Actors and Entertainers

Jessie Tannahill Kelly

Jessie was born in Greenock in 1882/3 she was the 2nd daughter of  James Kelly and  Catherine Gray.  She was an operatic singer who sang with the Carl Rosa Company  and in later years taught the piano. She died in Greenock in 1966 at the age of 83.

Charles Houston 1931 – 2006

Greenock born TV and film actor – very active in the 1950s, 60s, 70s.

Buffalo Bill

On the 8th September 1904, the people of Greenock and surrounding areas, enthusiastically welcomed the world-famous performer Buffalo Bill and his performing troupe of 800 men and women of all nationalities and 500 horses, for their performance of  ‘Buffalo Bill’s Wild West’ at Fort Matilda. A capacity crowd of 10,000 packed the huge tent in the afternoon and almost […]

(Frank) Barlowe Borland

Frank Barlowe Borland (imdb link) was born in Greenock on 6 August 1877, he was the youngest son of David Borland who was the manager of the Temperance Hotel in Cathcart Street, Greenock.  His family were involved in the Temperance movement in the town. He died August 31, 1948 (age 71) in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, […]

Stella Gonet

Stella Gonet was born 8 May 1963 in Greenock, Scotland. Gonet trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and is known for playing Beatrice Eliott, one of the two lead roles, in three series of the television drama The House Of Eliott, and Chief Executive Officer Jayne Grayson in the medical drama […]

Martin Compston

A cheeky chappy who, never having acted before, auditioned for Ken Loach for the starring role in the controversial movie Sweet Sixteen which was being filmed in Inverclyde. Previous to  this he was a player with Greenock Morton Football Club. The nice thing is, it doesn’t look as though Martin is going to be a […]

Richard Wilson

Richard Wilson was born in Dunlop Street Greenock. Lady Alice Primary and Greenock High School turned out a medical lab technician. He was 27 and in London when the decision was made to act. RADA prepared him for a career on stage and screen. There is so much more to him than One Foot in the Grave. He is nowhere near […]

Chic Murray 1919 – 1985

Chic Murray 1919 – 1985

Chic Murray was born in Greenock in 1919. From humble beginnings he went on to become one of Britain’s best known and loved comedians, known for his unique sense of humour and droll delivery. Charles Thomas McKinnon Murray was born on 6 November 1919 to William Murray and Isabella McKinnon at Duncan Street, Greenock.  The […]