Happy 40th Birthday The Master!

Happy Birthday to you!

When the Master first appeared in January 1971 he was played by Roger Delgado, who continued in the role until his death in 1973. Afterwards, Peter Pratt and Geoffrey Beevers played a physically decayed version of the Time Lord until Anthony Ainley assumed the part in 1981. He remained until Doctor Who's cancellation in 1989.

In 1996, the Master was played briefly by Gordon Tipple, then by Eric Roberts in the 8th Doctor TV movie.

In the new series, Derek Jacobi provided the character's re-introduction before handing over to John Simm, who portrayed the Master in the climax of the 2007 series and in the 2009 serial The End of Time. William Hughes also portrayed the Master at the age of 8 in various new series flashbacks.

Happy Birthday dear Master.... Happy Birthday to you!