Noel Clarke

Some shows have such a passionate fanbase that whatever you do afterwards it will continue to define your career. And for "Doctor Who" (BBC 2005-) aficionados Noel Clarke will always be Mickey Smith. Born in London, Clarke studied Media at the University of North London followed by time at London's Acting Centre before making his British television debut in 1999, quickly followed by roles in a series of U.K. drama staples including "The Bill" (ITV 1984-2010), "Judge John Deed" (BBC 2001- ) and "Casualty" (BBC 1986-). 2002 was a landmark year for Clarke. Not only did he write, produce and star in the short film "Licks" but he landed a lead role in revived comedy drama "Auf Wiedersehen Pet" (BBC 2002-04) playing Wyman Norris across 14 episodes. Clarke continued to act on film, TV and stage, picking up a Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Performer in 2003 for his role in Christopher Shinn's post-9/11 play "Where Do We Live." The BBC had cancelled long running time-travelling serial "Doctor Who" in 1989 but had big plans to revive it in 2005 under the guidance of writer Russell T. Davies. It was an instant hit in the U.K. and soon became a sci-fi favorite across the globe. Clarke was cast as Mickey Smith, the nervous boyfriend of the Doctor's latest companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper). Originally offering comic relief, by 2006 Smith had become an action hero, saving the day almost as often as the Doctor (David Tennant). Although primarily known as an actor Clarke continued to explore his career behind the scenes not only writing an episode of "Doctor Who" spin off series "Torchwood" (BBC 2006-2011) but writing and starring in feature film "Kidulthood" (2006) and directing its equally well-received sequel "Adulthood" (2008), picking up the BAFTA Orange Rising Star Award in 2009. Clarke also appeared on the big screen in Ian Dury biopic "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" (2010) and sword and sandals action film "Centurion" (2010). He also wrote a series of films such as "4.3.2.1" (2010) starring Emma Roberts, romantic comedy "The Knot" (2012) and horror movie "Storage 24" (2012) before returning to sci-fi with a role in "Star Trek Into Darkness" (2013).