Still Game favourite Greg Hemphill has confessed to keeping his Hollywood acting roles a closely guarded secret from even his closest friends - for fear they might never actually make it to the big screen.
The Scottish comedy legend, best known for creating and starring as Victor McDade in the beloved BBC Scotland series, has worked on several major film projects in recent years. However, he's developed a policy of complete radio silence about these opportunities until he's absolutely certain they'll survive the final cut.
The Cutting Room Floor Fear
"I've done a couple of films in the last few years, and I don't tell anybody about them until they come out," Hemphill revealed during an appearance on the Off The Ball podcast. "Because there's nothing worse than being in something and then it ends up on the cutting room floor."
The 54-year-old actor and writer explained the painful reality of film production, where even significant roles can disappear during editing. "You're sitting with your pals going 'Did you see me in that?' and they're going 'No, we didn't see you at all.'"
From Craiglang to Hollywood
While Hemphill remains tight-lipped about specific projects, his approach highlights the unpredictable nature of film acting compared to his television work. The Glasgow-born star has built an impressive career beyond Still Game, including writing and performing in other successful Scottish comedies.
"It's a very different world from the certainty of television comedy," Hemphill noted, referring to the meticulous editing process that can see weeks of work reduced to mere moments - or disappear entirely.
A Cautious Approach to Success
Hemphill's cautious attitude toward announcing his film roles demonstrates a seasoned understanding of Hollywood's fickle nature. Rather than boasting about opportunities that might not materialise, he prefers to let the finished product speak for itself.
This pragmatic approach has served him well throughout his career, allowing him to maintain credibility while navigating the unpredictable waters of film production. His method ensures that when he does share news of a role, it's something friends and fans can actually go and see.
The actor's discretion about his Hollywood ventures shows that even established stars face uncertainties in the competitive film industry, where nothing is certain until the final credits roll.
