Pretty much what the title reads. Sunday, January 20th, our beloved and befuddling Tom Baker turned 85 years old! In a bit of odd timing, Sunday evening was also when Twitch concluded its run of Tom's episodes as part of its complete (classic) series marathon. Hopefully the irascible Tom will remain with us (and in solidly good health, both physical and mental) for several more years! I don't know how valid is the claim, but someone, somewhere noted Tom has now performed more stories for Big Finish than he did for the television series. Now, if one starts to tally run times of those audio plays and the number of lines Tom has spoken, it might prove less. But even so, what he's done in the last few years is remarkable! Ten years ago, who would have truthfully believed he'd ever return to his most iconic role, let alone provide enough material to be comparable to his original tenure? Here's to many more, Tom! Thank you!
The owner of the Tom Baker forum where I'm the tech admin used to post his annual birthday greetings. She's been MIA for the past 2-3 years, so it hasn't been done there.
It's interesting, not only is Tom Baker the actor to have played the Doctor the longest, and not only is he the oldest of the living Doctors, he's also lived longer than any of the others. After him, the next oldest Doctor would be John Hurt, who lived to be 77. Or if you don't want to count him, then next is Jon Pertwee, who lived to be 76.