Robert Carlyle at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities > Actors, Celebrities
- Net Worth: $5 Million
- Birthdate: Apr 14, 1961 (63 years old)
- Birthplace: Maryhill
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Actor
- Nationality: Scotland
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Robert Carlyle’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Actor’s Career and Finances
Robert Carlyle, the acclaimed Scottish actor, has captivated audiences for decades with his versatile performances and memorable roles. But what about his financial standing? This article delves into Robert Carlyle’s net worth, exploring his extensive career across film and television, along with a glimpse into his personal life.
Early Life
Born on April 14, 1961, in the Maryhill area of Glasgow, Scotland, Robert Carlyle’s early life was marked by challenges. His mother left the family when he was just four years old, and he was raised by his father, a painter and decorator. Leaving school at 16, Carlyle initially worked alongside his father. However, a turning point arrived when he started taking night classes at Cardonald College. At 21, he became involved with the Glasgow Arts Centre, which led him to attend the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where he honed his acting skills.
Career Beginnings
Carlyle’s professional journey began in the world of theater. In the early 1990s, he co-founded the Raindog Theatre Company in Glasgow with his friend Alexander Morton. The company’s inaugural production, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” which Carlyle directed and Morton starred in, proved to be a success. This was followed by a production of “Macbeth,” also featuring Morton. These early theatrical ventures provided a foundation for Carlyle’s burgeoning career.
Film Career in the 90s: The Rise to International Fame
The 1990s marked a significant period for Carlyle’s film career. His feature film debut came in 1990 with “Silent Scream,” a biographical crime drama. The following year, he secured his first leading role in Ken Loach’s “Riff-Raff,” playing an ex-convict turned builder. This was followed by roles in “Being Human” and “Priest.”
1996 proved to be a pivotal year. Carlyle achieved international recognition with Danny Boyle’s “Trainspotting,” where he delivered a memorable performance as the volatile heroin addict Francis Begbie. That same year, he also garnered critical acclaim for his role in Ken Loach’s “Carla’s Song.” His success continued in 1997, with the comedy “The Full Monty.” His portrayal of Gaz Schofield, the leader of a group of male strippers, earned him the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He also received accolades for his performance in the crime drama “Face.” The decade concluded with roles in “Plunkett & Macleane,” “Ravenous,” the James Bond film “The World Is Not Enough,” and the adaptation of “Angela’s Ashes.”
Further Film Career: Diverse Roles and Directorial Debut
The 2000s continued to showcase Carlyle’s versatility. He reunited with Danny Boyle for “The Beach” in 2000 and appeared alongside Ray Winstone in “There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble.” He then starred in a diverse range of films, including “To End All Wars,” “The 51st State,” “Once Upon a Time in the Midlands,” “Black and White,” “Dead Fish,” and “The Mighty Celt.”
In 2005, he starred with Marisa Tomei in “Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing and Charm School.” He then appeared in the fantasy action film “Eragon.” Following that, Carlyle starred in the horror sequel “28 Weeks Later” and the disaster film “Flood.”
In 2008, Carlyle featured in the comedy “Stone of Destiny,” the drama “Summer,” and the crime thriller “I Know You Know.” Subsequently, he starred in the action thriller “The Tournament” and the drama “California Solo.” In 2015, Carlyle took on a new challenge, making his directorial debut with the comedy thriller “The Legend of Barney Thomson,” in which he also starred. Among his other notable film credits, Carlyle reprised his iconic role as Begbie in 2017’s “T2 Trainspotting” and portrayed John Lennon in the rom-com “Yesterday.”

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Television Career: From Detective Series to Blockbuster Dramas
Carlyle’s television career began in 1990 with an episode of the Scottish detective series “Taggart.” He went on to appear in episodes of “The Bill,” “Screenplay,” and “99-1.” In 1994, he had a recurring role in the crime series “Cracker,” playing the murderer Albie Kinsella for three episodes.
He landed his first leading role on television, playing the titular Highland policeman in the mystery series “Hamish Macbeth,” which ran for three seasons from 1995 to 1998. Carlyle subsequently starred in the miniseries “Looking After Jo Jo.”
In 2003, Carlyle’s performance as the titular dictator in the miniseries “Hitler: The Rise of Evil” was highly acclaimed. The following year, he portrayed King James I in the miniseries “Gunpowder, Treason & Plot.” He continued his miniseries work in 2005 with “Human Trafficking,” which earned him an Emmy Award nomination. Further television films included “Class of ’76” and “Born Equal.” He also appeared alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in the miniseries “The Last Enemy.” He starred in television films such as “24: Redemption” and “The Unloved.” From 2009 to 2011, Carlyle played Dr. Nicholas Rush in the science-fiction series “Stargate Universe.” From 2011 to 2018, he played the role of Rumplestiltskin in the ABC fantasy series “Once Upon a Time.” His other television credits include the miniseries “The War of the Worlds” and the drama series “COBRA,” where he plays the fictional British Prime Minister Robert Sutherland.
Other Media Ventures
Beyond film and television, Carlyle has ventured into other media. He starred in a long-form commercial for Johnnie Walker Scotch in 2009. He also lent his voice to the reboot of the “Castlevania” video game franchise, providing the voice for the character Gabriel Belmont.
Personal Life
Robert Carlyle married makeup artist Anastasia Shirley in 1997. The couple has a daughter, Ava, and two sons, Harvey and Pearce.
Conclusion
Robert Carlyle’s net worth reflects a successful career built on a foundation of talent, versatility, and hard work. From his early theater days to his iconic film and television roles, Carlyle has consistently delivered compelling performances, solidifying his place as one of Scotland’s most celebrated actors.