When Sam Sherpa-Moore landed a role in the Doctor Who Christmas special, Joy to the World, few could have anticipated the deeply personal connection that made his portrayal of Tenzing Norgay so extraordinary.
The 24-year-old actor from Bloxham, Oxfordshire, wasn’t just stepping into the shoes of a legendary mountaineer—he was portraying his great-great uncle.
Sam, a direct descendant of Tenzing Norgay, brought authenticity and emotional depth to the first-ever major on-screen depiction of the Sherpa who, alongside Sir Edmund Hillary, became the first to summit Mount Everest in 1953. This remarkable feat established Norgay as a global icon, yet his story had never been dramatized until now.
The casting process was serendipitous. Sam’s agent, Lee-Ann at LA Management, submitted him for the role, and casting directors Kristian Wall and Andy Pryor quickly recognized his unique connection. When director Alex Pillai and the production team at Bad Wolf Productions learned of Sam’s familial ties, they expanded the role, making Tenzing a central figure in the episode.
“I always knew the story of my great-great uncle, but there isn’t much footage of him,” Sam shared. “For me, family members were the real source of research. Their stories provided invaluable insights into Tenzing’s character.”
Sam’s portrayal includes a memorable scene where Tenzing shares a lighthearted moment with the Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa. At Everest Base Camp, the two bond over a “ham and cheese toastie” and a “pumpkin latte,” injecting a touch of humor into the intense narrative. Reflecting on his experience, Sam said, “Ncuti was fantastic—he brought such great energy to the role and uplifted everyone’s spirits on set.”
Sam’s Sherpa heritage and upbringing further enriched his portrayal. His family’s Sherpa Society, one of Nepal’s pioneering trekking companies founded by his late grandparents, Ang Kami and Angdali, deeply rooted him in the traditions and history of the region. “Growing up, I learned so much about my heritage,” Sam explained. “Mount Everest is a sacred place for us, and my great-great uncle’s journey was not just physical but deeply spiritual.”
Though Sam has already appeared in major productions like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and The Crown, he considers his role in Doctor Who a defining moment. “It’s surreal to see myself on screen as Tenzing,” he said. “Playing someone so close to me felt like my personal Everest.”
Sam’s family, including his Nepali mother Maya and British father Rob, are eagerly anticipating the Christmas Day airing. “I’ll be watching it with my family,” Sam said. “It’s been over a decade since I last visited Nepal, but filming this special has made me want to return.”
For audiences, Doctor Who has introduced Tenzing Norgay with its signature flair, blending history with the whimsical charm that defines the series. “I love that Tenzing’s first depiction wasn’t heavy or overly formal,” Sam reflected. “Doctor Who was the perfect platform to bring his story to life.”
As Sam’s career continues to ascend, his portrayal of Tenzing Norgay marks a milestone not just for him but for the Sherpa community. Doctor Who: Joy to the World airs on Christmas Day at 5:10 PM on BBC One and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Disney+.
