Richard Wilson

Biography

Richard Wilson, OBE (born Ian Carmichael Wilson; July 1936) is a Scottish actor, theatre director, and broadcaster, renowned for his role as Victor Meldrew in the BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave and as Gaius in the BBC drama Merlin. Born in Greenock, Scotland, Wilson initially studied science and served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in Singapore before transitioning to acting at age 27. He trained at RADA and performed in repertory theatres across Scotland and England. In 1994, he was appointed OBE for his contributions to drama. Wilson has engaged in various charitable activities, supporting organizations such as Stonewall and Sense, and serving as a patron for the Scottish Youth Theatre. He also recorded the Labour Party's manifesto for the 2010 General Election and presented the Channel 4 program Dispatches in 2011. His biography, One Foot on the Stage, was authored by James Roose-Evans.