Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald shot to fame in her film debut, starring as Diane in 'Trainspotting'. Since then she's had a hugely successful career that has seen her win a BAFTA Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. Film appearances include 'Elizabeth', 'Gosford Park', 'Nanny McPhee', 'No Country for Old Men', 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2', 'Anna Karenina', 'Operation Mincemeat' and 'Brave'. On the small screen she's had major roles in the likes of 'The Girl in the Cafe', 'Boardwalk Empire' and 'Line of Duty'. She'll be at the world premiere of vampire film 'The Radleys' at the Cameo at 9pm on Tuesday, August 20.placeholder image
Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald shot to fame in her film debut, starring as Diane in 'Trainspotting'. Since then she's had a hugely successful career that has seen her win a BAFTA Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. Film appearances include 'Elizabeth', 'Gosford Park', 'Nanny McPhee', 'No Country for Old Men', 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2', 'Anna Karenina', 'Operation Mincemeat' and 'Brave'. On the small screen she's had major roles in the likes of 'The Girl in the Cafe', 'Boardwalk Empire' and 'Line of Duty'. She'll be at the world premiere of vampire film 'The Radleys' at the Cameo at 9pm on Tuesday, August 20. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images f

From Glasgow to Hollywood: 12 of the most famous actors who starred in international films

Here are some of our favourite, most famous Glaswegians actors who have went on to star in Hollywood film productions

Glasgow truly produces the best of the best here in Scotland - the best sport players, the best musicians, and of course, the best actors - we wanted to take a look at all the Glaswegian actors who left the city to act under the bright lights of Hollywood.

From Star Wars to Lord of the Rings, all of the biggest blockbuster epics have to employ at least one Glaswegian - not legally of course, but at this point we’re sure it’s at least a superstition on set.

We’re not just looking at actors in the modern day though, we’re looking back at some of the all-time greats who starred on-screened during the golden age of Hollywood too.

Today we wanted to recognise some of the biggest and best actors from Glasgow who starred in Hollywood film productions - take a look below at our favourites.

Related topics:
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice