Scottish Female Film & Theater Personalities

Karen Gillan is one of the most popular and successful actresses from Scotland. She is best known for playing Nebula and Ruby Roundhouse in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films and Jumanji film series respectively. Also a filmmaker, she wrote and directed The Party's Just Beginning, apart from acting in the film. She is also a philanthropist.

Kelly Macdonald is a Scottish actress known for playing Diane Coulston in the 1996 black comedy-drama film, Trainspotting. Kelly Macdonald received critical appreciation for portraying Gina in the made-for-television drama film, The Girl in the Café, for which she won the Primetime Emmy Award. Eastwood High School, where she studied, has a theatre and drama studio named in her honor.

Rose Leslie is a popular Scottish actress who gained international fame after portraying Ygritte in one of the most popular TV series of all time, Game of Thrones. Thanks to her popularity, she serves as an icon and inspiration to several aspiring Scottish actresses and models.

Nicola Sturgeon is a Scottish politician. Since 2014, Sturgeon has been serving as the leader of the Scottish National Party and first minister of Scotland. Being the first woman to serve in these positions, Nicola Sturgeon is seen as a major inspiration to women across Scotland.

Scottish actor Lindsay Duncan is known for her Tony- and Olivier Award-winning role in Private Lives. She came to be known as the star of many plays by playwright Harold Pinter. On TV, she has also played Barbara Douglas in G.B.H. and Servilia of the Junii in Rome.

While she initially presented family and children’s shows, Gail Porter stunned everyone when a nude photo of her, which was part of an FHM campaign, was projected on the British Houses of Parliament. She was later diagnosed with alopecia and worked with charities to raise awareness about the condition.

Kate Dickie is a Scottish actress known for playing important roles in television series like Tinsel Town and Game of Thrones. For her portrayal of Jackie in the 2006 thriller film Red Road, Dickie won a British Academy Scotland Award and a British Independent Film Award. She is also known for her association with the popular theatre company, Solar Bear.

Scottish actress Chloe Pirrie rose to fame with her role in the miniseries, The Game. Since then, she has appeared in several TV shows and films, playing versatile roles. She began acting in school and graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She won the Most Promising Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards 2013.

Moira Shearer was a Scottish actress and ballet dancer. She is best remembered for playing an important role in the movie The Red Shoes. Although Moira Shearer went on to work as a dancer and actress for many decades after making her acting debut in The Red Shoes, she is still primarily known for her portrayal of Vicky in the 1948 film.

Scottish-born Marianna Palka is best known for her towering frame and her award-winning direction in the film Good Dick, which she also wrote and starred in. She has also gained fame with her critically acclaimed films TriBeCa Neds and Bitch. She inspired the Academy Award-shortlisted documentary The Lion's Mouth Opens.