Richard Rankin is about to get a reputation for being a cynical curmudgeon, with a questionable attitude – all thanks to his new role as Detective Sergeant John Rebus.
Those who are familiar with the famous detective will know he’s a hardboiled Edinburgh cop with a tendency to bend the rules… First born in Ian Rankin’s books, the character has subsequently been portrayed on TV several times before.
As Richard Rankin joins the ranks of those who have played him, ED! takes a deep dive into his life, career, and relation to author Ian Rankin. Here’s everything you need to know.
Who plays John Rebus in the BBC One drama?
Scottish actor Richard Rankin portrays John Rebus in the new BBC One series Rebus.
The flawed detective is estranged from his wife and young daughter, and thinks nothing of flouting authority. Like Inspector Morse, Cormoran Strike, and Sherlock Holmes, he’s a flawed, pessimistic, multi-layered character.
Ian Rankin himself described him in his diaries as “a troubled, brooding soul and a cynical loner who can find no solace in faith, who’s obsessed with work, and happiest when propping up the bar of his favourite pub”.
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