Actor Gregor Fisher, widely recognized for his role as the titular character in the BBC sitcom "Rab C. Nesbitt," has spoken about his initial hesitations in taking on the iconic part and the challenges of moving beyond it.
Fisher, 72, recently made a public appearance dressed in a blue and white shirt and red vest, a departure from the signature string vest and grubby blazer associated with his most famous role. The actor also had his own show at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, titled "An (Early) Evening With Gregor Fisher."
"Rab C. Nesbitt," which aired from 1988 to 2014, became a celebrated sitcom, often described as "Glasgow's greatest ever." The series attracted up to five million viewers at its peak and centered on Rab, an unemployed Glaswegian alcoholic. The show tackled topics such as alcoholism, Neo-Nazis, and STIs, with Rab frequently addressing the viewers directly.
Despite the show's success, Fisher admitted he was reluctant to accept the role, fearing it would limit his career. "I did try to resist it. I didn't want to be just known for doing that wee, fat Scottish thing. I wanted to have more of a breadth to my career," he told BBC Scotland.
Fisher also recounted how the character of Rab C. Nesbitt proved difficult to escape. "People would say to me, after I'd done an audition, 'Well that's absolutely marvellous, I didn't realise you could speak properly'," he recalled, referencing the audience's perception that he was indistinguishable from the foul-mouthed character. He acknowledged that the role, which first aired in 1988, introduced viewers to an anti-hero whose dialect was often challenging to understand.
Though typecasting followed, Fisher stated he does not regret the role that brought him fame. "Your career is your career is your career. We've all got bills to pay," he said, reflecting on the practicalities of an acting career.
Beyond "Rab C. Nesbitt," Fisher has cultivated a varied career, including performances with the National Theatre of Scotland in "Yer Granny" and a role in the BBC sitcom "Only Child." He has also appeared in films such as "Love Actually" and "The Merchant of Venice."