Paul McGann

Acting

Paul McGann

Born November 14, 1959 · Kensington, Liverpool, England, UK (age 66)

Paul McGann (born November 14, 1959) is an English actor who made his name on The Monocled Mutineer, in which he played the lead role. He is also known for his role in Withnail and I, and for portraying the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who television movie as well as other media that features his incarnation of the character.

Known For

Alien³Alien³ · 1992
Alien³
6.41992
MovieScience FictionAction
After escaping with Newt and Hicks from the alien planet, Ripley crash lands on Fiorina 161, a prison planet and host to a correctional facility. Unfortunately, although Newt and Hicks do not survive the crash, a more unwelcome visitor does. The prison does not allow weapons of any kind, and with aid being a long time away, the prisoners must simply survive in any way they can.
Empire of the SunEmpire of the Sun · 1987
Empire of the Sun
7.51987
MovieDramaHistory
Jamie Graham, a privileged English boy, is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade and force all foreigners into prison camps. Jamie is captured with an American sailor, who looks out for him while they are in the camp together. Even though he is separated from his parents and in a hostile environment, Jamie maintains his dignity and youthful spirit, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.
Withnail & IWithnail & I · 1987
Withnail & I
7.21987
MovieComedyDrama
Two out-of-work actors -- the anxious, luckless Marwood and his acerbic, alcoholic friend, Withnail -- spend their days drifting between their squalid flat, the unemployment office and the pub. When they take a holiday "by mistake" at the country house of Withnail's flamboyantly gay uncle, Monty, they encounter the unpleasant side of the English countryside: tedium, terrifying locals and torrential rain.
The Three MusketeersThe Three Musketeers · 1993
The Three Musketeers
6.41993
MovieActionAdventure
D'Artagnan travels to Paris hoping to become a musketeer, one of the French king's elite bodyguards, only to discover that the corps has been disbanded by conniving Cardinal Richelieu, who secretly hopes to usurp the throne. Fortunately, Athos, Porthos and Aramis have refused to lay down their weapons and continue to protect their king. D'Artagnan joins with the rogues to expose Richelieu's plot against the crown.
Queen of the DamnedQueen of the Damned · 2002
Queen of the Damned
6.12002
MovieFantasyHorror
Vampire Lestat awakens from his slumber and becomes a rock star. But chaos strikes when his music awakens Akasha, the vampire queen, who may not rest until she makes Lestat her new king.
Doctor WhoDoctor Who · 1996
Doctor Who
6.21996
MovieTV MovieAdventure
The Seventh Doctor becomes the Eighth. And on the streets of San Francisco – alongside new ally Grace Holloway - he battles the Master.
Good BehaviourGood Behaviour · 2026
Good Behaviour
2026
MovieDrama
A surreal psychological drama about a tormented prisoner who undergoes an talking therapy to reframe the memories of his crime. Starring Antonio Aakeel (Slow Horses, Sherlock & Daughter), Paul McGann (Withnail & I, Doctor Who) and Stephen Walters (This City Is Ours, Outlander).
Lesbian Vampire KillersLesbian Vampire Killers · 2009
Lesbian Vampire Killers
5.22009
MovieHorrorComedy
With their women having been enslaved by a pack of lesbian vampires, the remaining menfolk of a rural town send two hapless young lads out onto the moors as a sacrifice.

Movies

Alien³Alien³ · 1992
Alien³
6.41992
MovieScience FictionAction
After escaping with Newt and Hicks from the alien planet, Ripley crash lands on Fiorina 161, a prison planet and host to a correctional facility. Unfortunately, although Newt and Hicks do not survive the crash, a more unwelcome visitor does. The prison does not allow weapons of any kind, and with aid being a long time away, the prisoners must simply survive in any way they can.
Empire of the SunEmpire of the Sun · 1987
Empire of the Sun
7.51987
MovieDramaHistory
Jamie Graham, a privileged English boy, is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade and force all foreigners into prison camps. Jamie is captured with an American sailor, who looks out for him while they are in the camp together. Even though he is separated from his parents and in a hostile environment, Jamie maintains his dignity and youthful spirit, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.
Withnail & IWithnail & I · 1987
Withnail & I
7.21987
MovieComedyDrama
Two out-of-work actors -- the anxious, luckless Marwood and his acerbic, alcoholic friend, Withnail -- spend their days drifting between their squalid flat, the unemployment office and the pub. When they take a holiday "by mistake" at the country house of Withnail's flamboyantly gay uncle, Monty, they encounter the unpleasant side of the English countryside: tedium, terrifying locals and torrential rain.
The Three MusketeersThe Three Musketeers · 1993
The Three Musketeers
6.41993
MovieActionAdventure
D'Artagnan travels to Paris hoping to become a musketeer, one of the French king's elite bodyguards, only to discover that the corps has been disbanded by conniving Cardinal Richelieu, who secretly hopes to usurp the throne. Fortunately, Athos, Porthos and Aramis have refused to lay down their weapons and continue to protect their king. D'Artagnan joins with the rogues to expose Richelieu's plot against the crown.
Queen of the DamnedQueen of the Damned · 2002
Queen of the Damned
6.12002
MovieFantasyHorror
Vampire Lestat awakens from his slumber and becomes a rock star. But chaos strikes when his music awakens Akasha, the vampire queen, who may not rest until she makes Lestat her new king.
Doctor WhoDoctor Who · 1996
Doctor Who
6.21996
MovieTV MovieAdventure
The Seventh Doctor becomes the Eighth. And on the streets of San Francisco – alongside new ally Grace Holloway - he battles the Master.
Good BehaviourGood Behaviour · 2026
Good Behaviour
2026
MovieDrama
A surreal psychological drama about a tormented prisoner who undergoes an talking therapy to reframe the memories of his crime. Starring Antonio Aakeel (Slow Horses, Sherlock & Daughter), Paul McGann (Withnail & I, Doctor Who) and Stephen Walters (This City Is Ours, Outlander).
Lesbian Vampire KillersLesbian Vampire Killers · 2009
Lesbian Vampire Killers
5.22009
MovieHorrorComedy
With their women having been enslaved by a pack of lesbian vampires, the remaining menfolk of a rural town send two hapless young lads out onto the moors as a sacrifice.
Doctor Who: The Day of the DoctorDoctor Who: The Day of the Doctor · 2013
Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor
8.22013
MovieScience FictionAdventure
In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London's National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion. All of reality is at stake as the Doctor's own dangerous past comes back to haunt him.
Lie with MeLie with Me · 2004
Lie with Me
5.72004
MovieDramaCrime
Roselyn Tyler awakens in her London flat with no memory of the previous night. She discovers that she was drugged and sexually assaulted -- and her roommate is dead. When investigating cop Will Tomlinson can't make the charges stick against the prime suspect, he and Roselyn scheme to put him behind bars. But she soon learns that lies have hazardous consequences.
The Big Night InThe Big Night In · 2020
The Big Night In
9.02020
MovieComedyDocumentary
Comic Relief and Children in Need join forces to deliver a very special night of television, hosted by Lenny Henry and Matt Baker.
DowntimeDowntime · 1997
Downtime
7.01997
MovieThriller
Ex-police psychologist Rob has plenty of problems of his own. Having retired through ill health, he is quite aware that he is not the best person to talk down suicidal single mother Chrissy when she threatens to throw herself off a Newcastle tower block. Rob is, however, the only person available, so he sets about helping Chrissy to overcome her fears, unexpectedly confronting several of his personal demons along the way.
The UndertakerThe Undertaker · 2023
The Undertaker
5.52023
MovieThrillerCrime
A meek undertaker becomes trapped in a violent world when a gangster enlists him to dispose of a growing number of corpses.
The MarblesThe Marbles · 2025
The Marbles
2025
MovieDocumentary
The Marbles started filming on the 25th of March 2021 the day Greece celebrated its 200th year of freedom, and outlines the case for the Parthenon Marbles to be returned to Athens. Documenting the ups and downs that have occurred since.
Finding Babylon's Hanging GardenFinding Babylon's Hanging Garden · 2015
Finding Babylon's Hanging Garden
9.02015
MovieDocumentary
There are many myths surrounding the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Previous excavations have not led to an answer to the question of exactly where they were located. Thanks to the extraordinary findings of scientist Stephanie Dalley, it is now possible for the first time to determine exactly where the legendary gardens were located, what they looked like and how they were built. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world for which no archaeological evidence has yet been found. For the documentary, Stephanie Dalley from Oxford University traveled to a dangerous, terror-stricken region in northern Iraq to gather evidence for her new theory about the true location of the gardens. Stephanie Dalley assumes that the gardens were built a hundred years earlier - 700 years before Christ - and by the Assyrian king Sanherib instead of Nebuchadnezzar II.
Doctor Who Am IDoctor Who Am I · 2022
Doctor Who Am I
4.82022
MovieDocumentary
In 1996, a Doctor Who TV movie was envisioned to lead the franchise into an exciting new future with a fresh direction but was met only by an outcry from disapproving fans. Now, follow the film’s screenwriter, Matthew Jacobs, as he is pulled back into the world of the Doctor Who fandom, where he unexpectedly finds himself a kindred part of this close-knit, yet vast, family of fans.
Star Trek StoryStar Trek Story · 1996
Star Trek Story
1.21996
MovieDocumentaryTV Movie
Gene Roddenberry's Utopian vision of humanity in the 24th century had a profound effect on American viewers. During the height of the Cold War, the tension of the civil rights movement and the jingoism of the Vietnam War, they saw a multicultural crew working together on the bridge of the Enterprise. Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart, Nichelle Nicols, Brent Spiner and others reflect on Star Trek's cultural impact over its 30-year history, and contemplate its future on the small screen.
DealersDealers · 1989
Dealers
5.61989
MovieDrama
The London branch of Whitney Paine, a major American investment bank, is in the midst of a crisis; after the loss of $100 million, one of their leading traders, Tony Eisner commits suicide by putting a slug through his head while seated at his place in the board room. Despite the high stakes, many of the firm's staff are eager to step into Tony's now-vacated shoes and get credit for saving the company. Daniel Pascoe, the leading trader at the firm, is convinced that he's first in line for the assignment, but the firm imports a new trader from America, Anna Schuman. Daniel is enraged and makes a point of trying to dig up as much dirt on Anna as he can, but things are going to take another turn.
The Orangutan KingThe Orangutan King · 2005
The Orangutan King
10.02005
MovieDocumentary
For fifteen million years orangutans roamed tropical forests from China to South East Asia. In Borneo, one of their last island outposts, lives one today who is a legend. He's won more than just a kingdom, he's won human hearts. They gave him the name Kusasi. The Orangutan King is the story of Kusasi's life told to us by a remarkable witness. Dr Birute M. Galdikas has been researching orangutans in Borneo for over 40 years. Now, for the first time, Dr Galdikas will draw audiences deep into the orangutan universe. With enthusiasm and insight she tells us this special story - taking us back 30 years and unfolding Kusasi's story with detail, energy, and the wonder that she still feels for the orangutan species. As a three year old orphan, Kusasi fell under the care of Galdikas in her forest research camp. But driven by a cunning and tenacious spirit Kusasi did not behave as the other ex-captive infants.
Talking Doctor WhoTalking Doctor Who · 2023
Talking Doctor Who
5.02023
MovieDocumentaryTV Movie
As part of the sixtieth anniversary celebrations of Doctor Who, David Tennant time-travels back through the BBC archives to tell the story of the Doctor’s classic era.
Doctor Who: Tales Lost in TimeDoctor Who: Tales Lost in Time · 2011
Doctor Who: Tales Lost in Time
8.02011
MovieDocumentary
Go behind the scenes of Dr Who as never before - and discover the 'lost tales' of the show! Doctors David Tennant, Paul McGann, Peter Davison and Sylvester McCoy are joined in providing insights by Rula Lenska, Simon Pegg, Adam Garcia, John Barrowman, Russell T. Davis and Graham Cole!
Perplexed MusicPerplexed Music · 2017
Perplexed Music
2017
MovieDrama
The film explores the temporary madness and isolation experienced by a middle-aged man played by Paul McGann as he battles for reason and stability with worlds past and present in need of closure and the strength to continue on his life's journey without his long-term companion.
Like a Hurricane: The Alex Higgins StoryLike a Hurricane: The Alex Higgins Story · 2001
Like a Hurricane: The Alex Higgins Story
6.02001
MovieDocumentary
Documentary on the life and career of legendary snooker player, Alex Higgins.
FairyTale: A True StoryFairyTale: A True Story · 1997
FairyTale: A True Story
6.41997
MovieFantasyDrama
In 1917, two children take a photograph, which is soon believed by some to be the first scientific evidence of the existence of fairies. Based on the true story of the Cottingley Fairies.

TV Shows

Agatha Christie's PoirotAgatha Christie's Poirot · 1989
Agatha Christie's Poirot
8.21989
SeriesCrimeDrama
From England to Egypt, accompanied by his elegant and trustworthy sidekicks, the intelligent yet eccentrically-refined Belgian detective Hercule Poirot pits his wits against a collection of first class deceptions.
HorizonHorizon · 1964
Horizon
7.41964
SeriesDocumentary
Horizon tells amazing science stories, unravels mysteries and reveals worlds you've never seen before.
Holby CityHolby City · 1999
Holby City
5.81999
SeriesDrama
Drama series about life on the wards of Holby City Hospital, following the highs and lows of the staff and patients.
Screen TwoScreen Two · 1985
Screen Two
7.11985
SeriesDrama
Series of single made-for-television dramas.
Natural WorldNatural World · 1983
Natural World
7.41983
SeriesDocumentary
Natural World is a nature documentary television series broadcast annually on BBC Two and regarded by the BBC as its flagship natural history brand. It is currently the longest-running series in its genre on British television, with more than 400 episodes broadcast since its inception in 1983. Natural World is produced by the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol, but individual programmes can be in-house productions, collaborative productions with other broadcasters or films made and distributed by independent production companies and purchased by the BBC. Natural World programmes are often broadcast as PBS Nature episodes in the USA. Since 2008, most Natural World programmes have been shot and broadcast in high definition.
Agatha Christie's MarpleAgatha Christie's Marple · 2004
Agatha Christie's Marple
7.82004
SeriesDramaCrime
The adventures of Miss Jane Marple, an elderly spinster living in the quiet little village of St Mary Mead. During her many visits to friends and relatives in other villages, Miss Marple often stumbles upon mysterious murders which she helps solve. Although the police are sometimes reluctant to accept Miss Marple's help, her reputation and unparalleled powers of observation eventually win them over.
Play for TodayPlay for Today · 1970
Play for Today
6.61970
SeriesDrama
Play for Today is a British television anthology drama series, produced by the BBC and transmitted on BBC1 from 1970 to 1984. During the run, more than three hundred programmes, featuring original television plays, and adaptations of stage plays and novels, were transmitted. The individual episodes were between fifty and a hundred minutes in duration.
Waking the DeadWaking the Dead · 2001
Waking the Dead
7.22001
SeriesCrimeMystery
A detective team apply new techniques to old crimes as they solve cold cases.
New TricksNew Tricks · 2004
New Tricks
7.32004
SeriesDramaComedy
New Tricks is a British comedy-drama that follows the work of the fictional Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad of the Metropolitan Police Service. Originally led by Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman, it is made up of retired police officers who have been recruited to reinvestigate unsolved crimes.
Ripper StreetRipper Street · 2012
Ripper Street
7.42012
SeriesDramaMystery
A drama set in the East End of London in 1889, during the aftermath of the "Ripper" murders. The action centres around the notorious H Division – the police precinct from hell – which is charged with keeping order in the chaotic streets of Whitechapel. Ripper Street explores the lives of characters trying to recover from the Ripper's legacy, from crimes that have not only irretrievably altered their lives, but the very fabric of their city. At the drama's heart our detectives try to bring a little light into the dark world they inhabit.
LutherLuther · 2010
Luther
7.92010
SeriesCrimeDrama
A dark psychological crime drama starring Idris Elba as Luther, a man struggling with his own terrible demons, who might be as dangerous as the depraved murderers he hunts.
The MusketeersThe Musketeers · 2014
The Musketeers
7.12014
SeriesDrama
Set in 17th century Paris, musketeers Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D'Artagnan are members of an elite band of soldiers who fight for what is just. They are heroes in the truest and most abiding sense – men that can be trusted and believed in to do the right thing, regardless of personal risk.
ScreenPlayScreenPlay · 1986
ScreenPlay
6.01986
SeriesDrama
Screenplay was a drama anthology television series, broadcast on BBC between 1986 and 1993. Numerous episodes were produced including one named "Boswell and Johnson's Tour of the Western Islands" starring Robbie Coltrane as English writer Samuel Johnson who in the autumn of 1773, visits the Hebrides off the north-west coast of Scotland. That episode was directed by John Byrne and co-starred John Sessions and Celia Imrie.
HornblowerHornblower · 1998
Hornblower
7.81998
SeriesDrama
Set during the 18th century Napoleonic Wars, Horatio Hornblower, a young and shy midshipman, rises through the ranks to become an admiral.
Moving OnMoving On · 2009
Moving On
7.32009
SeriesDrama
Moving On is a British television series set in contemporary Britain consisting of standalone dramas all sharing the theme of someone going through some kind of change in their life and moving on.
McDonald & DoddsMcDonald & Dodds · 2020
McDonald & Dodds
7.62020
SeriesDramaMystery
Two detectives, DCI McDonald and DS Dodds, who seemingly have nothing in common, are thrown together and forge a rumbustious friendship and entertaining partnership.
AnnikaAnnika · 2021
Annika
6.92021
SeriesMysteryCrime
The sharp, witty and enigmatic DI Annika Strandhed, as she heads up a new specialist Marine Homicide Unit (MHU) that is tasked with investigating the unexplained, brutal, and seemingly unfathomable murders.
Blood StrangersBlood Strangers · 2002
Blood Strangers
2002
SeriesDrama
A mother is dealt a double blow when she learns that her murdered teenage daughter was working as a prostitute.
Zero HourZero Hour · 2004
Zero Hour
7.42004
SeriesDocumentaryDrama
Zero Hour dramatizes the hour leading up to some of the most memorable historical events as they unfold minute by minute. Using a real-time clock and a split screen to follow key players, the series reveals the compelling and exciting minutes leading up to events that changed the world.
Testament: The Bible in AnimationTestament: The Bible in Animation · 1996
Testament: The Bible in Animation
7.01996
SeriesAnimationDrama
A nine-part series of Old Testament stories for younger viewers using various animation techniques, including stop-motion, cel animation and computer animation.
BookishBookish · 2025
Bookish
6.02025
SeriesCrimeMystery
Gabriel Book, proprietor of an antiquarian bookshop, relies on his vast collection to unravel baffling cases. He nurtures a group of lovable yet troubled individuals, providing informal protection and guidance.
The Bletchley CircleThe Bletchley Circle · 2012
The Bletchley Circle
7.62012
SeriesDramaMystery
The Bletchley Circle follows the journey of four ordinary women with extraordinary skills that helped to end World War II. Set in 1952, Susan, Millie, Lucy and Jean have returned to their normal lives, modestly setting aside the part they played in producing crucial intelligence, which helped the Allies to victory and shortened the war. When Susan discovers a hidden code behind an unsolved murder she is met by skepticism from the police. She quickly realises she can only begin to crack the murders and bring the culprit to justice with her former friends. The Bletchley Circle paints a vivid portrait of post-war Britain in this fictional tale of unsung heroes.
AnneAnne · 2022
Anne
7.12022
SeriesDrama
Anne Williams, from Formby, near Liverpool, was devastated by the loss of her son, 15-year-old Kevin, who was tragically killed at the FA Cup semi-final in 1989 between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. Anne stood defiantly alongside other parents and their families who fought for justice for the 96 loved ones who lost their lives at a football match.
FishFish · 1977
Fish
6.61977
SeriesComedy
Fish is a spin-off television series of the sitcom Barney Miller. It starred Abe Vigoda as New York Police Department Detective Phil Fish and Florence Stanley as his wife Bernice.