David Tennant's 5 Best Performances

His accolades include a BAFTA, an Emmy and an Olivier nomination

Throughout his career, David Tennant has proven his versatility. From playing a 900 year old alien to one of Britain’s most notorious serial killers, this is an actor who completely understand the assignment, every time.

At ScreenHeads, we have outlined the actor’s top performances, and here they are.

5. Crowley in Good Omens (2019)

We can bet Tennant had fun with this one. The actor stars alongside Michael Sheen as an angel and a demon whose dysfunctional 6000 year relationship takes centre stage as they try to find the Antichrist and stop the coming Armageddon.

Tennant electrifies as the troublesome demon of the story and his back and forth with Sheen isn’t to be missed. With a second season confirmed, we can expect the BAFTA winner to turn out another great performance as Crowley.

4. Kilgrave in Jessica Jones (2015-19)

The main villain of a superhero show. Probably the last place we expected to see this actor but what a wise decision it was. Tennant portrays Kilgrave, an individual who has the ability to control people just by telling them what to do. This ability puts him into Jessica Jones’ orbit and he becomes a very powerful enemy.

He proves to be a very terrifying presence throughout the show, a very surprising feeling to emulate from this actor in particular. Tennant also wasn’t the first choice for Kilgrave. Hollywood star Jim Carrey was actually the top choice – I guess they couldn’t afford Ace Ventura?

3. DI Alec Hardy as Broadchurch (2013-17)

Broadchurch may come off at first as a standard ITV crime drama, but thanks to actors like David Tennant it became something new entirely. Tennant’s DI Hardy is a hard-as-nails, guilt ridden individual who definitely isn’t looking for friends. His chemistry with co-star Olivia Coleman is also one of the main reasons the show worked so well.

Throughout the first series of the show, the identity of young Danny Latimer’s was kept secret from all of the cast, even leading man David Tennant. Olivia Coleman however was accidentally told before everyone else.

2. Dennis Nilson in Des (2020)

The darkest role we have seen him in to date. Our stage and screen actor went biographical last year as convicted murderer Dennis “Des” Nilson for a three-part drama. Tennant portrays Nilson perfectly and even gets to use his native Scottish accent for the role. It is scary how much our lovable Tennant disappears as this character, and we are left with the disgusting, psychotic Des who seems to show no remorse for his crimes.

The drama also brought Tennant together once more with his Good Omens co-star, Daniel Mays.

1. The Doctor in Doctor Who (2005-2010)

Of course this was taking the top spot. In 2005, Tennant became the first long-running Time Lord of Doctor Who‘s revived series. With his cheeky attitude, short temper and ability to play emotion just right, the actor remains a favourite Doctor for many Whovians. We can also never forget his tearful exit from playing the role full time.

It is reported that when Tennant was first approached to portray the tenth incarnation of The Doctor, he was extremely enthusiastic due to being a fan of the show since he was a child. His first response was “can I have a long swishy coat?”. Of course, the answer was a yes.

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Agree with our choices for David Tennant’s best 5 performances? Think over portrayals deserved a spot on the list? Let us know in the comment section below!

David Tennant’s 5 Best Performances