Captain Jack Harkness

Doctor(s): 9th Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) and 10th Doctor (David Tennant); cameos with later Doctors
Traveled: 2005 (regular), recurring returns afterward and his own spin-off series
Actor: John Barrowman (born 11 March 1967)

Episodes & Stories

The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances (introduced), Bad Wolf/The Parting of the Ways, Utopia/Last of the Time Lords (2007), Journey’s End (2008). Leads the spin-off series Torchwood (2006–2011).

Personality

A dashing, flirtatious former Time Agent and con man, Jack is charismatic, brave to the point of recklessness, and openly bisexual/pansexual — a groundbreaking portrayal for mainstream British television.

Interesting Facts

  • Jack is rendered functionally immortal after being resurrected by Rose Tyler at the end of Series 1.
  • He’s one of the only companions to headline his own spin-off series, Torchwood.
  • He’s widely credited as one of the first openly, casually LGBTQ+ major characters on British television.

What Happened to the Character

Jack is left behind after his resurrection and eventually founds/leads the Cardiff branch of Torchwood, investigating alien incursions independently of the Doctor.

The Actor Today

John Barrowman remains a working actor, singer and author, continuing stage, television and voice work.