Richard Rankin, originally born as Richard Harris on 4 January 1983 in Glasgow, Scotland, is a multi-talented actor known for his work in television, film, and theatre.

Born into a family of four boys, he is the eldest son of Colin and Margaret Harris. Interestingly, Richard's journey into the world of acting includes a unique twist of fate that led him to adopt his mother's maiden name, Rankin, to avoid confusion with the renowned Irish actor, Richard Harris.

Richard Rankin's early life paints a picture of a young boy growing up in the vibrant city of Glasgow. He spent his formative years in the East End of Glasgow before moving to King's Park at the age of ten.

His parents, Colin and Margaret, had distinct professional backgrounds - his father, a former drummer, transitioned into a police officer, while his mother worked in the hotel industry.

Initially, Richard harbored ambitions in the fields of science and information technology. He enrolled at Glasgow Caledonian University as an IT major, poised to embark on a different career path altogether.

However, destiny had other plans for him.

Richard's life took a pivotal turn during a holiday in Los Angeles. While staying at the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, he had a serendipitous encounter with a local film producer who spotted something special in him – the potential to become an actor. This chance meeting ignited a new direction in Richard's life.

Upon his return to Glasgow, Richard Rankin, then still known by his birth name of Richard Harris, seized the opportunity to audition for Langside College, alongside his brother Colin Harris.

Both brothers successfully graduated and embarked on promising careers in acting. However, to avoid any confusion with the esteemed Irish actor, Richard Harris, he decided to adopt his mother's maiden name, Rankin, when applying for his Equity card.

Richard Rankin's professional acting career officially began in 2006 when he starred alongside Robert Florence in "VideoGaiden," a Scottish video game show originally aired on BBC Two Scotland. Over the next few years, he made notable appearances on episodic Scottish television programs, including "Legit" (2007) , "The Old Guys" (2009) for the BBC, and "Taggart" (2010) for STV.

One of Richard's breakthrough moments came with his involvement in the Scottish sketch comedy series "Burnistoun," which premiered in 2009 and ran for three series on BBC Two Scotland.

In this show, he showcased his versatility by taking on various roles that showcased his acting prowess.

In 2014, Rankin was cast as the lovelorn Army Captain Thomas Gillan in the WWI-based mini-series "The Crimson Field." Although the series aired on BBC One in April 2014, it ran for only one series.

In 2015, Richard Rankin joined the cast of BBC One's crime drama series "Silent Witness," starring as Detective Inspector Luke Nelson in series eighteen's two-part story, "Falling Angels." This gripping episode delved into a series of murders on the London Underground, with the investigation unearthing mysterious childhood memories tied to his father's murder.

While Richard Rankin's journey in the television industry has been filled with notable roles, including guest-starring in two episodes of NBC's conspiracy thriller "American Odyssey" as corporate hitman Haney, it is undoubtedly his portrayal of Roger Wakefield MacKenzie in the Starz drama "Outlander" that has solidified his status as a celebrated actor.

Richard Rankin's career is a testament to the power of serendipity and the pursuit of one's true calling, even in the face of unexpected opportunities. His journey from Glasgow to Hollywood is an inspiring tale of following one's passion and making a name for oneself in the world of entertainment.

As he continues to captivate audiences with his talent, Richard Rankin's star continues to rise in the world of film and television.

When it comes to Richard Rankin's romantic relationships, he has had a few significant experiences in his life. However, none of these relationships lasted longer than a year.

His first known girlfriend was Cara Theobold, an actress with whom he co-starred in the TV show "The Syndicate." They had a brief relationship in 2016.

In late 2016, it was revealed that the Scottish actor was dating his "Outlander" co-star, actress Sophie Skelton. While their relationship initially garnered attention, it appears that things did not work out between them, and they split up in 2017.

As of 2022, Richard Rankin's net worth was estimated to be $12 million. This impressive figure reflects not only his talent as an actor but also his dedication to his craft and the success he has achieved in the entertainment industry.

His career continues to thrive, and it's likely that his net worth has grown significantly since then, considering his continued success in television and film.

Richard Rankin is not only a talented actor but also a testament to the potential for personal growth and success when one follows their true calling, even in the face of unexpected opportunities.

His journey from Glasgow to Hollywood is an inspiring tale of passion, perseverance, and achievement.