Born:
November 19, 1965
in
Barrhead, near Paisley
Best Known For:
Playing Cutter in Primeval.
Early-life:
Douglas James Henshall was born in Glasgow on November 19, 1965. His mum was a nurse, his father a salesman and he has two older sisters. Although he appeared in school plays, he didn't decide to become an actor until he was 17. Before that, he wanted to be a football commentator or an artist. After graduation, he made ends meet working as an insurance salesman in London, before heading back to Glasgow to join the 7:84 Theatre Group.
Career:
Henshall made his TV debut in an episode of Taggart in 1990, but got his big break three years later when he starred alongside his friend Ewan McGregor in the Dennis Potter drama Lipstick on Your Collar. Henshall went on to star in films including Orphans and This Year's Love, and in 1999 won rave reviews for his performances in the TV dramas Psycho and Kid in the Corner. He's also appeared in Anna Karenina, Lawless Heart, Frances Tuesday, Primeval and The Secret of Crickley Hall. He made his West End debut in 2005 playing Biff Loman in Death of a Salesman alongside Brian Dennehy, and in 2012 portrayed Oliver Cromwell in the play 55 Days. Other projects have included The Secret of Crickley Hall and Doors Open.
Quote:
"I used to say 'no' a lot, waiting for this mythic job that was going to come along. Now I do what's in front of me, rather than what might be round the corner."
Trivia:
Away from acting, he supports Scottish football team St Mirren.