Doctor Who: Who is Pearl Mackie?
Who is Pearl Mackie, the actor behind Bill, the Doctor’s newest companion on Doctor Who?
Pearl Mackie as Bill and Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor – credit: bbc.co.uk
The skies have parted, the angels have sung, and the actor who will play Doctor Who‘s newest companion has been revealed. Critically acclaimed English Theater actor, Pearl Mackie has been tasked with playing Bill, a companion who rocks an afro up top, a pair of vans down bottom, and a whole lot of millennial in between.
Twelfth Doctor’s boots and New Companion’s high tops – credit: twitter.com/DoctorWho_BBCA
The fact that Mackie is virtually unknown outside of the British stage has made her selection even more intriguing. Long time Whovians and new fans alike are all asking one question: who is this woman who will play the cosmically enabling yin to Peter Capaldi’s mercurial yang? As usual, we’re here to help. Here’s what you need to know about the good Doctor’s new enigmatic companion.
Who is she?
“A refreshing addition to the TARDIS and will bring a universe of exciting new possibilities to The Doctor’s adventures”
Mackie grew up in Brixton, South London and has a degree in Drama from Bristol University, graduating in 201o from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
What has she done?
The well-known London theatre actor has appeared in many performances, most notably the West End production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Her movie and television credits include Foh girl in Svengali, Anne-Marie Frasier in Doctors, and Sarah in Date Aid.
The multilingual trained singer and dancer has also appeared in the music video for ‘Real’ by the pop band Years & Years.
Who is Bill?
Mackie will be replacing Jenna Coleman as the Doctor’s tenth companion of the modern Doctor Who era. Her character’s name is Bill, a role which Pearl Mackie says is,
"“Fantastically written, cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in – I can’t wait to bring her to life.”"
promo shot of Pearl Mackie as Bill – credit: independent.co.uk
Peter Capaldi has intimated that Bill will be an “intelligent, enthusiastic, inquisitive girl” and that Mackie’s portrayal was “a refreshing addition to the TARDIS and will bring a universe of exciting new possibilities to the Doctor’s adventures.” Pearl herself expects Bill to be more of a swashbuckler saying,
"“I always loved stage combat at drama school, so I can’t wait to get on set and kick some evil monsters into the next dimension!”"
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What’s Next?
Now that the new Doctor has been paired with a new companion, the die has been cast on what truly promises to be an historic Doctor Who season. The addition of an ascendant young talent like Pearl only reinforces the sentiment that Doctor Who hasn’t so much returned, as it has reloaded.
Next: Doctor Who: Recent Peculiar Notes of Interest