Iain Glen

Iain Glen Bio

Iain Alan Sutherland Glen (born 24 June 1961) is a Scottish actor known for his work on stage, film, and television. He gained broad recognition for his portrayal of Jorah Mormont in HBO’s Game of Thrones (2011–2019) and has appeared in major films including Mountains of the Moon (1990) and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001). An accomplished stage performer, Glen has starred in Shakespearean productions and earned Olivier Award nominations for The Blue Room, Martin Guerre, and The Crucible.

Early Life and Background

Glen was born on 24 June 1961 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He attended the Edinburgh Academy, an independent school for boys that has since become co-educational. His older brother is Hamish Glen, who has served as artistic director of the Dundee Repertory Theatre and later became artistic director of the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.

After completing his secondary education, Glen pursued higher learning at the University of Aberdeen. He then trained in acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, graduating in 1985 with an Acting Diploma. He won the prestigious Bancroft Gold Medal during his time at RADA.

Path to Actor

Glen’s journey into acting began with formal training at some of Britain’s most respected institutions. His education at Edinburgh Academy, followed by studies at the University of Aberdeen and ultimately at RADA, provided him with a strong foundation in dramatic arts. His early interest in performance was nurtured through this academic pathway.

Upon graduating from RADA in 1985, Glen quickly transitioned into professional work. His training equipped him with the skills necessary to begin his career in both theatre and screen acting, setting the stage for his eventual rise to international recognition.

Iain Glen Career

Early Career (1986–1990)

Glen made his screen debut in the 1988 film Paris by Night, appearing alongside Charlotte Rampling and Michael Gambon. That same year, he appeared in Gorillas in the Mist with Sigourney Weaver, establishing himself in the industry early on.

In 1990, Glen delivered a series of notable performances that would define his early career. He portrayed John Hanning Speke in Mountains of the Moon and played Larry Winters in Silent Scream, the latter earning him significant critical acclaim.

Breakthrough (1990)

The year 1990 proved to be pivotal for Glen. For his role in Silent Scream, he won the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 40th Berlin International Film Festival. That same year, he was cast as Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, in Tom Stoppard’s film adaptation of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, which went on to win the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. These consecutive achievements marked his breakthrough in the industry.

Notable Works and Milestones

Glen’s career encompasses a diverse range of roles across film, television, and theatre. He starred as Manfred Powell in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and portrayed Dr. Alexander Isaacs/Tyrant in three films of the Resident Evil series (2004–2016). On the small screen, he played the title character in the Irish crime series Jack Taylor from 2010 to 2016 and appeared as Sir Richard Carlisle in Downton Abbey (2011). His most internationally recognized role came as Ser Jorah Mormont in HBO’s Game of Thrones (2011–2019), where he played the exiled knight who serves as adviser to Daenerys Targaryen. More recently, he portrayed Bruce Wayne in Titans (2019–2021) and starred as Magnus MacMillan in The Rig (2023) and Dr. Pete Nichols in Silo (2023).

Theatre Achievements

An accomplished stage actor, Glen has portrayed titular roles in several Shakespeare productions, including Hamlet, Macbeth, and Henry V. He received three Laurence Olivier Award nominations for his performances in the original production of the musical Martin Guerre, the West End production of The Blue Room (starring opposite Nicole Kidman in 1998), and the 2006 West End revival of The Crucible, in which he portrayed John Proctor.

Iain Glen Awards Won

Glen has received multiple prestigious awards throughout his career. His performance in Silent Scream earned him the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1990. He later won Best Actor at the 2016 Taormina Film Fest for his work. His stage performances garnered three Laurence Olivier Award nominations.

Iain Glen Family

Glen has three children. He lives in South London with his family.

Personal Life

Glen resides in South London alongside his wife and three children. Outside of his acting career, he is a keen cricketer and has played for the Actors XI cricket team, demonstrating his passion for the sport beyond the stage and screen.