Let's make this birthday one to remember.

53 years old (Born on March 31, 1971)

British actor; He is famous from Trainspotting.

He and his uncle, Denis Lawson, have worked with two of the same directors. Both have been in Star Wars films, directed by George Lucas. His first film, Being Human (1993), was directed by Bill Forsyth, who also directed Lawson in Local Hero (1983). Received the Film Actor Award for Moulin Rouge! (2001) at The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards 2002. Originally auditioned for the role of Mercutio in the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet (1996). He later got his chance to work with "Romeo" director Baz Luhrmann when he was cast as Christian in Moulin Rouge! (2001). His brother Colin is part of the RAF's Tornado display team who are based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. His best friend is actor Charley Boorman, whom he traveled around the world with on motorbikes ("Long Way Round" (2004) trip). They met on the set of the 1997 movie The Serpent`s Kiss (1997).

While he usually takes his family along with him during his movie shoots, he left them at home during the shoot of Young Adam (2003).

Has worked with two other actors who, like him, share a role with Alec Guinness. In Being Human (1993) and Robots (2005), he works with Robin Williams, who played Osric in Hamlet (1996), a role previously played by Guinness in John Gielgud`s theatrical production in 1934. In Angels & Demons (2009), he works with Tom Hanks, who appeared in the 2004 remake, The Ladykillers (2004).

Befriended Colin Farrell during the shooting of Cassandra`s Dream (2007).

Resides in North London with his family.

In the film Moulin Rouge! (2001) McGregor sang alongside Nicole Kidman.

Has been involved in a campaign against the closure of the maternity wing of Perth Royal Infirmary, the hospital ward where he was born.

Although his motorcycles of choice include an MV Agusta F4S and a KTM Duke, McGregor and pal Charley Boorman each rode a BMW 1150GS Adventure for their marathon trip around the world in _"Long Way Round"_ (2004) (mini).

Father of Clara Mathilde (born in February 1996) and Esther Rose (born on 7 November 2001).

Was considered to play James Bond in Casino Royale (2006).

Is a good friend of Naveen Andrews, star of the show "Lost" (2004), from drama school.

September 2001: Attended the Royal Premiere of Moulin Rouge! (2001) alongside Kylie Minogue, Prince Charles and Nicole Kidman.

Distant cousin of The Sound of Music (1965) actress Heather Menzies.

He actually dropped out of school because his mother wanted him to.

Born to James Charles Stuart McGregor, a physical education teacher, and his wife Carol McGregor, nu00e9e Lawson, a teacher and school administrator, he grew up in Crieff, Scotland.

Studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London for three years, graduating in 1992.

Cousin of Lou Gish and Kay Curram.

Considered for the role of Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).

Former roommate of Jude Law. They are still close friends.

Is short sighted.

He met his wife while filming for "Kavanagh QC" (1995).

Is very particular about his children being photographed or seen on television. He strongly believes that just because he is famous, that should not give anyone the right to invade their privacy.

His best friend is actor Charley Boorman, whom he traveled around the world with on motorbikes ("Long Way Round" (2004) (mini) trip). They met on the set of the 1997 movie The Serpent's Kiss (1997).

Ewan, a UNICEF ambassador, adopted a 4-year-old girl from Mongolia, named Jamyan, whom he met while traveling around the world in 2004. (April 2006).

In 1987, after leaving school at age 16, he worked as a stagehand at Perth Repertory Theatre and had small roles in their productions.

When filming in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), he kept making the "Swoom" noise of the light saber during his fights. George Lucas explained many times that this would be added in by the special effects people later on. Ewan said "I keep getting carried away."

Both he and Harrison Ford have worked for director Ridley Scott between Star Wars films. Ford made Blade Runner (1982) after Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980), but before Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983). McGregor made Black Hawk Down (2001) shortly after filming Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002), and thus before Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005).

His brother Colin is a Royal Air Force pilot.

His Star Wars character, Obi-Wan Kenobi, goes by the call sign Red Leader in Revenge of the Sith. Wedge Antilles, who was played by his uncle, Denis Lawson, has the same call sign in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983).

Was originally up for the lead role in The Beach (2000/I), which would have reunited him with director Danny Boyle and screenwriter John Hodge who collaborated with McGregor on Shallow Grave (1994), Trainspotting (1996) and A Life Less Ordinary (1997). The role went to Leonardo DiCaprio. While McGregor blames studio influence for the casting decision he has not spoken to either Boyle nor Hodge since.

Before his trip around the world with Charley Boorman, he had a laser eye operation to improve his eyesight, so he didn`t have to wear glasses or contact lenses.

Has a nephew (born in 1999).

Refused to have his wife and kids visit him on the set of _Black Hawk Down (2001)_, because he felt the content was too violent and too bloody for them to see.

"resented being told how to feel about Scotland by someone who hadn`t lived there in 25 years". To Sean Connery (en.wikipedia.org)

Was the original choice for the role of Jim in 28 Days Later... (2002), directed by Danny Boyle who has worked with Ewan three times previously (see above).

His uncle Denis Lawson was considered for the role of "Captain Antilles" in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005).

Good friends with Black Hawk Down (2001) co-star Hugh Dancy.

Completed a trip from London to New York `The Long Way Round` by riding a motorbike east, via Europe, Mongolia, Russia, Alaska and Canada to Manhattan over 115 days in 2004.

Early career dedicated almost exclusively to indie, low-budget, and non-feature films. When cast as Obi-wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), an interviewer reminded him of his "aversion" to major films, and he replied "I know what I said, but, hey! This is Star Wars!"

Embarked on a motorcycle trip around the World along with his friend and fellow actor Charley Boorman (2004).

He says that he was inspired to get into show business by his uncle, actor Denis Lawson. Lawson played Wedge Antilles in Episodes 4-6 of Star Wars.

Ewan and his wife Eve have the same initials, even with her maiden name.

Ranked #8 in the 2001 Orange Film Survey of greatest British actors.

His brother Colin is a Royal Air Force pilot

Born at 3:45pm-CET

Ranked #36 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list (October 1997).

His first name is pronounced "you-an".

Was voted #9 in the Greatest Movie Stars Of All Time (Channel 4).

Was originally up for the lead role in The Beach (2000/I), which would have reunited him with director Danny Boyle and screenwriter John Hodge who collaborated with McGregor on Shallow Grave (1995), Trainspotting (1996) and A Life Less Ordinary (1997). The role went to Leonardo DiCaprio. While McGregor blames studio influence for the casting decision he has not spoken to either Boyle nor Hodge since.

Was the best man at Dougray Scott`s wedding in 2000.

Good friends with Texas lead singer Sharleen Spiteri.

Studied Alec Guinness' films in preparation for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) and to ensure accuracy in everything from his accent to the pacing of his words.

Born on the same exact day as Isobel Thomas, the "assistant to producer" on Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), in which Ewan starred.

Is a casual supporter of St Johnstone Football Club.

Nephew of Denis Lawson.

Was presented with an honorary doctorate from the University of Ulster at a graduation ceremony in Belfast, Northern Ireland (5 July 2001).

Was a student in the year-long theatre arts program at Kirkcaldy College of Technology in the fall of 1988.

Slated to start filming `Nautic` in Jamaica with Heath Ledger in a couple of months. However Ted Demme, who was picked to direct the film died suddenly at the age of 38 from a heart attack while playing basketball.

According to Stunt Coordinator Nick Gillard, he picked up the light saber sword fighting style very quickly. In an interview on the DVD to The Phantom Menace, Gillard commented that Ewan was probably faster than anyone else who was working on the film, including the stunt department.