10 Actors Who Turned Down Doctor Who

Bill Nighy has created a huge legacy for himself, as he has become immensely popular for his work in film, theatre, and television. From Pirates of the Caribbean to About Time, the actor has starred in an impressive number of critically acclaimed movies.

In early 2004, it was reported that Nighy was strongly considered to play the Ninth Doctor in the revival. He declined the chance as he felt the role of the doctor “came with too much baggage”. He refused to confirm whether this was prior to Christopher Eccleston landing the gig or not.

However, Bill did make a cameo appearance on the TV show, during the period of the Eleventh Doctor. He played Dr Henry Black in ‘Vincent and the Doctor’. Coincidentally, this episode was written by Richard Curtis, a producer who Nighy has worked with on several occasions.