Who Is Tom Baker? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on January 20, 1934, Tom Baker is an iconic English actor renowned for his role as the Fourth Doctor in the beloved series "Doctor Who." With a career spanning over six decades, Baker has become a household name, known for his distinctive voice and eccentric personality. As of 2025, Tom Baker is 91 years old. His early life in Liverpool, England, shaped his passion for acting, leading him to pursue a career in theater before achieving fame on screen.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 20, 1934 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Vauxhall, Liverpool, England |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Tom Baker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Tom Baker stands at approximately 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall. In the past, he maintained a weight of around 200 pounds (91 kg), although in recent years, his weight may have varied due to his age. His striking presence, combined with his iconic long scarf and hat, has made him an unforgettable figure in television history.
Baker quickly made the part his own, and audience-viewing figures for his first few years returned to a level not seen since the height of 'Dalekmania' a decade earlier.
His eccentric style of dress and quirky personality, in particular his trademark look of wearing a long scarf and his fondness for jelly babies, as well as his voice, made him an immediately recognisable figure, and he quickly caught the viewing public's imagination.
Baker contributed ideas for many aspects of his Doctor's personality; he became known for making "frequent and often comedic scripting suggestions and ad-libs", but the idea of wearing a scarf had been created by accident.
James Acheson, the costume designer assigned to his first story, had provided far more wool than necessary to the knitter, Begonia Pope. Due to a miscommunication, Pope knitted all the wool she was given.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Tom Baker has experienced various relationships. He was married to actress and writer Lalla Ward, known for her role as Romana in "Doctor Who," from 1980 until 2021. Since then, there have been rumors regarding his dating life, but as of 2025, Tom Baker appears to be enjoying his independence, focusing on his career and personal interests rather than seeking a new partner. Information about potential boyfriends or girlfriends remains private, aligned with his preference for maintaining a low profile outside his professional life.
His mother, Mary Jane (née Fleming), was a cleaner and devout Catholic. His father, John Stewart Baker, was a seaman and was largely absent from the family due to being away at sea.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Tom Baker’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. This wealth primarily stems from his extensive career in acting, voice work, and writing. Over the years, he has participated in numerous television shows, films, and audio dramas, which have significantly contributed to his income. Additionally, his appearances at conventions and in various media have created additional revenue streams.
Baker was also involved in the reading of old Target novelisations in the BBC Audio range of talking books, "Doctor Who (Classic Novels)".
Doctor Who and the Giant Robot was the first release in the range read by Baker, released on 5 November 2007, followed by Baker reading Doctor Who and the Brain of Morbius (released 4 February 2008), Doctor Who and the Creature from the Pit (released on 7 April 2008) and Doctor Who and the Pyramids of Mars (released 14 August 2008).
In October 2009, Baker was interviewed for BBC Radio 4's Last Word to pay tribute to the deceased former Doctor Who producer Barry Letts. He described Letts as "the big link in changing my entire life" for casting him in the role.
Career, Business, and Investments
Tom Baker's acting career began in theater and transitioned into television and film. Aside from his iconic role in "Doctor Who," he has also appeared in productions like "The Golden Compass," voice work in animated series, and more. His diverse portfolio reflects his versatility as an actor, earning him accolades and recognition in the industry. Additionally, Baker has ventured into writing, publishing autobiographies and works of fiction. As a prudent businessman, he has also invested in properties and other ventures, although specific details about his investments remain undisclosed.
Later in his career, Baker performed in the television series Medics (1992–1995), Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) (2000–2001) and Monarch of the Glen (2004–2005). He also provided narration for the television comedy series Little Britain (2003–2006) and Little Britain USA (2008). His voice, which has been described as "sonorous", was voted the fourth-most recognisable in the UK in 2006.
Social Network
Tom Baker is not particularly active on social media platforms, preferring to keep his personal life private. However, his legacy continues through fan pages and various "Doctor Who" communities that celebrate his work. Fans can follow updates about his career and appearances through official channels related to "Doctor Who" and other acting projects.
In early January 1974, Baker wrote a letter to Bill Slater, by then the BBC's Head of Serials, looking for work. Reminded of the actor, Slater recommended Baker to Doctor Who producer Barry Letts, who at the time was looking for a successor to Third Doctor Jon Pertwee.
Letts was impressed by Baker upon meeting him and, after seeing his performance in The Golden Voyage of Sinbad, became convinced he was right for the part. Baker was working on a construction site at the time, as acting jobs were scarce.
When he first took on the role, the media dubbed him "Boiler Suit Tom" because he had been supplied for a press conference with some old studio-set clothes to replace his modest garments.
Baker told the Daily Express that his friends teased him that "the BBC scoured London to come up with the only middle-aged-ten-year-old in the business." Letts left the series after producing Baker's debut story, Robot (1974–1975), and was replaced by Philip Hinchcliffe.
Under Hinchcliffe and script editor Robert Holmes, the series gained a "Gothic tone" influenced by Hammer Film Productions and, according to Hinchcliffe, was aimed "a bit more to the adults in the audience".
Education
Tom Baker attended the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, which nurtured his talent and passion for acting. His education laid a solid foundation for his future career, allowing him to hone his skills in drama and performance. Throughout his life, he has emphasized the importance of education and continuous learning in the arts, inspiring aspiring actors around the world.
As Tom Baker navigates life in 2025, he remains a treasured icon in the entertainment industry, beloved by multiple generations for his contributions to film and television.
Baker attended Cheswardine Hall Boarding School in Shropshire. At age 15, he became a novice religious brother with the Brothers of Ploermel (Brothers of Christian Instruction) in Jersey and later in Shropshire. He left the monastery six years later after losing his faith.
In his autobiography, he said he had realised that he wanted to break each of the Ten Commandments—in order—so he thought he should get out before he did something serious.
