Who is Robert Carlyle?

Robert Carlyle is a Scottish actor who has established himself as a versatile performer, excelling in both comedic and dramatic roles on stage, television, and the big screen. Born in Glasgow in 1961, Carlyle grew up in a working-class family, and his early life was marked by poverty and hardship.

After leaving school at the age of 16, Carlyle worked a variety of jobs - from painting houses to being a chef - before discovering his passion for acting. He eventually attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where he honed his craft and began his professional career in the theatre.

Carlyle's breakthrough role came in the 1996 film "Trainspotting," in which he played the unstable and charismatic Begbie. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Carlyle's performance helped establish him as a rising star in the film industry.

Since then, Carlyle has gone on to appear in a range of films, including "The Full Monty," "Hamish Macbeth," and "28 Weeks Later." However, perhaps his most notable role in recent years has been as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold in the hit television series "Once Upon a Time."

Aside from his work as an actor, Carlyle has also ventured into directing and producing. In 2015, he directed and starred in the film "The Legend of Barney Thomson," which received positive reviews.

With his talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft, Robert Carlyle has firmly established himself as one of the most respected and accomplished actors working today.