Richard Wilson Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Sibling, Movies & TV Shows, Career

Iain Carmichael Wilson, better known by his stage name Richard Wilson, is a renowned Scottish actor, theatre director, and broadcaster celebrated for his sharp comedic timing and distinctive delivery.

He achieved widespread fame as the irritable Victor Meldrew in the long-running BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave, a role that defined British television comedy in the 1990s with the iconic catchphrase “I don’t believe it!”.

Richard Wilson
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Iain Carmichael Wilson
Stage Name:	Richard Wilson
Born:	09 July 1936 (age 89 years old)
Place of Birth:	Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland
Nationality:	Scottish
Height:	1.80 m
Parents:	John Wilson, Euphemia Wilson
Siblings:	Moira Wilson
Occupation:	Actor, Theatre Director, Broadcaster
Net Worth:	$3 million–$5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Iain Carmichael Wilson was born on 09 July 1936 in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland, to John Wilson, a shipyard worker, and Euphemia Wilson. He has one sister, Moira Wilson.

He attended Lady Alice Primary School and Greenock Academy, studied science and laboratory technology, and completed National Service with the Royal Army Medical Corps in Singapore. He worked as a research scientist at Stobhill Hospital before training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

His ethnicity is Caucasian (Scottish), and he is non-religious/secular, having been raised Presbyterian in the Church of Scotland but does not practice.

Career

Iain Carmichael Wilson began his career after training at RADA, working in repertory theatre in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester before transitioning to television in the 1970s with appearances in series such as Crown Court. He built a solid reputation through supporting roles in films like A Passage to India and television productions, gradually gaining recognition for his versatile character acting across stage and screen.

Iain Carmichael Wilson achieved major success in the 1990s with his iconic portrayal of Victor Meldrew in the BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave (1990–2001), which earned him multiple BAFTA awards and made him a household name. He continued to expand his career with notable roles in Merlin as Gaius, voice work in animated films such as Gnomeo & Juliet, and various directing projects, demonstrating strong comedic and dramatic range.

Iain Carmichael Wilson has maintained a respected presence in the industry through later television appearances, theatre direction, and broadcasting work. His legacy includes elevating British sitcom comedy and contributing significantly to stage and screen as both performer and director, with an enduring influence recognized by his OBE honour and continued public affection.

Social Media

Iain Carmichael Wilson does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Iain Carmichael Wilson has never been married and has lived a largely private single life. He publicly came out as gay in 2013 and has expressed regret about not finding a long-term partner.

He has no children but is the godfather of his One Foot in the Grave co-star Angus Deayton‘s son. Wilson values his privacy and has focused on his professional life alongside close family ties, including his late sister Moira.

Filmography

• A Passage to India (1984)
• How to Get Ahead in Advertising (1989)
• The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997)
• Women Talking Dirty (1999)
• Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)
• Sherlock Gnomes (2018)

Net Worth

Iain Carmichael Wilson has an estimated net worth in the range of $3 million to $5 million USD. His primary income sources have been television roles, particularly from long-running series like One Foot in the Grave and Merlin, alongside theatre directing, film appearances, and voice work.