Greg Hemphill is a multi-award-winning Scottish comedian, actor, writer, and director best known for co-creating and starring in the legendary BBC sitcom Still Game and the sketch show Chewin’ the Fat. Born in Glasgow but raised in Montreal, Hemphill returned to Scotland at age 18 to study at the University of Glasgow, where he met his long-term creative partner Ford Kiernan. As of 2026, Hemphill remains a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, recently expanding his portfolio with the hit travelogue series Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim, a role in the high-profile sci-fi series Silo, and even a cameo in the global blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine. This comprehensive guide explores his early life in Canada, his rise to fame on the Scottish comedy circuit, his tenure as University Rector, and his ongoing influence on modern television.
Early Life and Canadian Roots
Gregory Edward Hemphill was born on December 14, 1969, in the Springburn district of Glasgow. His family moved to Montreal, Canada, in the mid-1970s when Greg was roughly five years old, following his father’s career as a chartered accountant.
Growing up in the West Island of Montreal, Hemphill developed a unique Scottish-Canadian accent and a perspective that blended North American ambition with Glaswegian wit. Despite his time abroad, he frequently noted that he “always felt Scottish,” a sentiment fueled by the Scottish diaspora community in Quebec and the British comedy records his parents played at home.
Education and University Rectorate
Hemphill returned to Scotland in 1988 at the age of 18 to enroll at the University of Glasgow. He graduated with an MA Honours Degree in Theatre, Film, and Television, a foundation that proved vital for his later scriptwriting success.
In 2001, at the height of his Chewin’ the Fat fame, Hemphill was elected as the 118th Rector of the University of Glasgow. He served until 2004, defeating noted author Alasdair Gray for the position and using his platform to advocate for student accessibility and engagement.
The Partnership with Ford Kiernan
The most significant professional turning point for Hemphill was meeting Ford Kiernan on the Scottish stand-up circuit in the early 1990s. The pair discovered a shared comedic sensibility and began collaborating on sketches for BBC Scotland’s Pulp Video in 1996.
This partnership led to the creation of Chewin’ the Fat (1999–2005), which became a cultural phenomenon in Scotland. The show introduced iconic characters like the “Banter Boys” and the “Lighthouse Keepers,” but it was the elderly duo Jack and Victor that resonated most deeply with the public.
Still Game: A Cultural Phenomenon
Originally a stage play at the Edinburgh Festival in 1997, Still Game was developed into a full sitcom in 2002. Hemphill starred as Victor McDade, the slightly more “dapper” and cautious counterpart to Kiernan’s Jack Jarvis.
The show ran for six initial series before a seven-year hiatus caused by a personal and professional rift between the creators. They reunited for a record-breaking run of live shows at the SSE Hydro in 2014, followed by three more television series, ultimately concluding the saga with a poignant finale in 2019.
Recent Projects and Global Roles (2024–2026)
In recent years, Greg Hemphill has successfully transitioned from regional comedy to international productions. In 2024, he made a surprise appearance as a seedy bartender in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” marking his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
By late 2025 and early 2026, Hemphill’s visibility increased with a role in the second season of the Apple TV+ series Silo as Head Guard Randy. He also starred in the ITV drama Coldwater and continues to co-present the popular BBC series Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim alongside his wife.
Personal Life and Family
Greg Hemphill is married to fellow actress Julie Wilson Nimmo, famously known for her role as Miss Hoolie in Balamory. The couple married in 1999 and have two sons, often collaborating on creative projects together.
The family resides in Glasgow, where Hemphill is an active member of the local community and a vocal supporter of the Scottish arts. His brother, Steve Hemphill, also works in the industry and made a memorable cameo in an episode of Still Game as a CN Tower lift operator.
Greg Hemphill is a Scottish comedian, actor, writer, and director best known as one half of the double‑act behind the BBC Scotland sitcom Still Game and the sketch show
Comedy Partner and Early Stage Work
Greg Hemphill’s professional comedy partnership with Ford Kiernan began in the late 1980s at the University of Glasgow, where both studied. The pair quickly developed a shared style based on observational humour, exaggerated regional accents, and sketches rooted in everyday Scottish life. Their early act evolved into a sketch‑based performing team that began appearing at local venues and student events around Glasgow.
One of Hemphill’s first major stage breakthroughs came at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1990, when he performed as part of the troupe “Trio Brothers Troup” with Rab Christie and Neil Warhurst. The group won the “So You Think You’re Funny” award that year, a prestigious prize for new stand‑up and sketch acts. This early success at the Fringe helped Hemphill gain industry attention and opened doors to radio and television work in the early 1990s.
Radio and Early TV Roles
Before he became widely known as a television writer, Greg Hemphill worked extensively in radio, particularly for BBC Radio Scotland. He was one of the original presenters of the popular football talk show Off the Ball, which became a staple of Scottish sports broadcasting. His clear delivery, sense of humour, and grasp of football culture made him a familiar voice to listeners across Scotland.
In television, Hemphill built a reputation as a versatile performer with small roles in a range of programmes. He appeared in ensemble comedy projects and one‑off sketches, often playing characters with strong Glasgow accents or quirky personalities. These early appearances allowed him to refine his acting style and deepen his understanding of timing and script structure, which later fed into his work as a writer and director.
Chewin’ the Fat: Breakthrough Sketch Show
Greg Hemphill’s first major co‑creation on television was the sketch show Chewin’ the Fat, which he developed with Ford Kiernan. The programme debuted on BBC Scotland in 1999 and quickly became a cult hit, known for its irreverent, grounded sketches set in everyday Scottish communities. The show ran until 2005, producing multiple series and specials that helped define the tone of late‑1990s and early‑2000s Scottish comedy.
Chewin’ the Fat featured recurring characters such as the “Bank Manager” and “Walks Like a Penguin,” skits like the “Christmas Night with the Stars” parody, and location‑based sketches set in pubs, tenements, and housing schemes. Hemphill contributed both on‑screen performances and behind‑the‑scenes writing, often playing semi‑recognisable urban types such as irritated shopkeepers, well‑meaning locals, or deadpan civil servants. The show’s use of strong regional dialects and detailed social observation marked it out from more generic British sketch series of the time.
The success of Chewin’ the Fat established Hemphill and Kiernan as leading figures in Scottish television comedy. It also served as a creative testing ground for the character dynamics and narrative structure that they would later expand into their long‑running sitcom Still Game. For many viewers, Chewin’ the Fat remains a key reference point for understanding the style and humour that Hemphill brings to his later work.
Still Game: Sitcom Creation and Legacy
Still Game is the project for which Greg Hemphill is best known, and it forms the cornerstone of his on‑screen legacy. Co‑created with Ford Kiernan, the show began as a stage play in the mid‑1990s before moving to television, where it first aired on BBC Scotland in 2002. The series follows the lives of two older friends, Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade, living in the fictional Glasgow district of Craiglang, and combines farce, social commentary, and emotional depth.
The show ran for six series between 2002 and 2007, then returned for a further run from 2016 to 2019, giving Hemphill a role both as a writer and as one of the regular cast members. As a scriptwriter and producer, he helped shape the world of Still Game, creating supporting characters, recurring locations such as the local café (“The Clansman”), and storylines that reflected ageing, community, and class in contemporary Scotland. His contributions ensured that the series balanced broad comedy with quieter, more reflective moments.
Beyond ratings success in Scotland, Still Game achieved a cult following across the UK and even in international markets through streaming and DVD releases. Spin‑off films and live stage tours based on the show have extended its lifespan, with Hemphill often involved in writing and overseeing production. The programme’s enduring popularity has made it a touchstone for anyone interested in modern Scottish television comedy and in the type of character work Hemphill specialises in.
Effingee Productions and Creative Control
Greg Hemphill is a co‑owner and executive producer of Effingee Productions, the Glasgow‑based production company he runs with Ford Kiernan. Effingee has been responsible for making and packaging both Chewin’ the Fat and Still Game, as well as later stage tours and related projects. Taking on an executive producer role has allowed Hemphill a degree of creative control, ensuring that the tone, casting, and overall vision of his work remain consistent with his and Kiernan’s original ideas.
Through Effingee, Hemphill has also been involved in developing new formats and training younger writers and performers. The company has helped bridge the gap between local Glasgow talent and national broadcasters, giving emerging comedians a platform to showcase their work. This behind‑the‑scenes role underscores that Hemphill is not only a performer but also a key architect of the Scottish comedy ecosystem around him.
Writing and Directing Beyond Sitcoms
In addition to writing for television sitcoms, Greg Hemphill has expanded into directing and writing for film and stage projects. In 2016 he co‑wrote and directed the horror‑comedy short film West Skerra Light with Donald McLeary, marking his first full‑length foray into film direction. The project combined dark humour with a classic “remote‑island‑lighthouse” setting, showcasing his ability to work outside the more familiar pub‑and‑street environments of his TV work.
He later collaborated on the black‑comedy ghost‑hunting drama Long Night at Blackstone, blending supernatural elements with deadpan Scottish humour. These ventures demonstrate that Hemphill’s creative interests extend beyond regular sitcom formats into genre‑based storytelling and more atmospheric narratives. By taking on roles as both writer and director, he has broadened his influence across different kinds of screen entertainment.
University Role and Public Voice
Greg Hemphill served as Rector of the University of Glasgow from 2001 to 2004, a position elected by students that acts as an advocate for the student body within the university’s governance structure. In this role he chaired the University Court and represented student interests in discussions about fees, teaching quality, and campus life, bringing a high‑profile public figure’s voice into institutional debates. His time as Rector connected him back to the student community that had first nurtured his comedy partnership with Ford Kiernan.
Beyond formal university duties, Hemphill has used his public profile to speak on issues such as arts funding, education, and the importance of accessible culture. He has appeared in interviews and public forums to argue for stronger support for Scottish creative industries, including television drama and comedy. This advocacy role complements his on‑screen work, positioning him as both an entertainer and a commentator on Scottish cultural policy.
Voice Work and Later Acting Roles
Alongside his live‑action television and stage work, Greg Hemphill has taken on a number of voice roles that highlight his range as a performer. Notable examples include narrating the H.P. Lovecraft adapted The Dunwich Horror and lent his voice to animated projects such as the Scottish‑made film Sir Billi, in which he played the character Officer McTavish. These roles allowed him to explore different registers of delivery, from the measured and dramatic to the more cartoon‑like and comedic.
Into the 2020s, Hemphill continued to act in television films and series, including roles in the drama Glasgow Girls and the short‑form film Swung. More recently, he has appeared in major international productions such as Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), where he played a seedy bartender, and the animated feature Man and Witch: The Dance of a Thousand Steps (2024), in which he voiced the Ogre King. These appearances show that his recognisable voice and screen presence remain in demand even as the wider entertainment landscape shifts toward big‑budget franchises.
Personal Life and Public Image
Greg Hemphill is married to actress and presenter Julie Wilson Nimmo, who is also known for her work in children’s television and voiceover roles. The couple has a son named Benny, and their family life is generally kept out of the spotlight, reflecting Hemphill’s preference for privacy despite his public profile. When he does discuss his personal background, he tends to emphasise his Glasgow roots and his connection to the communities he portrays on screen.
In interviews and public appearances, Hemphill often comes across as grounded, thoughtful, and self‑deprecating, mirroring some of the traits found in his best‑known characters. He speaks openly about the challenges of aging, changing audiences, and the evolving business of television, but without the overt cynicism that sometimes marks longer‑running performers. This consistency between his public persona and his on‑screen work has helped him build a loyal fan base that follows his career across multiple projects.
Impact on Scottish Comedy
Greg Hemphill’s influence on Scottish comedy lies not only in his individual shows but in the way he and Ford Kiernan helped normalise strong Glasgow accents and working‑class settings on mainstream television. Before the success of Chewin’ the Fat and Still Game, many Scottish programmes either avoided broad regional accents or leaned heavily on caricature. Hemphill’s writing embraced those accents and environments with a mixture of affection and satire, giving them a level of authenticity rarely seen before.
He has also influenced a generation of younger Scottish comedians who cut their teeth on local sketches, radio shows, and stage productions inspired by his work. Many of these performers cite Chewin’ the Fat and Still Game as formative viewing that made them feel that their own voices and experiences could belong on television. By combining sharp writing with detailed characterisation and a clear sense of place, Hemphill has helped expand the range of stories that Scottish comedy can tell.
Awards, Recognition, and Honours
Throughout his career, Greg Hemphill has received recognition from both industry bodies and the public for his contribution to Scottish television and comedy. Chewin’ the Fat and Still Game have won multiple awards and have been nominated for national comedy and entertainment prizes, including Royal Television Society and BAFTA Scotland honours. These accolades acknowledge not only the popularity of the shows but also the quality of the writing and production that Hemphill oversees.
In addition to competitive awards, Hemphill’s work has been recognised through repeat viewership, long‑running DVD sales, and successful live tours based on Still Game. The fact that audiences continue to return to his shows years after their original broadcast speaks to their cultural longevity. Within Scotland, his name is now closely associated with a particular era and style of home‑grown comedy that has become part of the national television canon.
Current Projects and Recent Work
As of the early 2020s, Greg Hemphill continues to work across television, film, and stage while also maintaining involvement in production and development through Effingee. He has appeared in recent scripted projects and lent his voice to animated features, confirming that he remains active in front of the camera even as streaming platforms reshape the business of comedy. At the same time, he has hinted in interviews at further stage tours and potential new formats, suggesting that his creative partnership with Ford Kiernan is far from over.
Given the enduring appeal of Still Game, there is also ongoing interest in spin‑offs, specials, or re-imagined formats that might revisit the characters and setting in new ways. Hemphill has indicated that any future projects would need to respect the original tone and timing of the show, avoiding simple repetition in favour of fresh storylines. This cautious, audience‑aware approach reflects his long‑term commitment both to the integrity of his work and to the viewers who have supported him for decades.
How to Follow Greg Hemphill Online
Greg Hemphill’s work can be followed through a mix of broadcasters, streaming platforms, and occasional social‑media‑linked promotions. BBC iPlayer and other national streaming services often carry repeat runs of Chewin’ the Fat and Still Game, making them accessible to both long‑time fans and new viewers. DVDs and box sets of these series are also available, along with recordings of live Still Game stage shows, which can be found in mainstream retail and online marketplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the battle for the University of Glasgow Rectorate in 2001?
Greg Hemphill won the election, defeating several high-profile candidates including the acclaimed Scottish author and artist Alasdair Gray.
Is there a Still Game movie in development for 2026?
No, Ford Kiernan officially debunked these rumors in early 2025, stating that no film is currently in production and the characters’ story has ended.
What is Greg Hemphill’s role in the series Silo? Hemphill plays “Head Guard Randy,” a recurring character introduced in Season 2 who oversees security within the underground silo.
How many seasons of Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim are there?
As of early 2026, there are three series of the show, with the most recent season focusing specifically on the South of Scotland and the Borders.
Did Greg Hemphill really write a book about swimming?
Jules & Greg’s Wild Swim, co-authored with Julie Wilson Nimmo, was released in January 2026 as both a memoir and a practical guide to Scottish swimming spots.
What was the “split” between Hemphill and Kiernan about?
The pair had a professional “burnout” and personal rift in 2007, which led to a seven-year hiatus before their successful 2014 reunion.
Does Greg Hemphill still do stand-up comedy?
While he occasionally appears at festivals for talks, he primarily focuses on acting, directing, and scriptwriting rather than traditional stand-up.
Final Thoughts
Greg Hemphill has successfully transitioned from a regional comedy legend to a versatile international actor and documentarian. While the door to Still Game remains closed for now—with Hemphill noting that “sometimes these things are better left alone”—his partnership with Ford Kiernan continues through successful ventures like their Jack and Victor whisky and gin lines. His 2024 Hollywood debut in Deadpool & Wolverine and his recurring role in the Apple TV+ sci-fi epic Silo demonstrate his range beyond the flat-caps of Craiglang.
Through his work with Julie Wilson Nimmo on Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim, Hemphill has also become an advocate for wellness and the Scottish landscape. Whether writing “chilling” ghost stories or curating the next generation of Scottish comedy talent in Queen of the New Year, Hemphill’s influence on the UK entertainment industry remains profound. He continues to live in Glasgow, remaining a central figure in the city’s vibrant arts scene.
To Read More: Manchester Independent