Anecdotes

When filming in Star Wars Épisode I: La menace fantôme (1999), he kept imitating the noise of the lightsaber during his fights. George Lucas explained many times that this would be added in by the special effects people later on. Ewan said "I keep getting carried away.".

Former roommates with Jude Law. They are still close friends.

His Star Wars character, Obi-Wan Kenobi, goes by the call sign "Red Leader" in Star wars: Episode III - La revanche des sith (2005). Wedge Antilles, who was played by his uncle, Denis Lawson, has the same call sign in La guerre des étoiles VI: Le retour du jedi (1983).

Early career dedicated almost exclusively to indie, low-budget, and non-feature films. When cast as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars Épisode I: La menace fantôme (1999), an interviewer reminded him of his "aversion" to major films, and he replied "I know what I said, but, hey! This is Star Wars!".

Is very particular about his children being photographed or seen on television. He strongly believes that just because he is famous, that should not give anyone the right to invade their privacy.

He did his own singing for Moulin Rouge (2001).

Adopted another girl, Anouk, as an infant in 2011 (her nationality has not been made public).

According to stunt coordinator Nick Gillard, he picked up the lightsaber swordfighting style very quickly. In an interview on the DVD of Star Wars Épisode I: La menace fantôme (1999), Gillard commented that Ewan was probably faster than anyone else who was working on the film, including the stunt department.

He says that he was inspired to get into show business by his uncle, actor Denis Lawson. Lawson played Wedge Antilles in the original Star Wars trilogy.

He turned down the lead role in La matrice (1999) due to his commitment to Star Wars Épisode I: La menace fantôme (1999).

A UNICEF ambassador, Ewan adopted a 4-year-old girl from Mongolia, named Jamyan, whom he met while traveling around the world in 2004. (avril 2006)

Completed a trip from London to New York 'The Long Way Round' by riding a motorbike east, via Europe, Mongolia, Russia, Alaska and Canada to Manhattan over 115 days in 2004.

Makes an uncredited voice cameo as Obi-Wan Kenobi in La guerre des étoiles VII - Le réveil de la force (2015).

Refused to have his now-ex wife and kids visit him on the set of La chute du faucon noir (2001), because he felt the content was too violent and too bloody for them to see.

He was offered a role in Mission des Dieux (1999) and even met with writer/director Troy Duffy to discuss the film. After a drinking session, they got into an argument over the death penalty and McGregor decided not to do the film.

Studied Sir Alec Guinness' films in preparation for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars Épisode I: La menace fantôme (1999) and to ensure accuracy in everything from his accent to the pacing of his words.

Considered for the role of Will Turner in Pirates des Caraïbes : La malédiction de la Perle Noire (2003).

Before his trip around the world with Charley Boorman, he had a laser eye operation to improve his eyesight, so he did not have to wear glasses or contact lenses.

Had two moles, one just below his right eye and one on his forehead, removed after doctors advised him to do so, because the one near his eye was cancerous (2008).

First attempted to give up smoking cigarettes in November 2000, only to start again three months later. With the help of a hypnotherapist, he finally kicked the habit for good somewhere between 2008 and 2009. Also gave up drinking alcohol in November 2000.

His best friend is actor Charley Boorman, whom he traveled around the world with on motorbikes (Long Way Round (2004) trip). They met on the set of the movie The Serpent's Kiss (1997).

Has been involved in a campaign against the closure of the maternity wing of Perth Royal Infirmary, the hospital ward where he was born.

Embarked on a motorcycle trip around the world along with his friend and fellow actor Charley Boorman. (2004)

He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2013 Queen's New Year's Honours List for his services to drama and charity.

Enjoys playing chess.

He was due to be interviewed live on Good Morning Britain (2014) about F2: Ferrovipathes (2017) in January 2017, but pulled out with less than an hour to go because he found out he was going to be interviewed by Piers Morgan, who had recently made comments criticizing "rabid feminists" who were protesting against Donald Trump.

In 1987, after leaving school at age 16, he worked as a stagehand at Perth Repertory Theatre and had small roles in their productions.

Was originally up for the lead role in La plage (2000), which would have reunited him with director Danny Boyle and screenwriter John Hodge who collaborated with McGregor on Petits meurtres entre amis (1994), Ferrovipathes (1996) and Une vie moins ordinaire (1997). The role ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio. While McGregor blamed studio influence for the casting decision, he did not speak to either Boyle nor Hodge for years afterwards, commenting in an interview that he felt betrayed and the friendship was over. McGregor said that they bumped into each other several times during that period, which led to a very awkward moment where both he, his wife and Boyle ended up in first class on the same flight, and didn't talk to each other for the entire duration of the trip. However, McGregor and Boyle finally made amends in 2009, when McGregor presented Boyle an award for Slumdog Millionaire. Boyle has since apologized for how he treated McGregor, admitting that he mishandled the situation; McGregor has stated he has changed his opinion about the whole matter, and has moved on, now regretting all the films they did not make together.

He was interested in starring in American Psycho (2000). However, Christian Bale talked him out of the role and he wound up getting the role.

Originally auditioned for the role of Mercutio in the film Roméo et Juliette (1996). He later got his chance to work with "Romeo + Juliet" director Baz Luhrmann when he was cast as Christian in Moulin Rouge (2001).

(July 5, 2001) Was presented with an honorary doctorate from the University of Ulster at a graduation ceremony in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Resided in North London, England with his family until 2008, when they re-located to Los Angeles.

Is good friends with Naveen Andrews, star of the television series Perdus (2004), from drama school.

Likes to play the guitar and has even written some of his own songs.

(May 12, 2007) Left John O'Groats (Scotland) with friend and actor Charley Boorman, marking the beginning of their 15,000 miles long southward trip on motorbike, Trajet vers le ba (2007).

He and his uncle, Denis Lawson, have worked with two of the same directors. Both have been in Star Wars films, directed by George Lucas. His first film, Le secret du bonheur (1994), was directed by Bill Forsyth, who also directed Lawson in Local Hero (1983).

Was the best man at Dougray Scott's wedding in 2000.

He was considered for the lead role in Docteur Strange (2016) that went to Benedict Cumberbatch.

He met his ex-wife, Eve Mavrakis, while filming for Kavanagh QC (1995).

Slated to start filming 'Nautic' in Jamaica with Heath Ledger in a couple of months. However Ted Demme, who was picked to direct the film died suddenly at age 38 from a heart attack while playing basketball.

His older brother, Colin McGregor, is a pilot in the Royal Air Force. He is part of the RAF's Tornado display team who are based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

Adopted a dog on the last day of shooting Les débutants (2010).

Befriended Colin Farrell during the shooting of Le rêve de Cassandre (2007).

Was voted #9 in the Greatest Movie Stars of All Time (Channel 4).

Born to James Charles Stuart McGregor, a physical education teacher, and his wife Carol McGregor, née Lawson, a teacher and school administrator, he grew up in Crieff, Scotland.

His first name is pronounced "you-an".

Was rumored to play James Bond in Casino Royale (2006); however, in interviews he said he would be tempted if offered, but would turn it down as he didn't want to be tied down to an open-ended series. It is unknown if he was ever under serious consideration.

Although his motorcycles of choice include an MV Agusta F4S and a KTM Duke, McGregor and friend Charley Boorman each rode a BMW 1150GS Adventure for their marathon trip around the world in Long Way Round (2004).

As of 2017, he is now the only top credited actor in the Star Wars films whose character has not died while they played the role. Liam Neeson, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill all played their character's deaths, while Obi-Wan's death was instead played by Sir Alec Guinness.

Ranked #8 in the 2001 Orange Film Survey of greatest British actors.