Richard Wilson - Biography
Actor
Born: July 9, 1936
Famous for: Playing irascible retiree Victor Meldrew in BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave
Born in Greenock in Scotland, Ian Colquhoun Wilson initially studied science, working in a research laboratory until his late 20s. It was only after returning from his National Service in Singapore that he began training at RADA, performing in a number of theatres. Before his big break in BBC show One Foot In The Grave, he appeared in a large variety of programmes and films, including hit Seventies sitcom Only When I Laugh. In 1985 he acted in the silver screen adaptation of A Passage To India, before featuring opposite Robbie Coltrane and Emma Thompson in Scottish rock 'n' roll drama Tutti Frutti. A talented stage actor and accomplished director, he landed his classic role as grumpy pensioner Victor Meldrew in 1990, introducing the catchphrase "I don't believe it!" to the nation. The actor was awarded an OBE for his services to drama in 1994 and has since starred in the new Doctor Who alongside David Tennant and drama series Born and Bred. In 2008 he was cast as Gaius, Camelot's court physician, in a BBC production of Merlin.