Ewan McGregor Trivia | 100 facts about famous the actor

Ewan McGregor is a Scottish actor. His accolades include a Golden Globe Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and the BAFTA Britannia Humanitarian Award.

Let’s find out more about him!

1. Former roommate of Jude Law. They are still close friends.
2. Ranked #36 in Empire (UK) magazine’s “The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time” list. [October 1997]
3. Born at 3:45pm-CET
4. He met his ex-wife, Eve Mavrakis, while filming for Kavanagh QC (1995).
5. Was originally up for the lead role in The Beach (2000), which would have reunited him with director Danny Boyle and screenwriter John Hodge who collaborated with McGregor on Shallow Grave (1994), Trainspotting (1996) and A Life Less Ordinary (1997). 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 didn’t 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.
6. Originally auditioned for the role of Mercutio in the film Romeo + Juliet (1996). He later got his chance to work with “Romeo + Juliet” director Baz Luhrmann when he was cast as Christian in Moulin Rouge! (2001).
7. In the film Moulin Rouge! (2001), McGregor sang alongside Nicole Kidman.
8. Was presented with an honorary doctorate from the University of Ulster at a graduation ceremony in Belfast, Northern Ireland (July 5, 2001).
9. His first name is pronounced “you-an”.
10. 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.
11. Resided in North London, England with his family until 2008, when they re-located to Los Angeles.
12. 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.
13. 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 (1999), an interviewer reminded him of his “aversion” to major films, and he replied “I know what I said, but, hey! This is Star Wars!”.
14. Ranked #8 in the 2001 Orange Film Survey of greatest British actors.
15. Born to James Charles Stuart McGregor, a physical education teacher, and his wife Carol McGregor, née Lawson, a teacher and school administrator, he grew up in Crieff, Scotland.
16. Studied Alec Guinness’ films in preparation for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) and to ensure accuracy in everything from his accent to the pacing of his words.
17. Father of Clara Mathilde (born February 1996) and Esther Rose (born November 7, 2001). Has a nephew (born 1999).
18. Studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London for three years, graduating in 1992.
19. Received the Film Actor Award for Moulin Rouge! (2001) at the Variety Club Show Business Awards 2002.
20. Was a student in the year-long theatre arts program at Kirkcaldy College of Technology in the fall of 1988.
21. In 1987, after leaving school at age 16, he worked as a stagehand at Perth Repertory Theatre and had small roles in their productions.
22. His brother Colin is part of the RAF’s Tornado display team who are based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.
23. 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 (1994), was directed by Bill Forsyth, who also directed Lawson in Local Hero (1983).
24. Both he and Harrison Ford have worked for director Ridley Scott between Star Wars films. Ford made Blade Runner (1982) after Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980), but before Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983). McGregor made Black Hawk Down (2001) shortly after filming Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), and thus before Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005).
25. Embarked on a motorcycle trip around the world along with his friend and fellow actor Charley Boorman (2004).
26. Was voted #9 in the Greatest Movie Stars of All Time (Channel 4).
27. 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.
28. Was the original choice for the role of Jim in 28 Days Later (2002), 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.
29. Ewan and his wife, Eve Mavrakis, have the same initials, even with her maiden name.
30. When filming in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), 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.”.
31. Is good friends with Naveen Andrews, star of the television series Lost (2004), from drama school.
32. While he usually takes his family along with him during his movie shoots, he left them at home during the shoot of Young Adam (2003).
33. Was the best man at Dougray Scott’s wedding in 2000.
34. His Star Wars character, Obi-Wan Kenobi, goes by the call sign “Red Leader” in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005). Wedge Antilles, who was played by his uncle, Denis Lawson, has the same call sign in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983).
35. 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.
36. 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 (1999), Gillard commented that Ewan was probably faster than anyone else who was working on the film, including the stunt department.
37. Is a casual supporter of St. Johnstone Football Club.
38. Refused to have his now-ex wife and kids visit him on the set of Black Hawk Down (2001), because he felt the content was too violent and too bloody for them to see.
39. Has been involved in a campaign against the closure of the maternity wing of Perth Royal Infirmary, the hospital ward where he was born.
40. Distant cousin of The Sound of Music (1965) actress Heather Menzies-Urich.
41. Cousin of Lou Gish and Kay Curram.
42. Ewan, a UNICEF ambassador, adopted a 4-year-old girl from Mongolia, named Jamyan, whom he met while traveling around the world in 2004. [April 2006]
43. Is near-sighted.
44. 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.
45. His best friend is actor Charley Boorman, whom he traveled around the world with on motorbikes (Long Way Round (2004) trip). They met on the set of the movie The Serpent’s Kiss (1997).
46. Considered for the role of Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).
47. His uncle, Denis Lawson, was considered for the role of Captain Antilles in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005).
48. Attended the Royal Premiere of Moulin Rouge! (2001) alongside Kylie Minogue, King Charles III and Nicole Kidman. [September 2001]
49. Was rumored to play James Bond in Casino Royale (2006); however, in interviews he said he’d be tempted if offered, but would turn it down as he didn’t want to be tied down to an open-ended series. It is unknown if he was ever under serious consideration.
50. 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 (2004).
51. Befriended Colin Farrell during the shooting of Cassandra’s Dream (2007).
52. Good friends with Black Hawk Down (2001) co-star Hugh Dancy and Texas lead singer Sharleen Spiteri.
53. 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 (2008).
54. Older brother, Colin McGregor, is a pilot in the Royal Air Force.
55. Quit drinking alcohol in November 2000.
56. He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2013 Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for his services to drama and charity.
57. Adopted another girl, Anouk, as an infant in 2011 (her nationality has not been made public).
58. Adopted a dog on the last day of shooting Beginners (2010).
59. Enjoys playing chess.
60. (May 12, 2007) Left John O’Groats (Scotland) with friend and actor Charley Boorman, marking the beginning of their 15,000 miles long southward trip on motorbike, Long Way Down (2007).
61. (May 22, 2011) Attended the 2011 Seattle International Film Festival for his film Beginners (2010).
62. 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.
63. Makes an uncredited voice cameo as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015).
64. Features in the music video for English rock band Catfish and the Bottlemen’s “Hourglass”.
65. Likes to play the guitar and has even written some of his own songs.
66. He did his own singing for Moulin Rouge! (2001).
67. He was up for the male lead in Shopping (1994), losing out to Jude Law.
68. He turned down Christopher Eccleston’s role in Jude (1996) in favour of Trainspotting (1996).
69. He was considered for the role of Merton Densher in The Wings of the Dove (1997) that went to Linus Roache.
70. He turned down the lead role in The Matrix (1999) due to his commitment to Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999).
71. He turned down Don Cheadle’s role in Ocean’s Eleven (2001) due to conflicts with Black Hawk Down (2001).
72. He was offered Marton Csokas’s role in xXx (2002).
73. He was considered for Hugh Grant’s role in About a Boy (2002).
74. He was considered for Jude Law’s role in Alfie (2004).
75. He was the original choice to play Adolf Hitler in Hitler: The Rise of Evil (2003). The role went to Robert Carlyle.
76. He was interested in starring in American Psycho (2000). However, Christian Bale talked him out of the part and he wound up getting it.
77. He was offered Paddy Considine’s role in In America (2002). At the stage, the film was called “East of Harlem” and he was to co-star with Kate Winslet.
78. He was offered a role in The Boondock Saints (1999) 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.
79. He was considered for Matt Dillon’s role in You, Me and Dupree (2006).
80. He was considered to voice Bumblebee and Ratchet in Transformers (2007).
81. He was originally cast in Sam Riley’s role in Franklyn (2008), but had to withdraw when he broke his leg in a motorcycle accident.
82. He was Neil Jordan’s choice for Cesare Borgia in The Borgias (2011) that went to François Arnaud.
83. He as cast as King Edward VIII in W.E. (2011), but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. James D’Arcy replaced him.
84. He was originally attached to star as Edgar Allan Poe in The Raven (2012), but dropped out.
85. He was considered for the role of George Carter in The Sweeney (2012) that went to Ben Drew.
86. He was originally cast as Eddie Dodson in Electric Slide (2014) with Carey Mulligan as his girlfriend but after years in development, both dropped out and were replaced by Jim Sturgess and Isabel Lucas.
87. He was considered for Napoleon Solo in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) that went to Henry Cavill.
88. As of 2017, he is now the only top credited actor in the Star Wars films whose character has not died while they played the role. Liam Neeson, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill all played their character’s deaths, while Obi-Wan’s death was instead played by Alec Guinness.
89. He turned down Paul Bettany’s role in Transcendence (2014) due to scheduling conflicts.
90. He was considered for the role of Scott Lang in Ant-Man (2015) that went to Paul Rudd.
91. He was considered for the lead role in Doctor Strange (2016) that went to Benedict Cumberbatch.
92. McGregor is a fan of the Fremantle Dockers in the Australian Football League.
93. He took on the role of Frank Churchill in Emma (1996) because he thought it would be something different from his previous role in Trainspotting (1996). He wound up being somewhat embarrassed by his performance, mainly due to the wig he had to wear.
94. In June 2015, McGregor read Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Match Girl” for the children’s 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.
95. He was due to be interviewed live on Good Morning Britain (2014) about T2 Trainspotting (2017) 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 Trump.
96. He was among the actors considered for the role of Dick Grayson/Robin/Nightwing in Batman Forever (1995).
97. Unsuccessfully auditioned for Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.
98. His father was a PE teacher and his mother a special needs teacher.
99. As a teenager his actor uncle Dennis Lawson inspired him to try acting.
100. While still at drama school he was cast in Dennis Potters 1983 channel 4 series Lipstick on Your Collar.