Richard Rankin
A versatile Scottish actor who moved from cult comedy sketches to anchoring major dramas as a time-traveling historian and a gritty Edinburgh detective.
Born 1983 (age 43)·Scottish actor·Birthday: January 4·Millennials
Biography
Richard Rankin played Roger Wakefield MacKenzie in 'Outlander,' navigating time-travel romance across four seasons of the Starz drama. Before that, he co-starred in 'Burnistoun,' a Scottish sketch comedy series that showcased his character versatility. The Glasgow-born actor, born in 1983, later took on Inspector John Rebus in a television adaptation of Ian Rankin's novels, bringing a younger, more volatile energy to the celebrated detective. His range spans from surreal humor to brooding psychological drama, allowing him to shift between genres without repeating roles. Rankin's career demonstrates adaptability rooted in strong character work, moving from comedy duos to literary adaptations without losing his everyman presence.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Richard was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Richard Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Richard's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
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
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Landed the leading role of Inspector John Rebus in the 2024 BBC series reboot, putting his own stamp on the iconic literary detective.
- Portrayed the pivotal character Roger Wakefield MacKenzie across multiple seasons of the internationally successful series 'Outlander'.
- Co-created and starred in the Scottish BAFTA-winning sketch comedy show 'Burnistoun,' which developed a strong cult following.
- Played serial killer Stephen Port in the BBC drama 'Four Lives,' a dramatic departure from his previous roles.
Did You Know?
His birth name is Richard Harris, but he uses the stage name 'Rankin' to avoid confusion with the late actor of the same name.
He is a qualified audio engineer and worked in sound design before pursuing acting full-time.
He is an avid photographer and often shares his work on social media.
“I'm drawn to characters with a hidden history, a fracture beneath the surface.”
