Patrick Troughton was born in Mill Hill, England, on March 25, 1920. He lived in the affluent suburb for the majority of his life, and began his acting career in a school play in 1937. He attended the Embassy School of Acting, where he was awarded a scholarship to Leighton Rallius Studios on Long Island, New York.In 1940, Troughton joined the Royal Navy and was made a Lieutenant with the Royal Naval Reserve. He received the 1939-45 Star and the Atlantic Star decorations, and he was said to have worn a tea cosy on his head in cold weather when on the North Sea. Troughton returned to theater after the war, and in 1947 he made his television debut. The following year, he made his first cinematic appearance with small roles in films such as "Hamlet," "Treasure Island" and Joseph L. Mankiewicz directed "Escape," which starred William Hartnell. In 1953, Troughton became the first actor to play Robin Hood on television, starring in six half hour episodes on the BBCs "Robin Hood."