A Scottish actor, he gained prominence with his role in "Billy Elliot" (2000) as the supportive yet struggling father. Born in 1958 in Glasgow, he initially worked various jobs before pursuing acting in his 30s. Known for his gritty, authentic performances, he has appeared in films like "Gangs of New York" (2002) and "Eragon" (2006), and TV series such as "Outlander." His dedication to his craft and ability to embody complex characters have earned him critical acclaim in both film and television.