Gregor Fisher, the actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Rab C Nesbitt, is finding that life after weight loss comes with a surprising side effect: anonymity. The 72-year-old Scottish actor, who recently received a diabetes diagnosis, has been adjusting his lifestyle and, shedding pounds. He’s now discovering that many people no longer recognize him.
“I’ve lost quite a lot of weight because I was told I was diabetic and it might good if I could lose a couple of pounds,” Fisher told BBC Scotland’s News at Seven program. He joked that these days, only the “eagle-eyed people in his local supermarket” seem to make the connection between the man and the character.
However, Fisher doesn’t seem to mind the lack of recognition. “I quite like not being recognised by people noawadays, actually,” he admitted. This newfound anonymity offers a degree of freedom for an actor whose face has been synonymous with a beloved, and often-recognized, television personality for over three decades.
Fisher first rose to prominence with Rab C Nesbitt, a comedy series created by Ian Pattison that debuted in 1988 and ran for ten seasons, with a revival from 2010 to 2014. The show, a sharp and often surreal look at working-class life in Glasgow, cemented Fisher’s place in British comedy history. The character of Rab, an alcoholic philosopher prone to wearing only a vest, became a cultural touchstone.
Beyond Rab C Nesbitt, Fisher has enjoyed a diverse career, appearing in films such as Love Actually, Whisky Galore!, and The Merchant of Venice. This breadth of work demonstrates a versatility that extends beyond the instantly recognizable persona of Rab.
Currently, Fisher is balancing a UK tour, scheduled to begin in March, with a return to television in the BBC Scotland comedy Only Child. The series, which is preparing for a second season, stars Greg McHugh, known for his role as Gary: Tank Commander. Only Child explores the dynamics between a son, Richard (McHugh), and his aging, “wilful” father, Ken (Fisher), as Richard returns to northeast Scotland to care for him.
Fisher expressed his enthusiasm for continuing to work at his age. “It’s quite thrilling to be a 72-year-old and still be required to make television shows,” he said. He particularly praised McHugh, calling him “my favourite actor on the planet at the minute” and acknowledging a playfully contentious working relationship. “It’s great to be working with him, although I think I do annoy him now and again…,” Fisher added.
The diagnosis of diabetes prompted Fisher to make lifestyle changes, leading to the weight loss and subsequent shift in public perception. While the loss of instant recognition might seem jarring for a performer so closely associated with a specific character, Fisher appears to be embracing the change. It represents a new chapter, both personally and professionally, for an actor who continues to find creative fulfillment and connection with audiences.
The success of Only Child, and the anticipation surrounding its second series, suggests that Fisher’s career remains vibrant. The show’s exploration of intergenerational relationships resonates with contemporary audiences, and the comedic chemistry between Fisher and McHugh is clearly a key ingredient in its appeal. The series offers a different kind of role for Fisher, allowing him to showcase a different side of his comedic talent.
Fisher’s story is a reminder that even established performers can experience unexpected shifts in their public image. His ability to adapt and find humor in the situation speaks to his resilience and enduring appeal. As he prepares for his tour and continues work on Only Child, Gregor Fisher is proving that a career in entertainment can continue to evolve and surprise, even after decades in the spotlight.
