As one of US TV's most established series, not to mention the lucrative films, it is no surprise that Star Trek has featured such an impressive number of movie stars in it's extensive list of guest actors. Throughout it's classic run however, Doctor Who wasn't so lucky. As the years went on it's reputation began to wane, and towards the end of it's 26 season run it was unfortunately attracting the likes of Ken Dodd rather than Kenneth Branagh Luckily this is just one of the many things that the revival of the series has set about changing however. In fact the show has been graced by the presence of no less than seven highly successful movie stars in just the last two seasons alone, showing just how rapidly this trend of big name guests is increasing. While there are film stars such as Simon Pegg, whose turn as the Editor may have occurred at the beginning of his rise to Hollywood heights, and Iain Glen who is generally more known for his TV roles, there are also those who came to the show with a lengthy and distinguished career already established. Presented here in the order of their appearance is a list of those particular guest stars who brought with them not just their talented acting, but also their illustrious reputation, from cult favourites, iconic classics, and recording breaking box office blockbusters.
Honourable Mention: Christopher Eccleston
Although this list features those actors who appeared in Doctor Who for no more than a three episode arc, it is important not to forget just how much of a big screen hero the show had in the ninth Doctor himself, Christopher Eccleston. Although his career has continued to grow since his brief stint in the TARDIS, portraying Marvel villain Malekith in last years Thor: The Dark World surely being a highlight, it is easy to forget the number of big films he was seen in before hand. The first is arguably that which gave a big break not just to Eccleston but also Danny Boyle, and Ewan McGregor, British thriller Shallow Grave. This then lead to Elizabeth, starring Cate Blanchett as the titular queen, and David Cronenberg's mind-bending eXistenZ. These were followed by another collaboration with Boyle in 28 Days Later, but it has to be as crime boss Raymond Calitri opposite Nicolas Cage in Gone In 60 Seconds which brought his acting to the widest pre-TARDIS audience.
