Celebrity Entertainment

Ewan‌ ‌McGregor‌: Life, Movies, and ‌His‌ ‌Return‌ ‌to‌ ‌Star‌ ‌Wars

ewan mcgregor

Fans’ dreams of an Ewan McGregor Obi-Wan comeback were realized as the actor is set to reprise his iconic role in Disney’s upcoming Obi-Wan series. Although yet to be officially titled, fans simply can’t wait for the show to air on Disney+ since its announcement in 2019. Indeed, avid fans expect to know more about the Master Jedi’s life after his devastating battle with his former apprentice and friend, Anakin Skywalker. Moreover, many are excited to find out what Obi-Wan was up to prior to teaching Luke Skywalker everything about the Force in a galaxy far, far away.

Without a doubt, Ewan McGregor has undeniably been a legendary Star Wars icon. However, it is also worth noting that the actor depicted other characters that further established his name in the industry. Above all, his passion for acting since his early days truly manifested in his career.

 

Profile: Ewan McGregor Height, Nationality, and More

  • Full Name: Ewan Gordon McGregor
  • Height: 5’10’’
  • Nationality: British
  • Ethnicity: Scottish

Ewan McGregor Age

obi wan kenobi
Image from @starwars on Instagram

Known as a remarkable actor, Ewan McGregor has portrayed notable roles in several movies and shows. Due to his numerous appearances over the years, one might begin to wonder—how old is Ewan McGregor? As of 2021, the Scottish actor is actually 50 years old. On March 31, 1971, he was born in central Scotland to parents Carol Diane Lawson and James Charles Stuart McGregor.

 

Ewan McGregor Net Worth

A  famous actor such as Ewan McGregor surely rakes in money due to his multiple portrayals throughout his career. Indeed, it is rumored that his current net worth is currently at around $40 million. Of course, this amount is expected to grow due to his upcoming projects. McGregor accumulated and acquired his wealth through his outstanding performances in films of various genres over the years. Among his major career breakthroughs was when he acquired his Obi-Wan Kenobi role in George Lucas’ Star Wars movies. This paved the way for McGregor to earn his mark in the industry. As we witnessed, he eventually became a popular and wealthy Hollywood actor.

 

Ewan McGregor Young Life and Roots

Before fame, Ewan Gordon McGregor spent his early life in Perth, Scotland where he was born and bred. His parents raised him and his older sibling, Colin, by making ends meet through their teaching professions. Eventually, Ewan McGregor acquired a passion for acting through the motivation of his actor uncle, Denis Lawson. In turn, the aspiring McGregor pursued his interest by studying at Kirkcaldy College of Technology. He took up drama studies as a preparatory course, determined to master his acting talents.

At the young age of 18, McGregor moved to London. Though his place of residence changed, his passion for acting did not. Indeed, he studied drama again upon admittance to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in The Old Smoke. Equipped with his efforts in honing his skills and passion, Ewan McGregor eventually came to be one of the most highly-acclaimed and phenomenal actors of his time.

 

Ewan McGregor Family: Wife and Kids

With his acting excellence and versatility, Ewan McGregor garnered acclaim and high praise from people around the world. Due to his fame, the question of who became the Ewan McGregor wife also became a frequent inquiry amongst fans and admirers, alike.

The Scottish actor met the woman whom he would eventually tied the knot with on the set of Kavanagh QC, a British television series. McGregor guest-starred as David Robert Armstrong in the show where Eve Mavrakis also worked on set as an art director. Since their destined meeting was brought about by their work, the pair became acquainted and fell in love.

On July 22, 1995, the Ewan McGregor Eve Mavrakis marriage finally transpired. Their bond and love made their family bloom—with two biological daughters who they called Clara and Esther and adopted ones named Jamyan and Anouk.

 

Ewan McGregor Divorce

For over 20 years, Ewan and Eve continued to showcase their love for their children and each other. However, the tides changed and the pair ultimately announced their separation in 2017. They shared the announcement amid the news of Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s passionate kiss in a café in London. Prior to this news, the pair met and worked together on Fargo, a television crime series. Winstead portrayed the role of parolee Nikki Swango who had an affair with McGregor’s character, Ray Stussy.

In 2018, Ewan McGregor officially filed divorce papers from Eve Mavrakis. The actor said this alluded to their differences as a couple. Last August 2020, the pair’s divorce was finalized. Both parties acquired joint physical and legal custody of their nine-year-old child, Anouk. McGregor is also to provide monthly child and spousal financial support for Eve and their daughters.

 

Ewan McGregor Movies

As we watched the Ewan McGregor beard change over time, the star’s portrayals also developed throughout his entire acting career. The bona fide Hollywood actor truly expressed his talents and versatility through his great depictions of various characters.

Some of the outstanding Ewan McGregor films that people have come to love include:

 

Trainspotting

This drama-comedy movie was released in 1996 and was crafted through Danny Boyle’s direction. It features an ensemble cast that includes Ewan McGregor, Kevin McKidd, Jonny Lee Miller, and Robert Carlyle among many other talented actors. Trainspotting has important themes that revolve around drug consumption and addiction. Moreover, it essentially highlights the significance of strong bonds with loved ones – whether family or friends – on the road to healing and personal development.

While the film can truly inspire and tickle your funny bone with its comedic lines, Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of Mark Renton in the film can also allure you. The actor did an excellent job in giving life to his character–naturally exhibiting Renton’s innate impudence. Above all, the humanity behind Renton’s confusion and the battle between sobriety and addiction was effectively depicted. Indeed, many would argue that the Ewan McGregor Trainspotting role went beyond iconic. It certainly paved the way for the actor to display his outstanding acting talents and make his mark in the industry.

 

Moulin Rouge!

For avid fans who came to know the actor for his Obi-wan Kenobi portrayal, the Ewan McGregor Moulin Rouge! role may have come as a shock. Who would’ve thought a Jedi Master could stay in tune as he sings? This 2001 film truly exhibited Ewan McGregor’s background in theater as he depicted the character of Christian, an English writer who constantly pines over his love interest, Satine, a courtesan and drama actress portrayed by Nicole Kidman.

Moulin Rouge! features a heartfelt romance and relatable life learnings that were demonstrated not only in lines but also through music. The well-known Ewan McGregor “Your Song” rendition – originally performed by Elton John – also hails from this film. If you enjoy a romantic and moving story set in the City of Lights, Moulin Rouge! is undoubtedly one of the best movies on Netflix you can watch today.

 

The Impossible

This Ewan McGregor tsunami drama film touched the hearts of many people when it was released in 2012. The Impossible is based on the story of the Bennett family upon experiencing the Indian Ocean tsunami catastrophe back in 2004. It features Ewan McGregor as Henry Bennett, Naomi Watts as Maria Bennett, and Tom Holland as Lucas Bennett—among many other remarkable actors. The movie garnered both public and critical acclaim for the cast’s outstanding performance and Juan-Antonio Bayona’s skillful direction.

Notably, The Impossible features a searing story that feels more devastating as one remembers that the catastrophe truly did affect people in real life. Indeed, one could reflect on life and appreciate the strength of a family upon watching this film.

 

Last Days in the Desert

Among the most iconic roles from the Star Wars actor would undeniably be the Ewan McGregor Jesus portrayal in the 2016 film, Last Days in the Desert. He starred in the movie with other remarkable actors such as Ciarán Hinds, Tye Sheridan, Susan Gray, and Ayelet Zurer. In this drama film, McGregor depicted Yeshua and The Demon as the story focuses on the conflict between good and evil. With high praise, the Scottish actor excellently portrayed his roles well—giving a convincing and moving performance that makes Last Days in the Desert far more enjoyable and striking.

 

Beauty and the Beast

If you wish to add something to your Disney trivia knowledge, this might intrigue you. You may not be able to spot it easily as he dons a French accent, but Ewan McGregor actually portrayed the candelabra character, Lumiere, in the 2017 live remake of Beauty and the Beast.

The Scottish actor lent his voice to the iconic character known as the love interest of Plumette who was portrayed by Gugu Mbatha-Raw. They starred alongside an ensemble cast which includes Luke Evans, Dan Stevens, and Harry Potter cast member Emma Watson. While the iconic fairytale is enough to make you want to watch the movie and relive your childhood memories, the Ewan McGregor Beauty and the Beast portrayal as Lumiere is also a great way to see the actor’s fun, quirky side.

 

Christopher Robin

The 2018 Ewan McGregor film, Christopher Robin, is a live-action take of A. A. Milne’s classic stories on Winnie the Pooh and friends. This fantasy movie features a touching plot, as well as hilarious scenes that could easily amuse both the young and young-at-heart. Ewan McGregor portrayed Christopher Robin and starred alongside Bronte Carmichael, Hayley Atwell, and Mark Gatiss. Although we came to know Christopher Robin as a child in the original Winnie the Pooh stories, this 2018 film features the beloved character in his adult age as he faces difficulties with work responsibilities, family ties, and life in general. Christopher Robin is truly a great movie that offers a nostalgic feel, as well as relevant lessons.

 

Doctor Sleep

This Ewan McGregor 2019 film is one of the much-awaited films for fans of Stephen King movies. Doctor Sleep is an adaptation of Stephen King’s sequel to The Shining novel and film. It is directed by Mike Flanagan and features an ensemble cast that includes not just McGregor, but also Alex Essoe, Kyleigh Curran, and Rebecca Ferguson.

Doctor Sleep depicts the familiar, terrifying scenes in its prequel that could easily re-live the haunting features of the film. Avid fans of King’s work could also note that director Flanagan succeeded  in displaying the nightmarish terrors and creatures of the novel. More than that, Flanagan also excellently portrayed the author’s authentic vision for Doctor Sleep. It is also worth noting that Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of an older Danny Torrance in this thriller film has been an outstanding and hauntingly-good performance.

If you wish to get a good scare, Doctor Sleep is certainly a must-watch. Aside from the terrifying creatures in this movie, fear is also instilled by employing depictions of real-life dread and pain. Indeed, the inherent lessons on self-acceptance and redemption could let you relate to the characters in a unique yet eye-opening manner.

 

Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

The Ewan McGregor Birds of Prey role is one of the much-awaited and iconic portrayals by the Scottish actor. Entitled Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), the film is a sequel to the Detective Comics movie, Suicide Squad. Fans were excited as Warner Bros. Pictures released Birds of Prey in 2020, featuring celebrities such as Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Rosie Perez.

The Ewan McGregor Black Mask character in this film truly captivated many fans. He depicted the legendary villain in his own distinctive and admirable way. McGregor even went as far as improvising some of his lines in the film. His witty phrases did not only make the cut, but amazed viewers as well. Indeed, the wickedly hilarious and amusing side of the actor shone in Birds of Prey—making it a definite must-watch Ewan McGregor film.

 

Ewan McGregor Star Wars History and Legacy

Without a doubt, Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of fans’ most beloved characters from the Star Wars trilogy and franchise. Moreover, Ewan McGregor made history and acquired his legacy as a Star Wars icon through his portrayal of the esteemed Jedi Master.

The public first came to see Obi-Wan Kenobi through the portrayal of the late Sir Alec Guinness in the 1977 film, Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV). Guinness undeniably brought the character to life with his acting talents, making Obi-Wan capture the attention and hearts of Star Wars supporters all over the world.

 

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I)

As the Jedi Master came to be a legendary icon, avid fans eagerly anticipated his reappearance in George Lucas’ next Star Wars film. It was then in 1999 when the Ewan McGregor Obi-Wan Kenobi role was first witnessed in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I). In the film, McGregor skillfully portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi in his younger years as he partook in training with Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. Notably, McGregor donned the same robes as the older sage that Guinness portrayed. However, McGregor’s depiction of Young Ben as an epitome of a model Jedi easily made the character a Star Wars favorite. 

 

Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (Episode II)

In this movie released in 2002, Ewan McGregor made a comeback as Obi-Wan Kenobi. Many would agree that the character cemented his legacy in the Star Wars franchise through this installment. Indeed, Obi-Wan came to be a legendary fighter and hero. McGregor did a fine job in depicting the Jedi Master, equipped with his sense of purpose and keenness for knowledge. Not to mention, the Scottish actor’s natural smirks paired with playful remarks in this movie made the character exhibit an undeniable charm.

 

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III)

In 2005, this last installment in the prequel Star Wars trilogy was released. While fans came to love the Kenobi-Skywalker duo, the iconic battle scene in this film ignited the deep distinction between the two. Moreover, Kenobi’s declaration of care for his apprentice as he uttered the legendary lines, “You were my brother, Anakin! I loved you!” despite the rage and hatred in Skywalker’s eyes seared the hearts of many Star Wars fans. This legendary battle scene truly moved everyone as Obi-Wan and Anakin had a parting of ways.

Ewan McGregor undoubtedly gave justice to his character in this installment. He never failed to depict the wisdom and good nature of the Jedi Master that he portrays. Indeed, he earned his mark in the Star Wars cinematic universe. Now, many people do not only recognize him as a legendary icon, but also as a remarkable actor.

 

Ewan McGregor’s Return to Star Wars

The Jedi has, indeed, returned.

The long wait of Star Wars fans is finally over as an upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series is in the works. Disney and Lucasfilm Ltd. announced in August 2019 that Ewan McGregor will be reprising his role in the show. Lucasfilm President, Kathleen Kennedy, also unveiled in December 2020 the return of yet another familiar and much-anticipated character. The Chosen One, Darth Vader, will appear in the new Star Wars series as portrayed by Hayden Christensen. He initially played the role of the Dark Lord of the Sith in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Naturally, fans are excited to witness the face-off between the former friends turned nemeses. Kennedy, herself, cited that it will be “the re-match of the century.” We certainly have high hopes for this.

Currently, Disney still hasn’t revealed the official title of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. However, it is set to reveal more about Old Ben’s life and personal experiences. The show will fill in the events that transpired between the third and fourth Star Wars episodes. Undoubtedly, fans are inclined to know what transpired after Obi-Wan’s devastating battle with Anakin and before his fated crossing of paths with Luke. 

As of the moment, the official premiere date of the new Star Wars series has yet to be released. However, Ewan McGregor did verify that they will begin shooting for the show in March 2021. Until then, we could only watch out for new announcements as we eagerly wait for the series to air on Disney Plus.

 

Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, Ewan McGregor solidified his credibility as a skilled actor through his various character portrayals over the years. People certainly witnessed not only his natural charisma, but also his outstanding talents and versatility. Moreover, yet another milestone is set for McGregor as his role reprisal of Obi-Wan Kenobi is anticipated by fans. We’re all on the edge of our seats as we eagerly look forward to his return as the Jedi Master. 

Until then, May the Force (and patience for the upcoming show) be with you.