Born in West Lothian, Scotland. Widely considered as one of the greatest stage and screen actors of his generation both in his native Scotland and internationally. He is of Scottish and Ulster-Scots descent. When he was about 3 or 4 years old, he decided to become an actor, inspired by his love of Doctor Who. He made his first television appearance when he was 16. He worked regularly in theatre and TV after leaving drama school. Known for playing Doctor Who (2005).