Ewan McGregor

Former roommate of Jude Law. They are still close friends.

(October 1997) Ranked #36 in Empire magazines "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list.

Nephew of Denis Lawson.

Born at 3:45pm-CET

He met his wife, Eve Mavrakis , while filming for "Kavanagh QC" .

Was originally up for the lead role in The Beach (2000/I) , which would have reunited him with director Danny Boyle and screenwriter John Hodge who collaborated with McGregor on Shallow Grave , Trainspotting and A Life Less Ordinary . 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 didnt 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.

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

In the film Moulin Rouge! , McGregor sang alongside Nicole Kidman.

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

His first name is pronounced "you-an".

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Studied Alec Guinness films in preparation for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace and to ensure accuracy in everything from his accent to the pacing of his words.

Father of Clara Mathilde (born February 1996) and Esther Rose (born November 7, 2001). Has a nephew.

Studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London for three years, graduating in 1992.

Received the Film Actor Award for Moulin Rouge! at the Variety Club Show Business Awards 2002.

Was a student in the year-long theatre arts program at Kirkcaldy College of Technology in the fall of 1988.

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

His brother Colin is part of the RAFs Tornado display team who are based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

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, Being Human , was directed by Bill Forsyth , who also directed Lawson in Local Hero .

Both he and Harrison Ford have worked for director Ridley Scott between Star Wars films. Ford made Blade Runner after Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back , but before Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi . McGregor made Black Hawk Down shortly after filming Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones , and thus before Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith .

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

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

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.

Was the original choice for the role of Jim in 28 Days Later... , directed by Danny Boyle who has worked with Ewan three times previously. However, due to their temporary falling out between 2000 and 2009, Cillian Murphy was chosen.

Ewan and his wife, Eve Mavrakis , have the same initials, even with her maiden name.

When filming in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace , 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.".

Is good friends with Naveen Andrews , star of the television series "Lost" , from drama school.

While he usually takes his family along with him during his movie shoots, he left them at home during the shoot of Young Adam .

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

His Star Wars character, Obi-Wan Kenobi, goes by the call sign "Red Leader" in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith . Wedge Antilles, who was played by his uncle, Denis Lawson , has the same call sign in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi .

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.

According to stunt coordinator Nick Gillard , he picked up the lightsaber swordfighting style very quickly. In an interview on the DVD of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace , Gillard commented that Ewan was probably faster than anyone else who was working on the film, including the stunt department.

Is a casual supporter of St. Johnstone Football Club.

Refused to have his wife and kids visit him on the set of Black Hawk Down , because he felt the content was too violent and too bloody for them to see.

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

Distant cousin of The Sound of Music actress Heather Menzies-Urich.

Cousin of Lou Gish and Kay Curram.

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

Is near-sighted.

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.

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

Considered for the role of Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl .

His uncle, Denis Lawson , was considered for the role of Captain Antilles in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith .

(September 2001) Attended the Royal Premiere of Moulin Rouge! alongside Kylie Minogue , Prince Charles and Nicole Kidman.

Was rumored to play James Bond in Casino Royale ; however, in interviews he said hed be tempted if offered, but would turn it down as he didnt 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" .

Befriended Colin Farrell during the shooting of Cassandras Dream .

Good friends with Black Hawk Down co-star Hugh Dancy and Texas lead singer Sharleen Spiteri.

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.

Older brother, Colin McGregor , is a pilot in the Royal Air Force.

Quit drinking alcohol in November 2000.

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

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

Adopted a dog on the last day of shooting Beginners .

Enjoys playing chess.

(May 12, 2007) Left John OGroats (Scotland) with friend and actor Charley Boorman , marking the beginning of their 15,000 miles long southward trip on motorbike, "Long Way Down" .

(May 22, 2011) Attended the 2011 Seattle International Film Festival for his film Beginners .

First attempted to quit 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.

Makes an uncredited voice cameo as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens .

Features in the music video for English rock band Catfish and the Bottlemens "Hourglass".

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

He did his own singing for Moulin Rouge! .

He was up for the male lead in Shopping , losing out to Jude Law.

He turned down Christopher Eccleston s role in Jude in favour of Trainspotting .

He was considered for the role of Merton Densher in The Wings of the Dove that went to Linus Roache.

He turned down the lead role in The Matrix due to his commitment to Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace .

He turned down Don Cheadle s role in Oceans Eleven due to conflicts with Black Hawk Down .

He was offered Marton Csokas s role in xXx .

He was considered for Hugh Grant s role in About a Boy .

He was considered for Jude Law s role in Alfie .

He was the original choice to play Adolf Hitler in "Hitler: The Rise of Evil" . The role went to Robert Carlyle.

He was interested in starring in American Psycho . However, Christian Bale talked him out of the part and he wound up getting it.

He was offered Paddy Considine s role in In America . At the stage, the film was called "East of Harlem" and he was to co-star with Kate Winslet.

He was offered a role in The Boondock Saints 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.

He was considered for Matt Dillon s role in You, Me and Dupree .

He was considered to voice Bumblebee and Ratchet in Transformers .

He was originally cast in Sam Riley s role in Franklyn , but had to withdraw when he broke his leg in a motorcycle accident.

He was Neil Jordan s choice for Cesare Borgia in "The Borgias" that went to Franois Arnaud.

He as cast as King Edward VIII in W.E. , but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. James DArcy replaced him.

He was originally attached to star as Edgar Allan Poe in The Raven , but dropped out.

He was considered for the role of George Carter in The Sweeney that went to Ben Drew.

He was originally cast as Eddie Dodson in Electric Slide with Carey Mulligan as his girlfriend but after years in development, both dropped out and were replaced by Jim Sturgess and Isabel Lucas.

He was considered for Napoleon Solo in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. that went to Henry Cavill.

He turned down Paul Bettany s role in Transcendence due to scheduling conflicts.

He was considered for the role of Scott Lang in Ant-Man that went to Paul Rudd.

He was considered for the lead role in Doctor Strange that went to Benedict Cumberbatch.

McGregor is a fan of the Fremantle Dockers in the Australian Football League.

He took on the role of Frank Churchill in Emma because he thought it would be something different from his previous role in Trainspotting . He wound up being somewhat embarrassed by his performance, mainly due to the wig he had to wear.

In June 2015, McGregor read Hans Christian Andersen s "The Little Match Girl" for the childrens fairytales app GivingTales in aid of UNICEF, together with other British celebrities, Roger Moore , Stephen Fry , Joan Collins , Joanna Lumley , Michael Caine , David Walliams , Charlotte Rampling and Paul McKenna.

He was due to be interviewed live on "Good Morning Britain" about T2 Trainspotting in January of 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 J. Trump.

He was among the actors considered for the role of Dick Grayson/Robin/Nightwing in Batman Forever.

Actually, I really want to play Princess Leia. Stick some big pastries,on my head. Now, that would be interesting.

I was with a friend of mine recently who was dying and while he was,lying there with his family around his bed, I just knew that was it,that was the best you can hope for in life - to have your family and,the people who love you around you at the end.

My brother is two years older than me and he was brilliant at,everything, it seemed. He was captain of the cricket and rugby teams.

[on Star Wars Episodes I and II] I love talking to kids about it,because they have great questions about how things work: "Do you have,your lightsaber with you?".

Movies are so draining. They pull away from the actor, but theater just,fills you up. I needed my fix.

[on Moulin Rouge! (2001) ] Starting with a party scene for 600,cast and end up singing on top of a giant elephant. . . does it get any,better than this?,[on learning how to use a gun in Black Hawk Down (2001) ] Lying,down from 50 feet, I was perfect. So I could really kill someone. Which,is always good to know.

I always played up on that. It was a real elder sister-younger brother,relationship.

[on coming home to Scotland] There is some really good crack when I come,back here. This is where I learned to swear.

An airport customs inspector once recognized me from Trainspotting and,strip searched me looking for drugs.

I hated it.

I tossed the saber in the air and it ended up hitting a technician in,the head.

The Thai perspective on the tsunami I thought was quite a healthy one.

You know how swimming naked is such a lovely feeling? Well, being naked,on set is kind of a bit like that.

I`ve got a black woolen hat and it`s got Pervert written across the front of it. It`s the name of the clothing label. And I was with my wife and my baby at the supermarket and I didn`t think. I just put my hat on Clara`s head, because it was cold. And the looks. I couldn`t figure out why I was getting death looks. And then I realized my 10-month old baby`s wearing a hat with the word Pervert written on it and these people were like, `There`s Satan! There`s Satan out with his kid!` And then I made a point of her wearing it every time we went there.

He`s quite extraordinary with his moves and spins. I think he was a baton girl in a past life [on his co-star Hayden Christensen].

I fight cynicism. It`s too easy. It`s really boring. It`s much harder to be positive and see the wonder of everything. Cynicism is a bunch of people who aren`t as talented as other people, knocking them because they make them feel even more untalented.

No, I`m putting it away, trying to buy a house for my family. The goal is to use the money to move into a big house, so my daughter can have a garden.

People are incredibly rude about it sometimes. Like, `What? You`re married?` Strange reaction to have. Proves what people`s ideas about marriage are. `We`re having a baby. ` `What?` As if it`s the end of the world. Of course, it`s the start of a brilliant world.

The beautiful thing about it is that no two directors or actors work the same way. You also learn not to be afraid of discussion and conflict.

I won`t buy into the Hollywood thing. . . I want to be in good movies.

Everything you do on set is directly related to your imagination when you read the script for the first time.

The other two things are. . . well, I had a huge appetite for old black and white movies on BBC 2. At the weekends they used to run matinees, and the more romantic the better.

Success is tricky to deal with, both professionally and in your personal life.

I like the idea of being a sculptor. Just me alone, making something - that solitary existence. .