whose intellect keeps the Doctor on his toes, or a so-called conspiracy theorist whose predictions of alien invasion turn out to be right.
3Peter Dinklage
Most know him now for his role asTyrion Lannister onGame of Thrones, but Peter Dinklage has had a long and storied acting career. An immensely talented performer who refuses to be typecast by appearance, Dinklage would bring great star power toDoctor Who.
Having played heroes, villains, and everything in between, Dinklage could appear in any number ofDoctor Whoside character archetypes. Perhaps he could appear as a sinister-seeming character who turns out to be more friend than foe, or a heroic figure who sacrifices himself in a moving moment to stop the monster of the week.
2Maggie Smith
Hailing from Britain and having such a long and illustrious acting career, it’s surprising that Maggie Smith hasn’t appeared onDoctor Whobefore. Being such a recognizable face and name, if she does appear on the sci-fi show, it would be fitting to see her represent a well-known historical figure.
RELATED:Doctor Who: The Story Behind The Iconic Theme Song
It’s been some time sinceDoctor Whoviewers gota solid historical episode. Smith would be an excellent addition to such a story, especially considering her history of acting in period pieces. An actor as talented as Smith could portray anyone from Queen Elizabeth I to Marie Curie, giving the show an opportunity to spotlight some amazing women from history.
1John Noble
Perhaps most famous nowadays for his role as Walter Bishop onFringe, Noble has more than proven his talent for taking onthe role of mad scientistor eccentric genius. Considering that most incarnations of the Doctor bear this same quality to some degree, it would be interesting and entertaining to watch two such characters connect onscreen.
With Noble’s talent and emotional intensity, he could fit into a number of single-episode roles. Perhaps his character would appear to be friendly and innocuous at first, but is secretly a manipulative villain luring the Doctor and their friends into a trap. On the other hand, he might portray a brilliant but troubled individual much like his character onFringe,who inadvertently causes a catastrophe that the Doctor must resolve.
