15 Things To Know About That Scottish Lad, Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor is one of those actors who always surprises you. He's taken on challenging and unique characters in his roles, and he has contributed to some of the most iconic films in recent memory. Outside of his career, Ewan is also a dedicated family man and volunteers with a number of global organizations. While I've always been a huge fan of Ewan's work on screen, I had no idea that he was involved with so many other causes. 

Let's find out more about this amazing actor's life! 

1. He was born on March 31, 1971 in Perth, Scotland.

Now you know where that trademark accent comes from. 

2. His first name is pronounced "you-an."

Ohhhhh, now I get it. 

3. Acting runs in his family (and so does appearing in Star Wars movies, apparently). 

His uncle is Denis Lawson, who appeared in Star Wars: Episode VI — A New Hope. If you're here for Star Wars facts, don't worry. There are more of those coming up! 

4. He is the former roommate of actor Jude Law. 

The two are still close friends. 

So that's what Ewan's early life was like. Up next, get to know more about his family and travels around the world!

5. He's been married to his wife, Eve Mavrakis, since 1995. 

That's over 20 years! Congrats, you two! 

6. They have four daughters together. 

Ewan is extremely protective of his children and tries to keep them out of the public eye out of respect for their privacy. However, his oldest daughter, Clara, has accompanied him on a few red carpets. 

7. Ewan is a dedicated UNICEF UK ambassador.

He's traveled on many goodwill missions with the charity to countries like Iraq, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. 

8.His trips have been filmed for documentary shows like Long Way Down and Long Way Round. 

Ewan and his pal Charley Boorman traveled by motorcycle around the world. It's an awesome series! 

Okay, okay. I know. You want to get to the good stuff. The facts about Ewan's movie roles. That's coming up! 

9. For his breakout role in Trainspotting, Ewan actually considered trying heroin to gain insight into his character.

Instead, he researched the drug and met with recovering addicts to learn about their experiences.

10. Prior to being cast in Star Wars, Ewan had been pretty vocal about staying away from Hollywood blockbusters.

But even he couldn't resist Star Wars! 

11. Apparently Ewan got so into the Star Wars fight scenes that he made "lightsaber" sounds while filming. 

George Lucas had to tell him that the sound would be added in by the special effects team later, but Ewan said he just kept getting carried away! 

12. For his highly anticipated role of Lumière in the live action Beauty and the Beast, Ewan struggled with getting the French accent down.

Even though his wife is French, he said that his accent sounded more Mexican than French. 

What's that? You want more Ewan facts? We've got you covered. 

13. While filming his role in Black Hawk Down, Ewan wouldn't let his family visit the set.

He thought the movie's violent content was too disturbing for them. 

14. Many were surprised to see Ewan sing in Moulin Rouge, but Ewan had been a singer long before being cast. 

He was even in his school's choir growing up and performed solos. 

15. Working with the dog Cosmo on Beginners inspired Ewan to adopt his own dog. 

He ended up adopting a rescue dog that he named Sid. Adorable! 

What's your favorite thing about Ewan McGregor?

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