My top ten Scots:
1. James McAvoy
No contest. I believe this man can pull off anything. And after seeing videos of him (namely Newsweek's 11th Oscar roundtable and a late-night show with fellow Scot Craig Ferguson) and listening to a radio interview of him with Ryan Seacrest I'm utterly taken by his Scottish charm. It's all in those piercing blue eyes and his goofy but breathtakingly seductive mannerism. I'm greatly anticipating the release of his next film with Christina Ricci called Penelope, which is supposed to be a modern day fairy tale.2. Ewan McGregor
So adorable, incredibly versatile, I could go on and on but I'd bore myself and you. He first caught my eye in I think Black Hawk Down, then Star Wars Episode II, but I was utterly captivated by his performance as Edward Bloom in Big Fish and I guess Moulin Rouge as well. Alas I never got into viewing any of his "art" films but I'm fine settling with the mainstream McGregor.3. Sean Connery
Really the "original" Scot, you know. Actually that makes no sense. But I mean in reference to the fact that I first became aware of the Scottish accent when I watched Dr. No back as a little girl running in and out of the room during James Bond movie marathons. And in Michael Bay's The Rock (best action movie of all time) where he delivers some of the coolest lines in the film in that rogue-of-a-Scottish accent, and of course his unmistakable turn lending his voice as Draco in Dragonheart. Sean Connery even impressed the original author Ian Fleming so much with his performance as Bond that Fleming decided to give Bond some Scottish roots. Freakin' awesome.
And honestly, he's still extremely good looking as an older fellow.4. Gerard Butler
I've seen more of Gerard than I thought, but not as much as I should have. Reign of Fire, The Phantom of the Opera, 300. He's pretty much the best thing in that pitiful group of movies I've seen. Also he's a very very good indication of what a MAN looks like, haha.5. David Tennant
He first came to my attention as Barty Crouch Jr. in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire...but thanks to being educated by my roommate of the Doctor Who series, I've come to know him best as the tenth reincarnation of the Doctor! It's the lankiness, the wild eyes and the slightly geeky loveability that does it for me. And roomie of mine discovered today that he used to date the woman (Anne Marie Duff) who is now James McAvoy's wife! Lucky girl!6. Kelly MacDonald
First saw her in Trainspotting as Renton's (Ewan McGregor himself!) one-night stand Diane, and most recently as Carla Jean Moss in No Country For Old Men (donning a perfect Texas accent), and I saw on her IMDb page that she will portray Doctor Paige Marshall in the film adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's Choke! So excited to see more from this talented woman.7. Robert Carlyle
Terrifying as Begbie in Trainspotting (the whole cast of Trainspotting ought to have made it onto this list huh) and I saw him last in 28 Weeks Later; I know that really does no justice to his track record but anyway I think he is superb.8. Billy Boyd
My favorite hobbit from the Lord of the Rings films. I remember watching hours of the behind the scenes extras and thinking Billy is the funniest, happiest human being around. And as he is incredibly talented, and since he seems like the sweetest soul alive I want to see him in more films!9. Tommy Flanagan
As Maximus's loyal servant Cicero in Gladiator and a man torn from his wife in Braveheart I can always name Tommy Flanagan as one who had two roles that really tore my heart up. Though he's usually in the smaller supporting roles, for me he manages to steal the scene when I do see him. Also check out his cameos in Sin City and Smokin' Aces.10. Sean Biggerstaff
I don't think I've seen him in anything apart from the first two Harry Potter films, but then again, with that accent, that smile, and by gosh he's Oliver Wood! What else is there? He does have a role in an upcoming film called Hippie Hippie Shake (with Irishman Cillian Murphy!) which looks quite interesting.One more thing (a happy coincidence, finding this blog!)
scottishactors.blogspot.com
