Born:
April 14, 1961
in
Glasgow
Best Known For:
The Full Monty.
Early-life:
Robert Carlyle was born in Glasgow on April 14, 1961. His mother left home when he was four. He was raised by his father in a succession of communes in England and Scotland. After leaving school with no qualifications, Carlyle followed in his father's footsteps by working as a painter and decorator. At 21, he bought a copy of Arthur Miller's classic play The Crucible, which inspired him to become an actor. He studied at the Glasgow Arts Centre and the Royal Scottish Academy Of Music And Drama.
Career:
Carlyle co-founded the Raindog theatre group in Glasgow in 1990 and his big break came in the same year when director Ken Loach cast him in the film Riff-Raff. Four years later, he won a Scottish Bafta for his performance as murderer Albie Kinsella in a three-part episode of Cracker. The lead role in Hamish Macbeth followed in 1995. He caught Hollywood's attention after appearing in Trainspotting and The Full Monty. He has also starred in Plunkett and Macleane, Angela's Ashes, The Beach, Bond film The World Is Not Enough, and The 51st State, as well as 28 Weeks Later.
Quote:
"Acting is such a frivolous thing to do, so I want to try and use that skill on projects that have something to say."
Trivia:
He was awarded an OBE in 1999.