---
name: "Robert Carlyle"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/robert-carlyle"
fi1m_id: "robert-carlyle"
imdb_id: "nm0001015"
tmdb_id: 18023
wikidata_id: "Q207307"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "14 April 1961"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 12
average_fi1m_score: 69
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 11
updated: "2026-10-07T15:14:03.758979+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Robert Carlyle

## Identity

Robert Carlyle

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/robert-carlyle
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** robert-carlyle
- **IMDb ID:** nm0001015
- **TMDB ID:** 18023
- **Wikidata ID:** Q207307
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Carlyle, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207307, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001015/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/18023

Actor. Born 14 April 1961 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 14 April 1961, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- **Active:** 1991–present
- **Also known as:** Роберт Карлайл, 로버트 칼라일, رابرت کارلایل
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 12: 11 acting, 1 other
- **Frequently works with:** [Andrew Macdonald](https://film.one/person/andrew-macdonald.md), [Danny Boyle](https://film.one/person/danny-boyle.md), [John Hodge](https://film.one/person/john-hodge.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 69, as actor, over 11 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 76 (5), 2000s 59 (4), 2010s 62 (2), 2020s 77 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 69 to 66 across 9 titles
- **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 6 at 60–79, 3 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 5 of 11 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 7, Adventure 3, Thriller 3, Action 2, Comedy 2, Romance 2
- **Screen time:** 15 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,159m across 7 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Carlyle, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207307, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001015/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/18023

## Streaming the US now

- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Go Now*](https://film.one/film/go-now.md) (77), [*Riff-Raff*](https://film.one/film/riff-raff.md) (77), [*28 Weeks Later*](https://film.one/film/28-weeks-later.md) (72), [*The Beach*](https://film.one/film/the-beach.md) (55)
- **Disney+:** [*Once Upon a Time*](https://film.one/tv/once-upon-a-time.md) (65), [*Eragon*](https://film.one/film/eragon.md) (35)
- **Netflix:** [*Toxic Town*](https://film.one/tv/toxic-town.md) (77)
- **Pluto TV:** [*The Unloved*](https://film.one/film/the-unloved.md) (74)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Robert Carlyle

> Robert Carlyle makes volatile men frightening because their company can be so entertaining. We rate him highly, though the hard-man casting too often overlooks the warmth and comic timing he brings to ordinary people.

In *Trainspotting* (1996), Robert Carlyle’s Begbie is funny enough to complicate our response to his menace. Danny Boyle lets his comic presence differ sharply from Ewen Bremner’s Spud, while Ewan McGregor’s Renton makes the group’s life briefly seem bearable. We felt uncomfortable about how much we enjoyed their company, because the jokes had made their daily routine too easy to accept. Carlyle keeps us unsure of Begbie, even when he is making us laugh. This is where we rate him most highly, with a director who allows the humour to make a dangerous man more troubling.

His early screen work with Ken Loach in *Riff-Raff* (1991) came before two strikingly different breakthrough parts. Begbie was followed by Gaz in *The Full Monty* (1997), an unemployed steelworker organising a strip act. Carlyle’s warmth and comic timing give that ordinary man as much claim on our attention as the volatile one. A casting director looking only for danger would miss much of what makes him worth watching.

Hollywood films and American television then took him through *28 Weeks Later* (2007) and *Once Upon a Time* (2011–2018). Yet the return to Begbie in *T2 Trainspotting* (2017) confirms how persistent that association remains. The hard-man and villain roles are a limitation when they ask for an expected burst of intensity rather than allow him any uncertainty. Menace becomes less interesting when we are simply waiting for it to arrive.

*Toxic Town* (2025), with Carlyle as Sam Hagen, offers a different reason to follow his work: an ensemble making a familiar injustice drama worth watching. Its tidier, more sentimental passages remain a weakness, and we would not sell it on his presence alone. Jodie Whittaker and Aimee Lou Wood give the series much of its force. We recommend it for that collective effort, but for a proper introduction to Carlyle, put *Trainspotting* beside *The Full Monty*.

## Biography

Robert Carlyle is a Scottish actor. Born in Glasgow on 14 April 1961, he trained at the Glasgow Arts Centre and co-founded the Raindog theatre company in 1991.

His film roles include Begbie in *Trainspotting* (1996) and its sequel, Gary Schofield in *The Full Monty* (1997), and Renard in *The World Is Not Enough* (1999). On television he has played Nicholas Rush in *Stargate Universe* (2009–2011), Rumplestiltskin / Mr Gold in *Once Upon a Time* (2011–2018) and Robert Sutherland in *COBRA* (2020–2023). He appeared as Sam Hagen in the 2025 series *Toxic Town*.

Carlyle won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for *The Full Monty* and a Gemini Award for *Stargate Universe*. He received an Emmy nomination for the miniseries *Human Trafficking* (2005).

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (12)

### Performed in (11) — the average rests on these

- *Toxic Town* (2025), Fi1m 77, as Sam Hagen — [page](https://film.one/tv/toxic-town.md)
- *Once Upon a Time* (2011), Fi1m 65, as Mr. Gold / Rumplestiltskin / Weaver — [page](https://film.one/tv/once-upon-a-time.md)
- *The Unloved* (2009), Fi1m 74, as Lucy's Father — [page](https://film.one/film/the-unloved.md)
- *28 Weeks Later* (2007), Fi1m 72, as Donald Harris — [page](https://film.one/film/28-weeks-later.md)
- *Eragon* (2006), Fi1m 35, as Durza — [page](https://film.one/film/eragon.md)
- *The Beach* (2000), Fi1m 55, as Daffy — [page](https://film.one/film/the-beach.md)
- *The World Is Not Enough* (1999), Fi1m 58, as Renard — [page](https://film.one/film/the-world-is-not-enough.md)
- *The Full Monty* (1997), Fi1m 81, as Gary "Gaz" Schofield — [page](https://film.one/film/the-full-monty.md)
- *Trainspotting* (1996), Fi1m 88, as Begbie — [page](https://film.one/film/trainspotting.md)
- *Go Now* (1995), Fi1m 77, as Nick Cameron — [page](https://film.one/film/go-now.md)
- *Riff-Raff* (1991), Fi1m 77, as Stevie — [page](https://film.one/film/riff-raff.md)

### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *Yesterday* (2019), Fi1m 60, as John Lennon (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/yesterday.md)

## Complete filmography (70)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *November 1963* (2026), as Jack Ruby
- *The Hack* (2025), series, as DCS Dave Cook
- *Toxic Town* (2025), series, as Sam Hagen — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/toxic-town.md)
- *Watson* (2025), series, as Sherlock Holmes
- *The Performance* (2024), as Fugler
- *North of Normal* (2023), as Papa Dick
- *The Full Monty* (2023), series, as Gary 'Gaz' Schofield
- *Off the Rails: The Making of “Trainspotting* (2023), Actor
- *COBRA* (2020), series, as Robert Sutherland
- *The War of the Worlds* (2019), series, as Ogilvy
- *Yesterday* (2019), as John Lennon (uncredited) — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/yesterday.md)
- *T2 Trainspotting* (2017), as Begbie / Begbie's Father
- *The Legend of Barney Thomson* (2015), as Barney · Director
- *California Solo* (2012), as Lachlan MacAldonich
- *Once Upon a Time* (2011), series, as Mr. Gold / Rumplestiltskin / Weaver — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/tv/once-upon-a-time.md)
- *Stargate Universe* (2009), series, as Nicholas Rush
- *The Man Who Walked Around the World* (2009), as Narrator
- *The Unloved* (2009), as Lucy's Father — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/the-unloved.md)
- *The Tournament* (2009), as Father MacAvoy
- *Zig Zag Love* (2009), as Jacko
- *I Know You Know* (2009), as Charlie
- *Stone of Destiny* (2008), as John MacCormick
- *Summer* (2008), as Shaun
- *The Last Enemy* (2008), series, as David Russell
- *Flood* (2007), as Rob Morrison
- *28 Weeks Later* (2007), as Donald Harris — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/28-weeks-later.md)
- *Born Equal* (2006), as Robert
- *Eragon* (2006), as Durza — Fi1m 35, [page](https://film.one/film/eragon.md)
- *Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School* (2006), as Frank Keane
- *Human Trafficking* (2005), series, as Sergei Karpovich
- *Dead Fish* (2005), as Danny Devine
- *Class of '76* (2005), as DI Tom Monroe
- *Class of '76* (2005), series, as DI Tom Monroe
- *The Mighty Celt* (2005), as O
- *Gunpowder, Treason & Plot* (2004), series, as King James I
- *Hitler: The Rise of Evil* (2003), series, as Adolf Hitler
- *Black and White* (2002), as David O'Sullivan
- *Once Upon a Time in the Midlands* (2002), as Jimmy
- *The 51st State* (2001), as Felix DeSouza
- *To End All Wars* (2001), as Major Ian Campbell
- *There's Only One Jimmy Grimble* (2000), as Eric Wirral
- *The Beach* (2000), as Daffy — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/the-beach.md)
- *Angela's Ashes* (1999), as Malachy McCourt
- *The World Is Not Enough* (1999), as Renard — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/the-world-is-not-enough.md)
- *Ravenous* (1999), as Ives / Colqhoun
- *Plunkett & Macleane* (1999), as Will Plunkett
- *Looking After Jo Jo* (1998), series, as John Joe 'Jo Jo' McCann
- *Face* (1997), as Ray
- *The Full Monty* (1997), as Gary "Gaz" Schofield — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/the-full-monty.md)
- *Carla's Song* (1996), as George Lennox
- *The Lucky Suit* (1996), Actor
- *Trainspotting* (1996), as Begbie — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/trainspotting.md)
- *Go Now* (1995), as Nick Cameron — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/go-now.md)
- *The Last Ten Minutes* (1995), as Chris
- *Hamish Macbeth* (1995), series, as Hamish Macbeth
- *Priest* (1995), as Graham
- *To Be A Somebody* (1994), series, as Albie Kinsella
- *Marooned* (1994), as Peter
- *Being Human* (1994), as Priest
- *99-1* (1994), series, as DC Robert Preston
- *Safe* (1993), as Nosty
- *Cracker* (1993), series, as Albie — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/tv/cracker.md)
- *Tender Blue Eyes* (1992), as Richard Fascetti
- *Riff-Raff* (1991), as Stevie — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/riff-raff.md)
- *Silent Scream* (1990), as Big Woodsy
- *Byrne About Byrne* (1988), as Spanky Farrell
- *ScreenPlay* (1986), series, as Nosty
- *Screen Two* (1985), series, as Graham
- *Three*, Director, Writer
- *Ben & Lucy*, as Dan

## Gallery

- ![Robert Carlyle](https://film.one/media/person/47833/gallery-f2bb19c1a8c6.jpg) Robert Carlyle — rach, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/Robert_Carlyle_in_2017.jpg/1280px-Robert_Carlyle_in_2017.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Emilie de Ravin, Robert Carlyle & Yvette Nicole Brown Once Upon a Time Panel at the 2014 Comic-Con International.](https://film.one/media/person/47833/gallery-c8aebd4c435f.jpg) Emilie de Ravin, Robert Carlyle & Yvette Nicole Brown Once Upon a Time Panel at the 2014 Comic-Con International. — vagueonthehow from Tadcaster, York, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Emilie_de_Ravin%2C_Robert_Carlyle_%26_Yvette_Nicole_Brown_%2814961940585%29.jpg/1280px-Emilie_de_Ravin%2C_Robert_Carlyle_%26_Yvette_Nicole_Brown_%2814961940585%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Emilie de Ravin & Robert Carlyle Once Upon a Time Panel at the 2014 Comic-Con International.](https://film.one/media/person/47833/gallery-efee86290821.jpg) Emilie de Ravin & Robert Carlyle Once Upon a Time Panel at the 2014 Comic-Con International. — vagueonthehow from Tadcaster, York, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Emilie_de_Ravin_%26_Robert_Carlyle_%2814775443498%29.jpg/1280px-Emilie_de_Ravin_%26_Robert_Carlyle_%2814775443498%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Emilie de Ravin & Robert Carlyle Once Upon a Time Panel at the 2014 Comic-Con International.](https://film.one/media/person/47833/gallery-71e0cc15ec0b.jpg) Emilie de Ravin & Robert Carlyle Once Upon a Time Panel at the 2014 Comic-Con International. — vagueonthehow from Tadcaster, York, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/Emilie_de_Ravin_%26_Robert_Carlyle_%2814775698530%29.jpg/1280px-Emilie_de_Ravin_%26_Robert_Carlyle_%2814775698530%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Robert Carlyle](https://film.one/media/person/47833/gallery-fc5f51e2f1c2.jpg) Robert Carlyle — Image via TMDB
- ![Robert Carlyle](https://film.one/media/person/47833/gallery-2aee1668bc8a.jpg) Robert Carlyle — Image via TMDB
- ![Robert Carlyle](https://film.one/media/person/47833/gallery-d6eb07263f16.jpg) Robert Carlyle — Image via TMDB
- ![Emilie de Ravin & Robert Carlyle Once Upon a Time Panel at the 2014 Comic-Con International.](https://film.one/media/person/47833/gallery-234e2fb2d4d1.jpg) Emilie de Ravin & Robert Carlyle Once Upon a Time Panel at the 2014 Comic-Con International. — vagueonthehow from Tadcaster, York, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Emilie_de_Ravin_%26_Robert_Carlyle_%2814775992570%29.jpg/1280px-Emilie_de_Ravin_%26_Robert_Carlyle_%2814775992570%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Emilie de Ravin & Robert Carlyle Once Upon a Time Panel at the 2014 Comic-Con International.](https://film.one/media/person/47833/gallery-46dc65bb3922.jpg) Emilie de Ravin & Robert Carlyle Once Upon a Time Panel at the 2014 Comic-Con International. — vagueonthehow from Tadcaster, York, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Emilie_de_Ravin_%26_Robert_Carlyle_%2814776132467%29.jpg/1280px-Emilie_de_Ravin_%26_Robert_Carlyle_%2814776132467%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Robert Carlyle](https://film.one/media/person/47833/gallery-170df6138a50.jpg) Robert Carlyle — Image via TMDB
- ![Robert Carlyle](https://film.one/media/person/47833/gallery-ae711bd4f7f0.jpg) Robert Carlyle — Image via TMDB

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/robert-carlyle