Iain Glen

Last updated on the 10 June 2025 by Maeve

Iain Glen

Mini Biography

Born: 24 June 1961, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Iain Glen and Ruth Wilson in Mrs Wilson
With Ruth Wilson in Mrs Wilson

Iain Glen grew up in Edinburgh, where he attended Edinburgh Academy, a prestigious independent school, where he actively participated in school plays and honed his acting skills. Glen’s talent and dedication were evident even during his formative years, and it was clear that he was destined for a career in the performing arts.

After completing his education at Edinburgh Academy, Glen went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. This renowned institution provided him with the necessary training and guidance to refine his craft and further enhance his acting abilities. Glen’s time at RADA laid the foundation for his successful career in the entertainment industry.

The Windermere Children portrait with Iain Glen
Promo for The Windermere Children

Glen’s breakthrough came in the late 1980s when he portrayed the title role in the critically acclaimed play “Macbeth” at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh. This performance catapulted him into the spotlight and earned him widespread recognition for his exceptional talent. Since then, Glen has continued to impress audiences with his captivating performances on stage, including notable productions such as “King Lear” and “Uncle Vanya.”

In addition to his stage work, Glen has made a significant impact on the small and big screens. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Ser Jorah Mormont in the highly acclaimed television series “Game of Thrones.” Glen’s portrayal of the loyal and conflicted knight garnered him a massive fan base and solidified his status as a respected actor in the industry.

still from Game of Thrones with Emilia Clarke and Iain Glen
Daenerys Targaryen and Ser Jorah Mormont

Despite his demanding career, Iain Glen has managed to maintain a private personal life. He is married to fellow actress Charlotte Emmerson, and the couple have two daughters together. Glen’s dedication to his family is evident, as he has often emphasised the importance of balancing his work commitments with spending quality time with them.

In addition to his acting career, Iain Glen is recognised for his philanthropic work. He supports charitable organisations, particularly those focused on environmental conservation and social justice.

 

Suggested viewing

 

Jack Taylor (2010)

 

Jack Taylor

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

Jack Taylor is a fictional character created by author Ken Bruen. He is an Irish ex-cop turned private investigator with a troubled past. Taylor’s relentless pursuit of justice often leads him into dangerous situations, showcasing his complex personality, dark sense of humour and his constant battle with his inner demons.

Top cast: Iain Glen, Sighle Ni Chonail, Midie Corcoran, Killian Scott, Tara Breathnach, Paraic Breathnach, Nora-Jane Noone.

 

City of Vice (2008)

 

City of Vice

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

“City of Vice” is a historical drama set in 18th-century London. It revolves around the activities of the Bow Street Runners, London’s first police force. The series explores the gritty and corrupt underbelly of the city, as the Runners tackle crime, vice and political intrigue, striving to maintain order in a chaotic urban landscape.

Top cast: Iain Glen, Ian McDiarmid, Juliet Aubrey, Sam Spruell, Alice O’Connell, Francis Magee, Sean FrancisIan Peck, J.D. Kelleher.

 

The Windermere Children (2020)

 

The Windermere Children

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.2

“The Windermere Children” is a true story set after World War II. It follows a group of child survivors from Nazi concentration camps who are brought to Lake Windermere in England for rehabilitation. Through the guidance of compassionate adults, the children learn to heal, trust and rebuild their lives after the horrors of the Holocaust.

Top cast: Thomas Kretschmann, Iain Glen, Romola Garai, Tim McInnerny, Marcel Sabat, Anna Schumacher, Philipp Christopher,  Konstantin Frank, Marek Wroblewski.

 

Mrs Wilson (2018)

 

Mrs Wilson

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

“Mrs Wilson” is a British television drama based on a true story. It follows the life of Alison Wilson, who discovers upon her husband Alec’s death that he had multiple secret wives throughout their marriage. As she unravels the truth, Alison discovers a web of deceit, betrayal and espionage, uncovering her husband’s mysterious past.

Top cast: Ruth Wilson, Iain Glen, Fiona Shaw, Anupam Kher, Otto Farrant, Calam Lynch, Ian McElhinney, Joy Richardson, Elizabeth Rider.

 

Game of Thrones (2011)

 

Game of thrones

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 9.2

“Game of Thrones” is a fantasy epic that takes place in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne. Filled with political intrigue, battles, dragons and supernatural elements, the series delves into complex characters and their quest for power in a violent and treacherous world.

Top cast: Conleth Hill, Richard Madden, Lena Headey, Mark Addy, Peter Dinklage, Maisie Williams, Iain Glen, Alfie Allen, Emilia Clarke, Sophie Turner, Kit Harington.

 

My Cousin Rachel (2017)

 

My Cousin Rachel

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.0

“My Cousin Rachel” is a novel by Daphne du Maurier, adapted into a film. It tells the story of a young man named Philip who becomes infatuated with his mysterious cousin Rachel. As their relationship deepens, Philip becomes consumed by doubt and suspicion, questioning Rachel’s true intentions and grappling with his own desires and fears.

Top cast: Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin, Holliday Grainger, Iain Glen, Pierfrancesco Favino, Simon Russell Beale, Vicki Pepperdine, Tim Barlow, Bobby Scott Freeman.

 

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)
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