Sean Pertwee wants to play his dad’s iconic role… the third Doctor

The image below is of Gotham’s Alfred, actor Sean Pertwee, dressed as the third Doctor, the role has dad, Jon Pertwee, was best known for.

And, frankly, it’s mind-bogglingly great!

But who did the image come to be? Well, the actor is wonderfully frank about: “I had had a couple of sherberts and I was on my way out.” 

I had a bit of a panic because Hallowe’en is a huge thing over here. So I’ve got a cape, and I found a wig over the road, and I borrowed some stuff from the wardrobe department, one of these shirts, and I stuck it on and couldn’t believe it. Bang!

“Apparently I ‘won’ Hallowe’en.” 

“This guy got my dad’s hair and stuck it on my grill! The extraordinary thing is my mum said ‘I can’t remember that picture at all’,’ and I had to say ‘no, it’s me’. I’m definitely growing into his nose.” 

But would he consider putting the suit on for the TV show? “It would be an honour, but I think I would be completely terrified. They’re large boots to fill. My dad would have absolutely split his sides if I did that, I’m laughing just thinking of his reaction.”

“Doctor Who was a huge thing in my life, but the thing is my father was just an actor. I was surrounded by extrodinary people all my life. The people he was interested in weren’t actors, they were artists, pirates, smugglers, butchers, florists, whatever. My recollection of being brought up by my dad was in Ibiza, so I remember this idyllic bohemian lifestyle.”

Moving on to his current big role as the man charged with raising Batman, Alfed Pennyworth, the actor talks about just why such a character would be in the home of a billionaire, looking after his family: “If you were the richest man in the world like Thomas Wayne, why would you have an East Ender as a butler? It’s because a lot of people in the security services go into personal protection. It’s Alfred Pennyworth who Thomas entrusts with his most precious belonging: his son. Alfred never needed to be a father, he never wanted to be a father.

“He’s more responsible and more of a father figure than just a guardian. Alfred is really Bruce’s enabler, and you’ll see more of that this season. Put it this way: Alfred will definitely start to train Bruce.” 

We’re currently loving Gotham’s more assured, confident direction and hope it lasts… and as for him taking on the role of the Doctor? Do you really have to ask?

Source: Radiotimes