Born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was educated at the Edinburgh Academy, an independent school for boys (now co-educational), followed by the University of Aberdeen. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he was the winner of the Bancroft Gold Medal. He has appeared onstage as "Macbeth" (Tron Theatre), "Henry V" (Royal Shakespeare Company), starred in "Martin Guerre" and in "The Blue Room" with Nicole Kidman. He also received much acclaim for his role in "Silent Scream". He and

Credits include: Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, Skyfall, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Hugo and The Count of Monte Cristo

Credits include: Hitman, Lost, The 100, Possession and Half Light

Credits include: Goodbye Christopher Robin, Hush, On a Clear Day, Maigret Sets a Trap and Maigret's Dead Man

Credits include: From Hell, The Full Monty, Naked, Priest and Rita, Sue and Bob Too

Credits include: Inglourious Basterds, 300, Prometheus, X-Men: First Class and 12 Years a Slave