'Doctor Who' Fans Celebrate 58th Anniversary With Heartwarming Tom Baker Interview

Fans are celebrating all things "Doctor Who" today!

The long-running sci-fi franchise turned 58 today. The first episode of the show debuted on November 23, 1963.

Since that time, over a dozen actors have played the role of the notorious Doctor, each one bringing a new personality to make the Doctor one of the most complex and multi-faceted characters in television history.

William Hartnell appeared as the First Doctor and his tenure lasted from 1963-1966.

Patrick Troughton picked up the role, which lasted from 1966-1969. Jon Pertwee took over from him from 1970-1974.

The fourth Doctor, portrayed by Tom Baker, was one of the most beloved reincarnations of the Doctor, and even appeared in the 2013 special, "The Day of the Doctor." His tenure lasted from 1974 to 1981.

Peter Davison had a great run as the Doctor, although he only covered the role from 1981 to 1984.

Next up was Colin Baker (1984 - 1986), Sylvester McCoy (1987 - 1989), and Paul McGann in 1996.

The show was off the air for almost a decade, until Chris Eccleston returned as the Ninth Doctor for a one-season run in 2005.

It was David Tennant who really ignited an interest in "Doctor Who" for younger audiences. His run lasted from 2005 to 2010, until it was taken over by Matt Smith.

Smith had another long run from 2010 to 2013 until he ceded the role to Peter Capaldi, whose tenure lasted from 2013 to 2017.

John Hurt also had a brief run as the War Doctor in a three-episode special in 2013.

In 2017, Jodie Whittaker became the first woman to play the legendary Doctor. She is currently finishing up her run as the Thirteenth Doctor.

"Doctor Who" is more than just a TV show for some fans. In an interview with Vortex magazine, Baker described a heartwarming encounter with a fan who explained how much the show meant to him with a simple gesture.

"I remember a man stopping me on Oxford Street once, looking at me with absolute incredulity," he began.

"He said, 'Tom Baker?' A man in his late thirties. I said, "Yes." He said, 'Tom Baker?' I said, 'Yes.' And he looked at me and in his brain he catapulted back in time and he said, 'You know, when I was a boy, I was in a home for children; nobody wanted us, you know? It was terrible. And you made Saturday nights good.'"

Baker continued, "And I went to say something to him and I could see him so close to tears that he couldn't speak. And he shook his head as if to say 'Don't go on, don't remind me' and he just did [a thumbs up]."

"Such a common thing, isn't it, but suddenly backed up with an expression on his face through his tears that was a knighthood. It was a knighthood. Just a thumbs up, meaning it was great, and thanks."

He concluded the encounter by saying, "It's incredible, isn't it? Just a gesture."

Although the identity of the 14th Doctor has yet to be announced, hopefully the infamous character will continue to inspire audiences for generations to come.