Clare Grogan
The Glaswegian pixie who charmed a generation as the sweetheart of 'Gregory's Girl' and fronted the infectious pop band Altered Images.
Born 1962 (age 64)·Scottish actress and singer·Birthday: March 17·Baby Boomers
Biography
Clare Grogan emerged from the post-punk Glasgow scene as an unlikely double threat: a captivating actress and a breezy pop star. She was working in a record store when Bill Forsyth cast her as the endearingly quirky Susan in the beloved film 'Gregory's Girl,' a role that made her an instant icon of 1980s British youth. Simultaneously, she was lending her distinctive, girlish vocals to Altered Images, a band that transformed from jagged post-punk to sparkling, chart-topping pop. Hits like 'Happy Birthday' and 'Don't Talk to Me About Love' defined an era of indie-dancefloor joy. Grogan never rested on this early fame, however. She built a durable career as a television actress, most notably as the first incarnation of Kristine Kochanski in 'Red Dwarf,' and later as a presenter and personality. Her journey reflects a savvy navigation of pop culture, moving from teen idol to respected entertainer with wit and charm intact.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Clare was born in 1962, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Clare Was Born
The biggest hits of 1962
#1 Movie
Lawrence of Arabia
Best Picture
Lawrence of Arabia
#1 TV Show
Beverly Hillbillies
Clare's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1962Born
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1967Started school
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1975Became a teenager
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1978Could drive
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1980Could vote
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Turned 21
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1992Turned 30
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 40
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 50
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 60
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 64 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as the scene-stealing Susan in the cult classic Scottish film 'Gregory's Girl' (1981).
- As lead singer of Altered Images, achieved three UK Top 20 singles, including the iconic 'Happy Birthday'.
- Played the recurring role of Kristine Kochanski in the first three series of the seminal sci-fi comedy 'Red Dwarf'.
- Successfully transitioned to a broadcasting career, hosting children's TV and travel programs for the BBC and STV.
Did You Know?
She was discovered for 'Gregory's Girl' while working at the Glasgow branch of the Chelsea Girl clothing store.
She is a lifelong supporter of the Scottish football club Celtic FC.
She provided the voice for the character Isla in the popular children's animated series 'The Adventures of Portland Bill'.
In the 1990s, she ran a successful independent clothing boutique in London called 'The Ivory Tower'.
“I was just a wee girl from Glasgow who got a job in a record shop.”
