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Entertainment • Actor

Richard Rankin

Richard Rankin is a Scottish actor known for roles in television drama, comedy, and theatre.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Richard Rankin is a Scottish actor known for television, film, and theatre work. He is best known for the sketch series Burnistoun, the historical drama Outlander, and the BBC crime series Rebus. Born Richard Harris, he uses the professional surname Rankin to avoid confusion with actor Richard Harris.

Early life and background

Richard Rankin was born Richard Harris on 4 January 1983 in Rutherglen, Glasgow, Scotland. He later adopted his mother's maiden name, Rankin, professionally to avoid confusion with actor Richard Harris.

Career

Rankin began acting professionally in 2006 and appeared in Scottish television productions before moving into broader UK television work. His roles in Burnistoun, The Crimson Field, Silent Witness, The Syndicate, Thirteen, and Outlander helped establish his profile.

Notable roles

He is widely known for playing Roger Wakefield MacKenzie in Outlander and John Rebus in Rebus. He also received recognition for his work in the Scottish sketch comedy Burnistoun.

Film and theatre work

Sources identify Rankin as an actor in film, television, and theatre, including stage work with Black Watch. His screen credits also include films such as The House of Him and Adam Jones.

Key facts

  • He began his professional acting career in 2006.
  • He first gained wider attention through the Scottish sketch show Burnistoun.
  • He played Roger Wakefield MacKenzie in Outlander.
  • He portrayed John Rebus in the BBC crime series Rebus.
  • He was born Richard Harris and adopted Rankin, his mother’s maiden name, as his stage surname.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Richard Rankin?
Richard Rankin is a Scottish actor known for television, film, and theatre work, especially Burnistoun, Outlander, and Rebus.
What is Richard Rankin’s birth name?
His birth name is Richard Harris.
When was Richard Rankin born?
He was born on 4 January 1983.
What is Richard Rankin best known for?
He is best known for Burnistoun, Outlander, and Rebus.
Why does he use the surname Rankin?
He uses his mother’s maiden name professionally to avoid confusion with the actor Richard Harris.
What nationality is Richard Rankin?
He is Scottish.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Rankin
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, and best-known roles including Burnistoun, Outlander, and Rebus.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3044664/
    Supports: Birthplace, birth name, career background, stage-name explanation, and acting credits.
  3. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Rankin
    Supports: Birth name, Scottish actor identification, and roles in The Crimson Field, The Syndicate, Thirteen, and Outlander.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/richard_rankin
    Supports: Birth details, career overview, and notable television roles.
  5. All American Speakers — https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Richard+Rankin/446695
    Supports: Career milestones including Silent Witness and casting in Outlander.
  6. Famous Birthdays — https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/richard-rankin.html
    Supports: Early career references, VideoGaiden debut, and selected film credits.
  7. Wonderland Magazine — https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2015/07/22/profile-richard-rankin/
    Supports: Career trajectory and selected credits in television and film.