For nearly four decades, actor Gregor Fisher has been inextricably linked to his most famous creation: the perpetually drunk, string-vested Glasgow rogue, Rab C Nesbitt. Now, the 71-year-old has opened up about the profound and lasting impact the role has had on his career and public perception.
The Unshakeable Shadow of a Glasgow Rogue
Gregor Fisher first appeared as the foul-mouthed, proudly unemployed anti-hero Rab C Nesbitt in 1988. The character, with his thick, often slurred Glaswegian dialect, quickly became one of Scottish television's most notorious and beloved figures, drawing millions of viewers at its peak. Fisher played the role consistently between 1990 and 1999, a period that cemented his place in the nation's cultural landscape.
Despite a long and varied career, the actor confesses that the assumption he is indistinguishable from Nesbitt has been difficult to escape. He revealed that even when auditioning for new parts, casting directors were often taken aback. "People would say to me, after I'd done an audition, 'Well that's absolutely marvellous, I didn't realise you could speak properly'," Fisher told The Guardian. He added with a hint of frustration, "These people don't know what acting is."
A Varied Career Beyond the String Vest
While Rab C Nesbitt defined his public image, Fisher's career extends far beyond the Govan streets. He has earned acclaim on stage with the National Theatre of Scotland in the comedy 'Yer Granny' and received praise for his performance opposite Greg McHugh in the BBC sitcom 'Only Child'. His film credits include notable appearances in 'Love Actually' and 'The Merchant of Venice'.
Fisher is philosophical about the typecasting, stating he does not regret the drunken role that made him famous. "Well, I was never going to play Romeo. Maybe on the wireless," he quipped. "Your career is your career is your career. We've all got bills to pay." He explained that an actor's path is often not a matter of choice but is dictated by casting directors who decide what they want an actor to do.
The Financial Realities of an Acting Life
As he prepares to go on tour as himself, Fisher was candid about the financial motivations that sometimes drive his professional decisions. He admitted that practical concerns, like an impending tax bill, can make even an unappealing script suddenly attractive.
"I've had some scripts sitting on my shelf for months, until the tax bill comes in," he said. "I'll be thinking, 'This is crap', but then suddenly it's, 'Oh thanks, I'd love to do it. Yes, I've got a window for that'. That's how a career works." This honest admission highlights the pragmatic reality behind the glamour of acting, a career built as much on necessity as on art.
