 Many actors have been considered for the role of the Doctor over the  years but only Ron Moody (qv) has twice declined the role. He was  first choice after Hartnell left but refused (as did  Peter Jeffrey (I) (qv)), and he also turned down the chance again  in 1969 when Troughton left. Graham Crowden turned down the role  after Pertwee and veteran British comedian Richard Hearne (qv) was  also considered but rejected for insurance purposes. In the revived  version, _"Doctor Who" (2005)_ (qv), Bill Nighy (qv) came closest  to assuming the role after Christopher Eccleston (qv) left but was  rejected at the last minute in favour of David Tennant (I) (qv)  (Nighy amusingly blamed Tennant for being better