Richard Wilson Biography

Ian Colquhoun Wilson, better known as Richard, was born on 9 July 1936 in Greenock, Scotland. He went on to study science there before completing his National Service in Singapore with the Royal Medical Army Corps.

Wilson was a late convert to acting as he worked as a research scientist in Glasgow until the age of 27. He then trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London.

Before his most famous role as Victor Meldrew, he participated in theatre productions in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester. He also directed several plays.

After several bit parts in TV shows including 'The Sweeny' and 'Some Mothers Do Have 'Em' in 1978, he portrayed a regular character in the show 'A Sharp Intake of Breath' with David Jason between 1977 and 1980.

This was followed by lead roles in the show 'High and Dry' in 1985, 'Tutti Frutti' in 1987 and 'Hot Metal' in 1988.

Wilson then won his most famous role as Victor Meldrew, although he initially turned down the part as he was younger than the character, in the sitcom 'One Foot in the Grave'.

The line 'I Don't Believe It' became the character's catchphrase, with Wilson appearing in the show between 1990 and 2000.

In 1994, he was awarded an OBE by the Queen for his contribution to both acting and directing.

After 'One Foot in the Grave', Wilson enjoyed roles in 'High Stakes' and Life As We Know It' in 2001.

Between 2002 and 2004, he appeared in several TV movies including 'Jeffrey Archer: The Truth' (2002) and 'King of Fridges' in 2004.

Wilson returned to a recurring TV show in the form of 'Born and Bred' between 2004 and 2005 and has since made the transition from a grumpy old man to a wise, old apothecary in 'Merlin', which debuted in 2008 and is still going strong.

He has never married and has devoted his time to working for the gay rights campaign group Stonewall and the Labour Party. He is also a patron for the Scottish Youth Theatre and has been a long-term supporter of the charity Sense.