Trivia

When filming in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), he kept imitating the noise of the lightsaber 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.".

Former roommates with Jude Law. They are still close friends.

His Star Wars character, Obi-Wan Kenobi, goes by the call sign "Red Leader" in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005). 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).

Adopted another girl, Anouk, as an infant in 2011 (her nationality has not been made public).

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.

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!".

According to stunt coordinator Nick Gillard, he picked up the lightsaber swordfighting style very quickly. In an interview on the DVD of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), Gillard commented that Ewan was probably faster than anyone else who was working on the film, including the stunt department.

He did his own singing for Moulin Rouge! (2001).

He says that he was inspired to get into show business by his uncle, actor Denis Lawson. Lawson played Wedge Antilles in the original Star Wars trilogy.

He turned down the lead role in The Matrix (1999) due to his commitment to Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999).

Makes an uncredited voice cameo as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015).

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.

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

Studied Sir 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.

He was offered a role in The Boondock Saints (1999) and even met with writer/director Troy Duffy to discuss the film. After a drinking session, they got into an argument over the death penalty and McGregor decided not to do the film.

Refused to have his now-ex 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.

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

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

Had two moles, one just below his right eye and one on his forehead, removed after doctors advised him to do so, because the one near his eye was cancerous (2008).

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 movie The Serpent's Kiss (1997).

Before his trip around the world with Charley Boorman, he had a laser eye operation to improve his eyesight, so he did not have to wear glasses or contact lenses.

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

First attempted to give up smoking cigarettes in November 2000, only to start again three months later. With the help of a hypnotherapist, he finally kicked the habit for good somewhere between 2008 and 2009. Also gave up drinking alcohol in November 2000.

He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2013 Queen's New Year's Honours List for his services to drama and charity.

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

Enjoys playing chess.

He was due to be interviewed live on Good Morning Britain (2014) about T2 Trainspotting (2017) in January 2017, but pulled out with less than an hour to go because he found out he was going to be interviewed by Piers Morgan, who had recently made comments criticizing "rabid feminists" who were protesting against Donald Trump.

Was originally up for the lead role in The Beach (2000), 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 ultimately went to Leonardo DiCaprio. While McGregor blamed studio influence for the casting decision, he did not speak to either Boyle nor Hodge for years afterwards, commenting in an interview that he felt betrayed and the friendship was over. McGregor said that they bumped into each other several times during that period, which led to a very awkward moment where both he, his wife and Boyle ended up in first class on the same flight, and didn't talk to each other for the entire duration of the trip. However, McGregor and Boyle finally made amends in 2009, when McGregor presented Boyle an award for Slumdog Millionaire. Boyle has since apologized for how he treated McGregor, admitting that he mishandled the situation; McGregor has stated he has changed his opinion about the whole matter, and has moved on, now regretting all the films they did not make together.

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

Resided in North London, England with his family until 2008, when they re-located to Los Angeles.

Originally auditioned for the role of Mercutio in the film Romeo + Juliet (1996). He later got his chance to work with "Romeo + Juliet" director Baz Luhrmann when he was cast as Christian in Moulin Rouge! (2001).

Likes to play the guitar and has even written some of his own songs.

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

(May 12, 2007) Left John O'Groats (Scotland) with friend and actor Charley Boorman, marking the beginning of their 15,000 miles long southward trip on motorbike, Long Way Down (2007).

Is good friends with Naveen Andrews, star of the television series Lost (2004), from drama school.

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 (1994), was directed by Bill Forsyth, who also directed Lawson in Local Hero (1983).

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

He was interested in starring in American Psycho (2000). However, Christian Bale talked him out of the role and he wound up getting the role.

He was considered for the lead role in Doctor Strange (2016) that went to Benedict Cumberbatch.

He met his ex-wife, Eve Mavrakis, while filming for Kavanagh QC (1995).

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

Adopted a dog on the last day of shooting Beginners (2010).

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 age 38 from a heart attack while playing basketball.

His older brother, Colin McGregor, is a pilot in the Royal Air Force. He is part of the RAF's Tornado display team who are based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

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

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

His first name is pronounced "you-an".

Was rumored to play James Bond in Casino Royale (2006); however, in interviews he said he would be tempted if offered, but would turn it down as he didn't want to be tied down to an open-ended series. It is unknown if he was ever under serious consideration.

As of 2017, he is now the only top credited actor in the Star Wars films whose character has not died while they played the role. Liam Neeson, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill all played their character's deaths, while Obi-Wan's death was instead played by Sir Alec Guinness.

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