(Ewan Gordon McGregor)
Occupation: Actor
Date of Birth: March 31, 1971
Place of Birth: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland, U.K.
Sign: Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Aquarius
Relations: Wife: Eve Mouvrakis (French production designer; born on June 22, 1966; met while filming for Kavanagh QC in 1994; married in July 1995)
Education: Morrison's Academy in Crieff, Scotland, Perth Repertory Theatre in Scotland, Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London

Facts about Ewan McGregor

McGregor has patched up his differences with director Danny Boyle as Boyle seeks to reunite the stars of cult movie TRAINSPOTTING for a sequel. (October 25, 2002)

(5 July 2001) He was presented with an honorary doctorate from the University of Ulster at a graduation ceremony in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

His first name is pronounced you-in.

In the film MOULIN ROUGE (2001) Ewan McGregor sang alongside Nicole Kidman in several songs. These and other songs are featured in the movie's soundtrack CD.

Former roommate of Jude Law.

Originally up for the lead role in THE BEACH (2000), which would have reunited him with director Danny Boyle and screenwriter John Hodge (I) who collaborated with McGregor on SHALLOW GRAVE (1994), TRAINSPOTTING (1996) and A LIFE LESS ORDINARY (1997). The role went to Leonardo DiCaprio. While McGregor blames studio influence for the casting decision he has not spoken to either Boyle nor Hodge since.

During filming STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE (1999), Ewan McGregor made lightsaber noises as he dueled. It was noted and corrected during post production.

He studied many of Alec Guinness' films, including the original STAR WARS, to ensure accuracy in everything from his accent to pacing of his words

Quit smoking before filming STAR WARS.

Was offered, but turned down, the part of Neo in THE MATRIX (1994); the role eventually went to Keanu Reeves.

His daughter Esther Rose McGregor was born in late 2001.

He and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers sang their own songs in VELVET GOLDMINE (1998). (Some of Rhys-Meyers' songs were overdubbed by Radiohead lead singer Thom Yorke.)

His mother, Carole, has a cameo in SHALLOW GRAVE (1994) as one of the prospective flatmates.

To play the skinny heroin-addicted Renton in TRAINSPOTTING (1996), he was placed on a simple diet consisting of no alcohol or dairy products in order to lose weight. It only took him two months to reach Renton's desired size.

Was nominated Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actor - Action/Science Fiction in 2000 for STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE and Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 1997 for ER.

His claim to fame was not STAR WARS, Ewan McGregor is actually a highly proclaimed actor in both Europe and the states, starring in many films such as the famous and controversial TRAINSPOTTING, A LIFE LESS ORDINARY (also starring Cameron Diaz), EYE OF THE BEHOLDER (opposite Ashley Judd), EMMA (with Gwyneth Paltrow), the thriller NIGHTWATCH, NORA, ROGUE TRADER and several others.

Auditioned for the part of Mercutio for ROMEO + JULIET. Director Baz Luhrman later worked with Ewan in the film MOULIN ROUGE (2001).

Being considered by Chris Columbus to play Remus Lupin in the third HARRY POTTER sequel, HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (2004).

Ewan was 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 the age of 38 from a heart attack while playing basketball.

Personal quotes

"The very real risk that you're about to lose your child is something that takes a lot of getting over."

"Actually, I really want to play Princess Leia. Stick some big pastries on my head. Now, that would be interesting."

"Isn't Halle Berry the most beautiful woman? I have a film I'd like to be in her with. I mean, I'd like to be with her in."

"I'm doing my bit for the women's movement. The women have always been naked in movies and now I'm just desperate to take my clothes off as much as possible."

"I'm just looking for that moment to drop my Jedi knickers and pull out my real light saber."