National Podcast Post Month Day 4: Actors In Both Doctor Who and Star Wars

BONUS: Peter Cushing

Peter Cushing as Dr. Van Helsing in one of his many Dracula films

Admittedly, this one is bending the rules a bit. Peter Cushing was a beloved actor for decades who excelled at playing heroes and villains alike. He is perhaps most famous for portraying Dr. Van Helsing in several Dracula films opposite his friend Christopher Lee.

Original trailer for Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965)

Explaining Cushing’s connection to Doctor Who might be confusing to some, and rejected by others as “non-canon”. But the short version is a big-screen adaption of Doctor Who was made for international audiences in the mid-1960s. Today it would be called a “reboot” or a “reimagining” due to it having a different backstory. In these movies “Dr. Who” was a human who simply invented The Tardis. There were no aliens, no Laws Of Time, and no Gallifrey. It didn’t even have the trademark theme music, which that alone makes it an abomination in some fans’ minds.

Original trailer for Daleks Invasion Earth: 2150 AD (1966)

Two films were made. Dr. Who and the Daleks in 1965, and Daleks Invasion Of Earth (1966). The latter coincidentally co-starred Bernard Cribbons, who would go on to play Donna Noble’s grandfather during the David Tennant years.

Grand Moff Tarkin at his most Tarkin-y

Literally just about every Star Wars fan in the world recognizes Grand Moff Tarkin. Cushing once stated that his only regret about being in Star Wars was that Tarkin died because he would have loved to return to torment the heroes again.

So there you have it. 18, possibly 19, actors who have had memorable roles in both Doctor Who and Star Trek. That should provide more than enough material for anybody wanting to have a viewing party.

Did we miss any? We’re open to correction. Sound off below!