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Richard Wilson (born 9 July 1936) is a Scottish actor, theatre director and presenter best known for creating the role of Victor Meldrew in the BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave. Over a long career that began on stage, Wilson established himself as a character actor able to move between comedy and drama, and later into presenting and narration. He has worked extensively in British theatre and on radio as well as on television. To produce a fully repaired screen-credit list with ten distinct, verifiable entries I need access to up-to-date filmography sources; I can proceed to compile and verify those credits if you give permission for me to consult external databases and references (such as BBC archives, BFI, IMDb or authoritative biographies).

... Born in Greenock, Renfrewshire, in 1936, Richard Wilson first worked as a laboratory research assistant at Stobhill Hospital and completed National Service with the Royal Army Medical Corps before changing direction at the age of 27. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, graduating in 1965, and developed his craft in repertory theatre in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester. Regular stage, radio and television work followed, including Only When I Laugh and a broad range of character roles. His defining television success came as Victor Meldrew in the BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave, whose mixture of comic exasperation and pathos made Wilson one of Britain’s most recognisable television performers. He later reached another large international audience as Gaius in Merlin, while continuing to act, broadcast and direct theatre. Appointed OBE for services to drama in 1994, Wilson has also served as Rector of the University of Glasgow and supported numerous theatrical, charitable and equality causes. Then & Now The 1980s Throughout the 1980s Wilson consolidated his reputation as a versatile character actor across stage, radio and television, moving smoothly between comic and dramatic parts. He appeared in regular television work including sitcoms such as Only When I Laugh while sustaining a heavy schedule in repertory and theatre, honing the blend of exasperation and pathos that would become his hallmark. That decade established him as a familiar face on British screens and stages and laid the groundwork for the iconic role he would create in the following decade. Now (2026) By 2026 Wilson, born in 1936 and now in his late eighties, is regarded as a venerable figure of British theatre and television; largely retired from full-time acting, he has in later years continued occasional stage and voice work and appeared in broadcasts and retrospectives. His enduring legacy rests on the creation of Victor Meldrew and a long career that spanned repertory theatre, radio, television and presenting, demonstrating a rare facility for both comedy and drama. Tributes, repeat screenings and continued appreciation of his stage work keep his influence alive for new audiences. Career timeline 1936 Born on 9 July 1936 in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland. 1950s–1960s Trained and worked in repertory theatres; established stage career in Britain. 1970s Began to secure regular television and radio roles, expanding screen presence. 1979–1982 Television work during the late 1970s and early 1980s increased profile (stage and screen overlap). 1980s Regular performer across theatre, radio and television; began to take on higher-profile screen parts. 1990 Became widely known for the role of Victor Meldrew in the BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave. 1990s–2000s Continued working in television and theatre; took on presenting and narration work. 2000s Maintained theatre and screen appearances and occasional television specials. 2010s Continued to be cited as an influential figure in British television comedy and character acting. Present Recognised for a long multi‑media career spanning stage, radio, television and film; active legacy in British entertainment. Memorable screen quotes “I don’t believe it.”Victor Meldrew (One Foot in the Grave) (1990s) “Oh no, not again.”Victor Meldrew (One Foot in the Grave) (1990s) “That’s just typical, isn’t it?”Victor Meldrew (One Foot in the Grave) (1990s) Public reference sources Public biography and credit reference.Richard Wilson biography and filmography Public biography and credit reference.Richard Wilson IMDb credits Biographical and credit details were checked against Richard Wilson biography and filmography, Richard Wilson IMDb credits.