The 55-year-old Scottish actor will assume the beloved "Doctor Who" role from Matt Smith. The much-anticipated announcement was made Sunday during a live presentation, "Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor" on BBC America and BBC One. A gaggle of interviews with Smith and lead writer/executive producer Steven Moffat comprised the half-hour special before the big reveal was made -- wreaking havoc on Twitter. RELATED: 'Doctor Who' at 50: Meet the 11 faces of the Time Lord Capaldi, best known for his roles in 2009's "In the Loop" and 1988's "Dangerous Liaisons," becomes the 12th person to portray the time-traveling hero, joining the ranks of William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Colin Baker and David Tennant -- to name a few. His naming as the new TARDIS operator has gotten the thumbs up from past employers: "There can't be a funnier, wiser, more excitng Time Lord than Peter Capaldi," tweeted Armano Iannuci, director of "In the Loop," and creator of HBO's "Veep," shortly after news broke. The universe is in great hands. #DoctorWho The search for a new Time Lord began after Smith announced in June that he'd be leaving the sci-fi adventure series at the end of the year; he took on the role in 2010. He'll hand over his sonic screwdriver in a special episode on Christmas Day, before heading into the eighth series of the show since the franchise was revived in 2005. The new incarnation is expected to roll out next summer. The news comes as the franchise is embarking on its 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated with a special on Nov. 23, in addition to a BBC telepic, "Adventures in Space and Time," about the creation of the series. 'Doctor Who' casting: Steven Moffat says, "You know it when you see it" Comic-Con bids Matt Smith farewell, looks to "Doctor Who" anniversary PHOTOS: 'Doctor Who' clocks 50 fantastic years through space and time