Happy birthday, Gary Lewis: Celebrating his expansive career

Gary Lewis is celebrating his birthday on Nov. 30 so let’s celebrate him with a look at his many roles

Outlander fans know Gary Lewis best as the sly, clever, manipulative, and not-to-be-crossed Colum MacKenzie, uncle to Jamie Fraser and laird of the MacKenzie clan in Seasons 1 and 2.  The real Gary Lewis, though, is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.

On the Outlander convention circuit, Gary Lewis has a reputation as the man with the best hugs.  He has great stories about his life, his career, and Scotland, and if you’re really lucky, you’ll get to hear him pick up a guitar and sing some Scottish folk songs.  He has a great memory for fans and will pick up talking to you right where you left off.   In fact, it’s a huge challenge to get him to move along if he’s mid-conversation.

Gary’s Colum MacKenzie on Outlander lent the show a real gravitas in the first two seasons.  He had a menacing presence and showed a strength of will that belied Colum’s weakened body.  The man has great range as an actor though, and he’s played many varied and nuanced characters since starting his career in 1993.  Take a look at his IMDb page; the man has 125 acting credits to his name!

Gary Lewis has had an impressive career and played some truly unforgettable characters

One of my favorite roles of Gary’s is as Jackie Elliot, the dad in the film Billy Elliot.  His transformation from a macho coal miner who’s completely opposed to his son studying ballet to a supportive father is truly heartwarming.  The scene with his older son after he crossed the picket line broke my heart, and his triumphant, joyful run after Billy was accepted to ballet school gave me all the happy tears.

I also enjoyed him as dad Benny Lockhart in 2013’s Not Another Happy Ending.  It’s a cute rom-com about a writer, played by Karen Gillan, and her publisher, played by Stanley Weber (aka the Comte St Germain).  Gary’s character reconnects with his daughter after she writes a successful book but is reluctant to read the book because it’s based on their life.

Another standout role of his is McGloin in Gangs of New York.  He plays an Irishman who was a part of the Irish gangs in the beginning but goes over to Bill “The Butcher” Cutting’s side for most of the film.  A highlight is his fight with Leonardo DiCaprio’s “Amsterdam” Vallon.  You almost had him, Gary!

If you like fantasy films and TV shows, he played Hrothgar in Eragon, which stars a young Ed Speleers.  Hrothgar is a leader of the Varden tribe of rebels against the evil King Galbatorix.  In HBO’s His Dark Materials, Lewis plays Lord Asriel’s assistant Thorold.

If you’re in a festive or historical mood, check out Joyeux Noel, a trilingual film in German, French, and English about the Christmas Eve ceasefire during WWI.  Gary plays Father Palmer, a stretcher-bearer in a Scottish regiment in the British army who joined to protect two young recruits from his parish.  He plays the bagpipes and gives a sermon in Latin to the three armies’ troops.

Gary is also going to be involved in the Outlandish 12 Days of Caroling event.  He’ll be playing Scrooge in the live reading of A Christmas Carol.

This is only a sampling of Gary’s many roles.  The man is a true talent, and they’re all worth a watch.  Gary Lewis, I wish you a very happy birthday, and I look forward to our next hug at a convention, hopefully in the not-too-distant future.

Have you seen Gary Lewis in any other roles?  Share your appreciation for him in the comments below.

Like the Claire and Jamie Facebook page for more on your favorite Outlander actors.