Updated Feb 20, 2026
Details
Known For
Actor
Occupations
Theatrical director, Film actor, Stage actor, Television actor, Film director
Birthday
(Friday)
Birthplace
Carnoustie, Tayside, Scotland, UK
Nationality
Citizenship
United Kingdom
Religion
Atheism
Languages
English
Education
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, University of St Andrews
Zodiac Sign
♌ Leo
Chinese Zodiac
猴 Monkey
Popularity
Tier B -- 40,022 Wikipedia views/month
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Screen debut
First screen credit at age 34
Year context
Born in 1944 -- D-Day: Allied invasion of Normandy; Franklin D. Roosevelt was US president
Year 1944 →
Career
Career spanning 40 years (1979-2019)
Anthony Daniels →DROPTHE GOOD_
14
Notable
out of 100
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Human Impact
0
Innovation
0
Giving
0
Sustainability
100
Cultural Uplift
35
Public Vote
★
★
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★
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Filmography (13)
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Emperor Palpatine
Britannia
King Pellenor
37 Days
TV Series
Utopia
TV Series
Elizabeth I
TV Series
Charles II: The...
Charles II: The Power and the Passion
Film
Sleepy Hollow
Dr. Lancaster
Annie: A Royal Adventure!
Film
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
Film
Dragonslayer
Film
AWARDS (4)
B
Theatre World Award
2006
WON
G
Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play
2006
WON
B
Laurence Olivier Awards
1982
WON
G
Tony Awards
WON
Biography
Ian McDiarmid (born 11 August 1944) is a Scottish actor and director best known for portraying Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars film series. He has received an Olivier Award for Best Actor and a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performances. Wikipedia
Related People
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ian McDiarmid?
Ian McDiarmid is 81 years old, born on .
Where was Ian McDiarmid born?
Ian McDiarmid was born in Carnoustie, Tayside, Scotland, UK.
What movies or shows has Ian McDiarmid been in?
Ian McDiarmid has 13 credits in our database. Notable titles include Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Britannia (2018), 37 Days (2014), Utopia (2013), Elizabeth I (2005).
What is Ian McDiarmid known for?
Ian McDiarmid is primarily known as an actor. Ian McDiarmid (born 11 August 1944) is a Scottish actor and director best known for portraying Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars film series. He…
Where can I find more information about Ian McDiarmid?
You can find more about Ian McDiarmid on IMDB, TMDB, Wikidata. Their full profile and filmography is available on this page.
