Ewan McGregor, the actor chosen by Empire magazine as one of "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time," was born March 31, 1971, in Crieff, Scotland. He was studying drama at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama when he was cast in the 1993 BBC series "Lipstick on Your Collar."

Two films for director Danny Boyle boosted McGregor's visibility: Shallow Grave and Trainspotting (1996). Notable work in The Pillow Book, Emma, Velvet Goldmine and A Life Less Ordinary helped him land the role for which he's now known around the world: the young Obi-Wan Kenobi in the second Star Wars trilogy, which began with The Phantom Menace (1999). McGregor studied the films of Alec Guinness to nail his predecessor's voice and manner.

He sang with Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge!, played the young Albert Finney in Big Fish and did voice work for Robots (2005). His production company is called Natural Nylon. ... - from Netflix