Brian Cox was born in Dundee, Scotland in 1946.   His parents were Irish immigrants.   He made his London stage debut in “As You Like It” in 1967 .   His first film appearance was in 1971 in “Nicholas and Alexandra” as Trostky.   He spent several seasons acting with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.   In 1986 he went to the U.S.A. to play Hanibel Lecter in “Manhunter”.   He has made several fim appearances including “Rob Roy”,”Braveheart”, “The Bourne Supremacy” and “Red Eye”.   His many TV parts including acting in “ER”.   Interview with Brian Cox in “The Guardian” can be found here.