Famous Scottish Directors

Vote for Your Favourite Scottish Directors

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 1 
Graham McTavish
(Scottish Actor and Writer)
Graham McTavish
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Birthdate: January 4, 1961
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Graham McTavish is a versatile Scottish actor known for his diverse roles in film, television, and video games. He has portrayed memorable characters such as Dwalin in The Hobbit trilogy, The Saint of Killers in Preacher, and Dougal MacKenzie in Outlander. McTavish has also made significant contributions to the gaming world through his roles in the Uncharted franchise. Additionally, he co-wrote a successful book with Sam Heughan, showcasing his talent beyond acting. His career is marked by a wide range of roles and creative endeavors.
 2 
Henry Ian Cusick
(Peruvian-Scottish Actor and Television Director)
Henry Ian Cusick
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Birthdate: April 17, 1967
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Trujillo, Peru
Henry Ian Cusick is a versatile actor and director known for his work in television, film, and theatre. He gained widespread acclaim for his role as Desmond Hume in the popular series Lost, earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Cusick has showcased his talent in various genres, portraying characters such as Jesus in The Gospel of John, Stephen Finch in Scandal, Marcus Kane in The 100, Dr. Jonas Lear in The Passage, and Russell "Russ" Taylor in MacGyver. His diverse roles highlight his skill and adaptability in the entertainment industry.
 3 
Pollyanna McIntosh
(Actress)
Pollyanna McIntosh
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Birthdate: March 15, 1979
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Scotland, UK
Pollyanna McIntosh is a versatile Scottish actress and director recognized for her impactful performances in various films and TV series. She has showcased her talent in a range of genres, from social issue horror to thrilling dramas. McIntosh is known for her roles in notable projects such as Exam, The Woman, Let Us Prey, Hap and Leonard, and Darlin'. Her involvement in popular franchises like The Walking Dead and Vikings: Valhalla, as well as her voice work in Scavengers Reign, further highlights her diverse and successful professional career.
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 4 
Alastair Sim
(Actor)
Alastair Sim
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Birthdate: October 9, 1900
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Died: August 19, 1976
Alastair Sim was a Scottish character actor known for his distinguished career in both theater and film. Starting his theatrical journey at the age of thirty, he quickly gained popularity in the West End. Sim appeared in over fifty British films, showcasing his versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. He was recognized for his iconic portrayal of characters, including the memorable adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Sim's talent extended beyond acting as he also directed plays and ran his own elocution and drama school, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
 5 
Angus Macfadyen
(Actor)
Angus Macfadyen
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Birthdate: September 21, 1963
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Angus Macfadyen is a talented Scottish actor known for his diverse range of roles in film and television. He has portrayed iconic characters such as Robert the Bruce in Braveheart and Robert the Bruce, displaying his versatility and depth as an actor. Macfadyen has also showcased his skills in a variety of genres, from historical dramas like Turn: Washington's Spies to thrillers like the Saw franchise. His appearances on popular television series further highlight his ability to captivate audiences with his performances.
 6 
Karen Gillan
(Scottish Actress Best Known for Her Role as ‘Amy Pond’ in the TV Series ‘Doctor Who’)
Karen Gillan
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Birthdate: November 28, 1987
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Inverness, Scotland
Karen Sheila Gillan is a Scottish actress and filmmaker known for her work in British film and television, including her role as Amy Pond in Doctor Who. She transitioned to Hollywood with roles in Oculus and Selfie, and achieved international fame as Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Gillan also wrote and directed The Party's Just Beginning, receiving critical acclaim. Her diverse filmography includes Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Gunpowder Milkshake, and Dual. She has won several awards and nominations for her performances and is recognized for her activism efforts.
 7 
Kenny Ireland
(Actor, Theatre director)
Kenny Ireland
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Birthdate: August 7, 1945
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Paisley, Scotland
Died: July 31, 2014
Kenny Ireland was a Scottish actor and theatre director who made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. He gained recognition for his role in the popular television show Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV during the 1980s. Additionally, he portrayed the character Donald Stewart in the TV series Benidorm from 2007 until his passing in 2014. Ireland's talent and dedication to his craft earned him a loyal following among television viewers and showcased his versatility as an actor.
 8 
Denis Lawson
(Scottish Actor)
Denis Lawson
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Birthdate: September 27, 1947
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland, UK
Denis Lawson is a Scottish actor known for his iconic portrayal of Wedge Antilles in the original Star Wars trilogy. His diverse career also includes acclaimed roles such as John Jarndyce in the miniseries Bleak House, earning him BAFTA and Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Lawson has showcased his talent in various television series like The Kit Curran Radio Show, Holby City, and New Tricks. He made a triumphant return to the Star Wars franchise in The Rise of Skywalker, solidifying his status as a respected and versatile actor.
 9 
Paul McGuigan
(film director)
Paul McGuigan
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Birthdate: September 19, 1963
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bellshill
Paul McGuigan is a prominent Scottish film and television director with a diverse portfolio of successful projects. He has gained recognition for directing popular films including Lucky Number Slevin, Gangster No. 1, and Push. In addition to his work in film, McGuigan has also directed episodes for notable TV series such as Sherlock, Scandal, Monroe, and Smash. With a strong background in both film and television, McGuigan has established himself as a versatile and accomplished director in the entertainment industry.
 10 
Kevin Macdonald
(Director)
Kevin Macdonald
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Birthdate: October 28, 1967
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Kevin Macdonald is a renowned Scottish film director known for his diverse range of work across various genres. He has received critical acclaim for his documentary films such as "One Day in September" and "Marley," as well as his dramatic works like "The Last King of Scotland" and "The Mauritanian." Macdonald's ability to capture intense and compelling stories on screen has earned him accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. With a successful career spanning multiple decades, he continues to captivate audiences with his cinematic storytelling prowess.
 11 
Donald Cammell
(Painter, Film director)
Donald Cammell
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Birthdate: January 17, 1934
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Died: April 24, 1996
Donald Cammell was a multi-talented Scottish artist known for his work as a painter, screenwriter, and film director. He achieved cult status primarily for his groundbreaking debut film, Performance, which he co-directed with Nicolas Roeg. Cammell's career was marked by a unique and innovative approach to storytelling, evident in his works. Tragically, his life ended in suicide following the controversial handling of his final film, Wild Side, by the production company. Despite his untimely death, Cammell left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
 12 
John Mackenzie
(Film director)
John Mackenzie
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Birthdate: May 22, 1928
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Died: June 8, 2011
John Mackenzie was a Scottish film director known for his work in British cinema starting from the late 1960s. He began his career as an assistant director, gaining valuable experience before transitioning into an independent director. Mackenzie's directorial style was characterized by a strong sense of storytelling and a keen eye for detail. He was known for his ability to bring out compelling performances from actors and for his skill in creating immersive cinematic experiences. Mackenzie made significant contributions to the British film industry throughout his career.