Gregor Fisher built a comedy career from a tragic childhood, becoming a Scottish icon through Rab C. Nesbitt. This story covers his recent weight loss, family life in France, and why he’s still working.
Full name: Gregor McKenzie ·
Born: 22 December 1953 ·
Occupation: Comedian and actor ·
Known for: Rab C. Nesbitt ·
Residence: France ·
Spouse: Vicki Burton
Quick snapshot
- Exact reason for weight loss (speculated, not confirmed)
- Current health condition
- Net worth figures
- 2024: Filmed BBC comedy Only Child (BBC Media Centre)
- 2026: UK tour announced (BBC News) (BBC Media Centre)
- UK tour beginning March 2026 (BBC News)
- Appearing at Edinburgh Fringe (Herald Scotland)
The key biographical details below confirm Fisher’s background.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Gregor McKenzie |
| Date of Birth | 22 December 1953 |
| Occupation | Comedian, actor |
| Known For | Rab C. Nesbitt |
| Spouse | Vicki Burton |
| Residence | France |
Why has Gregor Fisher lost weight?
Fisher’s dramatic weight loss became a talking point in 2024-2025, with fans noting he looked almost unrecognisable. The actor has been open about the role his health played in the change. He told the BBC he lost weight after being diagnosed with diabetes. He said the diagnosis led his doctor to recommend lifestyle changes, and he subsequently “shed quite a bit of weight” (BBC News).
Fisher explained that his and his wife’s beer-and-crisps habit while living in France contributed to his weight gain, according to Chortle. He was reportedly told he was pre-diabetic, and that he then changed his eating habits, cutting out beer and crisps, the comedy news site reports.
What illness does Gregor Fisher have?
There is no confirmed report of a specific illness. The only verified health-related claim is the diabetes diagnosis, which Fisher himself has discussed. BBC News reported that he lost weight after the diagnosis.
The actor has not publicly detailed any other health conditions, and speculation about his health should be treated with caution.
The implication: Fisher’s public statements frame his weight loss as a response to a medical warning, not a cosmetic choice. This narrative contrasts sharply with typical celebrity weight-loss stories, grounding the change in a concrete health consequence.
Does Gregor Fisher still live in France?
Yes. Fisher has lived in France with his wife, actress Vicki Burton, for over two decades. The move across the Channel has been a defining feature of his personal life, allowing him a measure of privacy away from the UK spotlight. Despite the distance, he continues to work extensively in British television and theatre, often returning for projects and tours.
What is Gregor Fisher doing now?
As of 2026, Fisher is far from retired. He is in the middle of a UK tour, which he had been gearing up for as of early 2026, according to BBC News. He also appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe. His recent work includes the BBC comedy Only Child, which began filming in Scotland in July 2024 (BBC Media Centre). The six-part series, made by Happy Tramp North for BBC Comedy and BBC Scotland, sees Fisher star as a man named Ken, with Greg McHugh playing his son (BBC Media Centre).
While he lives in France, his professional focus remains firmly on the UK, with a packed schedule that belies his 72 years. As one BBC profile noted, his career shows no signs of slowing down (BBC News).
What this means: Fisher has successfully navigated a “glocal” career—living rurally in France while remaining a beloved and active figure in British popular culture. His residence is a choice for personal comfort, not professional retreat.
How many children does Gregor Fisher have?
Fisher is a father, though he keeps his family life fiercely private. He has at least one daughter, as reported in the Scottish Sun. Reliable information on the total number of children is not publicly available. He has been married to actress Vicki Burton for several decades, and they reside in France. The family also includes children from Burton’s previous relationship, though details are scarce. Fisher’s adoption is a key part of his biography; he was born Gregor McKenzie and adopted as a baby, as detailed in a BBC News profile.
Who is Gregor Fisher’s wife?
Fisher’s wife is actress Vicki Burton. The couple have been married for over 30 years. Burton has largely stepped back from the limelight, supporting Fisher’s career from their home in France. Their relationship is one of the few constants in his personal life, and Fisher has credited her with providing a stable counterpoint to his comedic roles.
The paradox: despite playing one of TV’s most famous unmarried drunks (Rab C. Nesbitt), Fisher has enjoyed a long and stable marriage. This dynamic highlights his range as an actor, separating the character’s chaos from his own grounded reality.
What is Gregor Fisher’s real name?
Gregor Fisher’s real name is Gregor McKenzie. He was born on 22 December 1953 and adopted as a baby, at which point he took the surname Fisher, his adoptive parents’ name. He has acted under the name Gregor Fisher throughout his career.
Who is the most famous actor from Scotland?
While the question of “most famous” is subjective, Gregor Fisher is certainly among the most beloved. However, the title is often contested. A frequent related search is about Gerard Butler, another Scottish actor who achieved global fame. Butler, born in Paisley, is known for films like 300 and Olympus Has Fallen. Despite his success, Butler does not live full-time in Scotland, currently residing in London or Los Angeles for work commitments. Fisher and Butler represent two different paths to fame: Butler, the Hollywood leading man, and Fisher, the quintessential British character actor.
The trade-off: Butler’s international stardom is defined by blockbuster roles, while Fisher’s legacy is built on deeply Scottish, character-driven comedy. Fisher’s enduring appeal lies in his cultural specificity, making him a national treasure in Scotland and the UK.
For any discussion of Scottish acting royalty, Fisher’s name is mentioned in the same breath as Butler, McAvoy, and McGregor. He has carved a niche that is both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, without ever leaving his comedic roots behind.
The pattern: Fisher’s career remains rooted in Scottish identity while achieving broad appeal.
Bottom line: Gregor Fisher is a Scottish national treasure whose recent weight loss is linked to a diabetes diagnosis. He lives in France with his wife but continues to work in UK comedy, with a tour and new projects keeping him busy.
Timeline of Key Events in Gregor Fisher’s Life
Fisher’s life timeline reveals a pattern of resilience.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 22 Dec 1953 | Born in Scotland |
| 1954 | Birth mother dies |
| 1954 | Adopted by a new family |
| 1957 | Adoptive mother dies in a house fire |
| 1970s–1980s | Begins acting in theatre and television |
| 1990 | First episode of Rab C. Nesbitt |
| 2000s | Moves to France with wife |
| 2023–2024 | Stars in BBC series Only Child |
| 2024 | Announces UK tour and Edinburgh Fringe appearance |
The pattern: Fisher’s career is a study in resilience. From a tragedy-filled childhood, he built a decades-long career by creating characters that feel lived-in and authentic.
Clarity: What We Know vs. What We Don’t
Confirmed Facts
- Real name is Gregor McKenzie
- Born 22 December 1953 in Scotland
- Widely known for Rab C. Nesbitt
- Married to actress Vicki Burton
- Has lived in France for over 20 years
- Diagnosed with diabetes, leading to weight loss
What’s Unclear
- Exact reason for weight loss beyond diabetes
- Current health condition
- Number of children (at least one)
- Net worth
The implication: the public record on Fisher is thin on details, but the consistent theme across sources is his professionalism and privacy. This contrasts with modern celebrity culture, creating a rare sense of mystique.
Quotes from Gregor Fisher
I’ve shed quite a bit of weight since the diagnosis.
This quote, reported by BBC News, directly addresses the public’s curiosity about his appearance, framing the change as a health necessity.
According to Chortle, Fisher said: “It was affecting my health, and I had to do something about it.” This reflects his motivation being medical rather than cosmetic, which has shaped the narrative around his weight loss.
Gregor Fisher’s story is one of a man who has continually reinvented himself, not for the sake of celebrity, but for his own well-being and family. As he embarks on another UK tour and continues to act, he proves that his talent is as sharp as ever. For the Scottish audience that grew up with him, and the new fans discovering his work, Fisher remains a comforting, constant presence. The choice for him was never about stepping away, but about finding a sustainable pace for a life well-lived.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Gregor Fisher?
He was born on 22 December 1953, making him 72 years old in 2026.
What is Gregor Fisher’s net worth?
There is no confirmed net worth figure from reliable sources. Estimates vary, but he has not publicly disclosed his finances.
Did Gregor Fisher adopt children?
No reliable source confirms that Fisher adopted his wife’s children. He has at least one daughter, but the details are private.
Has Gregor Fisher retired?
No. He is actively touring and planned to appear at the Edinburgh Fringe, and starred in the 2024 BBC series Only Child.
What other TV shows has Gregor Fisher appeared in?
Besides Rab C. Nesbitt, he has had roles in Only Child, Nativity!, and various other British comedies and dramas. He also appeared in films like Love Actually.
Is Gregor Fisher related to any other actors?
There is no public information suggesting Fisher is related to actor Gregor Fisher (a common search confusion). He is not known to be related to any other celebrities.
What is Gregor Fisher’s height?
His exact height is not a confirmed public fact. Most estimates place him around 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 m).
How did Gregor Fisher get into acting?
After a difficult childhood, he became interested in drama at school and later attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, beginning a career that spans over five decades.
George Harry Howard Bennett is a staff writer for Public Journal UK, specializing in UK news, policy analysis, and public affairs coverage. He works under Editor-in-Chief Margaret Ellison, maintaining high standards of sourcing, verification, and fact-checking. Bennett reports on Westminster, government policy, and societal issues, providing balanced and accurate journalism with timely insight.