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Last updated on the 21 June 2025 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 14 April 1961, Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland.
Robert Carlyle was born into a working-class family that would profoundly shape his world view and artistic sensibilities. Raised primarily by his father after his mother left when he was four years old, Carlyle’s early years were marked by economic hardship and the gritty realities of industrial Glasgow. These formative experiences would later inform the raw authenticity he brought to many of his most memorable roles.
Initially pursuing a career in painting and decorating, Carlyle’s path to acting was unconventional. He left school at sixteen and worked various manual jobs before discovering his passion for performance. His theatrical education began at the Glasgow Arts Centre, where he learnt his craft through community theatre and local productions. This grassroots training instilled in him a deep appreciation for character-driven storytelling and working-class narratives.
Robert Carlyle’s breakthrough came with the 1996 film “Trainspotting,” where his portrayal of the psychotic Begbie established him as a formidable talent capable of both menace and vulnerability. This success opened doors to international recognition, leading to diverse roles in films like “The Full Monty,” “Angela’s Ashes,” and later, the television series “Once Upon a Time,” where he played the enigmatic Mr. Gold.
In his personal life, Robert Carlyle is married to makeup artist Anastasia Shirley and they have three children together. Despite his international success, he has remained deeply connected to his Scottish roots, often choosing projects that reflect his commitment to authentic storytelling. His journey from Glasgow’s streets to Hollywood exemplifies the transformative power of artistic dedication and the importance of staying true to one’s origins.
WINNER | Film: Leading actor for The Full Monty (1998)
Suggested viewing
Hamish Macbeth (1995)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8
In the quaint Scottish village of Lochdubh, Hamish Macbeth, a jovial and observant constable, keeps the peace with his trusty dog, Wee Jock. Despite a reputation for laziness, Hamish’s keen eye and deep understanding of his community allow him to unravel the mysteries that plague his peaceful town. Through his charmingly unorthodox methods and unwavering dedication, Hamish upholds justice and brings tranquillity to the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Top cast: Robert Carlyle, Stuart McGugan, Barbara Rafferty, Shirley Henderson, Stuart Davids, Brian Pettifer, Ralph Riach, Anne Lacey, Duncan Duff, Billy Riddoch.
Trainspotting (1996)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1
In the gritty underbelly of Edinburgh, a group of friends face the depths of heroin addiction, their lives a chaotic tapestry of highs and lows. Mark Renton, the introspective narrator, struggles with his dependence on the drug, while his friends, Sick Boy, Begbie and Spud, each grapple with their own demons. Amidst the intense physical and emotional turmoil, they find fleeting moments of joy and camaraderie, their friendship a beacon of hope amidst their destructive choices.
Top cast: Ewan Mcgregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Macdonald, Kevin McKidd, Peter Mullans, James Cosmo, Eileen Nicholas.
T2 Trainspotting (2017)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1
Twenty years after abandoning his friends, Renton returns to Edinburgh. He attempts to reconnect with his estranged companions: one still battling addiction, another immersed in petty schemes and a third consumed by rage after escaping prison. Their past betrayals resurface as they face new cons, old grievances and the inescapable pull of their shared, chaotic history.
Top cast: Shirley Henderson, James Cosmo, Jonny Lee Miller, Ewan McGregor, Irvine Welsh, Anjela Nedyalkova, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Macdonald, Ewen Bremner.
28 Weeks Later (2007)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.9
Six months after the devastating Rage virus wiped out nearly the entire population of England, a semblance of order is restored as American troops establish a safe zone in London. Amidst the rebuilding efforts, two young siblings, Tammy and Andy, sneak out to retrieve a cherished family photograph, inadvertently unleashing the dormant Rage virus and plunging the safe zone into chaos. As the infected relentlessly pursue them, a group of survivors must find a way to escape the city or face the inevitable consequences of the raging virus.
Top cast: Robert Carlyle, Kelly Macdonald, Jeremy Renner, Harold Perrineau, Catherine McCormack, Imogen Poots, Mackintosh Muggleton, Idris Elba, Amanda Walker.
Hitler: The Rise of Evil (2003)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.2
Set against the backdrop of post-World War I Germany, the miniseries delves into the political and social turmoil that fuelled Adolf Hitler’s ascent to power. From his early days as a frustrated artist and a disillusioned soldier to his fiery speeches and calculated manipulation of the masses, the film paints a vivid portrait of Hitler’s meteoric rise, exposing the factors that enabled a man of such malevolent ambition to seize control of a nation and unleash a devastating war.
Top cast: Robert Carlyle, Zoe Telford, Justin Salinger, James Babson, Stockard Channing, Peter Stormare, Peter O’Toole, Terence Harvey, Jena Malone.
The Full Monty (1997)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2
Six unemployed Sheffield steelworkers, desperate for cash and dignity, decide to form a striptease act. Lacking typical physiques and plagued by insecurities, they aim for one “full monty” performance to reclaim their self-worth and provide for their families. Their journey is filled with humour, heart and an unexpected sense of community.
Top cast: Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Tom Wilkinson, Paul Barber, Hugo Speed, Lesley Sharp, Emily Woof, Wim Snape, Steve Huison.
