Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ewan McGregor

How Ewan McGregor built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ewan McGregor is a celebrated Scottish actor recognized with a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award. His contributions extend beyond acting, as evidenced by his appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013. This honor acknowledges his impact on both drama and charitable work.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1997: Empire Magazine Ranking

In 1997, Ewan McGregor was ranked number 36 on Empire magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list.

2004: Most Influential Person in British Culture

In a 2004 poll for the BBC, Ewan McGregor was named the fourth most influential person in British culture.

2004: UNICEF UK Involvement

Since 2004, Ewan McGregor has been involved with UNICEF UK and GO Campaign. During the Long Way Round journey in 2004, McGregor and his travelling companions witnessed some of UNICEF's work in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.

2007: UNICEF Work During Long Way Down

During the Long Way Down trip in 2007, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman did some work for UNICEF in Africa.

2009: Hollywood Gala for GO Campaign

In 2009, Ewan McGregor hosted the annual Hollywood gala for the GO Campaign.

2009: Feminist Stance on Nudity in Films

In 2009, Ewan McGregor stated that he identifies as a feminist and prefers to avoid women being naked in films, considering it a feminist act.

2010: Hollywood Gala for GO Campaign Hosted

In 2010, Ewan McGregor hosted the annual Hollywood gala for the GO Campaign.

2010: Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

In 2010, Ewan McGregor was appointed by the French government as a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight of the Order of the Arts and Letters).

2012: Ewan McGregor: Cold Chain Mission Documentary

In 2012, Ewan McGregor appeared in a two-part BBC documentary entitled Ewan McGregor: Cold Chain Mission. In the documentary, McGregor travels by motorbike, boat, plane, and foot to deliver vaccines to children in remote parts of India, Nepal and the Republic of Congo. This trip was part of his work as a UNICEF Ambassador.

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2012: Travels with UNICEF immunization workers

In 2012, Ewan McGregor travelled with UNICEF immunization workers to remote parts of India, Nepal and the Republic of Congo for a BBC2 documentary entitled Ewan McGregor: Cold Chain Mission.

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2013: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

In 2013, Ewan McGregor was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours for services to drama and charity.

June 2015: GivingTales app reading

In June 2015, Ewan McGregor read Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl" for the children's fairy tales app GivingTales in aid of UNICEF, along with other prominent figures.

2019: Long Way Up Trip Begins

In 2019, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman began a third international trip, this time on Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycles. From September to December, they rode from Patagonia, Argentina to California, United States.

2020: Long Way Up Series

In 2020, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's journey from Patagonia, Argentina to California, United States, which they undertook in 2019, was documented in the series Long Way Up.

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October 2023: Artists4Ceasefire Letter

In October 2023, Ewan McGregor signed an open letter by Artists4Ceasefire during the Gaza war.

2024: Fourth International Trip

In 2024, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman began a fourth international trip, this time on a 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado police bike, while Boorman chooses a BMW R75/5.