Jon Pertwee was in a series from the 20th century.
John Devon Roland Pertwee ( 7 July 1919 -- 20 May 1996 ) , known professionally as Jon Pertwee , was an English actor , entertainer and cabaret performer . Pertwee is most known for starring as the Third Doctor in the science-fiction series Doctor Who between 1970 and 1974 . Pertwee also spent 18 years ( 1959 -- 1977 ) playing Chief petty officer Pertwee in The Navy Lark on BBC Radio . He later played the title character in the series Worzel Gummidge from 1979 to 1981 , and again from 1987 to 1989 .