Biography

Although audiences are used to seeing him as a tough, imposing character actor, he is renowned for 'getting the giggles' on set after muddling dialogue. He has featured on several outtakes & bloopers shows in the UK, where he is seen blowing take after take, giggling uncontrollably - and infecting others on set - bringing the shoot to a laughter-filled halt.

He was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2018 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to Drama. He is an actor in London, England.

He often plays tough characters due to his imposing stature.

He attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He also studied at the Bristol Old Vic drama school.

Missed out on a part in A Passage to India (1984) following a "heated debate" with its' director David Lean at an audition.

I do still sit back and wonder when I'm in LA if this is all really true or is it all kid-on. But it's great. I always bear in mind that the right place and time have a huge deal to do with it, and there are hugely talented actors who haven't had that break.

Losing my teeth didn't impede my acting, but it was a constant worry and meant I was never completely relaxed.

I've come off horses and fought in medieval battles using axes, hammers and swords as well as fists. Getting your teeth knocked out is an occupational hazard.

I've spent my life doing action films and most of my own stunts, so my teeth have been knocked out along the way. It happened so frequently that I can't even remember where I lost most of them.

Although I don't live there anymore, Scotland is a great place for the people coming over to visit and to tour around the Highlands, because it is a very magical place.