Jane McCarry is a Scottish actress, presenter, and teacher who has become a familiar face to audiences through her work in television and radio. She is best known for her portrayal of the lovable, gossipy Isa Drennan in the BBC Scotland sitcom Still Game, a role that turned her into a household name. While her on-screen persona is well-known, McCarry has kept much of her personal life private, leading to curiosity about her background, career, and family. This article explores what is known about her life and work, based on available public records and interviews.
Born in Scotland around 1970, McCarry’s journey into acting began after she graduated from Queen Margaret University with a diploma in drama. She built a steady career in Scottish television, taking on various character roles before landing the part that would define her career. Beyond acting, she has worked as a presenter on STV Radio and occasionally steps into the classroom as a teacher.
Despite her public career, McCarry is notably private. She rarely discusses her family life in interviews, and many details that fans are curious about—such as her exact birth date, height, and current relationship status—are not available in authoritative sources. This article gathers the verified facts and notes where information remains unconfirmed.
Who is Jane McCarry?
What is Jane McCarry’s nationality and profession?
Jane McCarry is a Scottish actress, presenter, and teacher. She has worked extensively in Scottish theatre, television, and radio, demonstrating a versatility that spans comedy, drama, and live performance.
Where was Jane McCarry born?
She was born in Scotland, UK, in 1970. According to her Wikipedia entry, she was raised as an only child in the King’s Park area of south Glasgow.
Jane McCarry holds a Diploma in Drama (Acting Studies) from Queen Margaret University, awarded in 1992. She later returned to the same institution to earn a BA in Acting in 1999. In 2022, the university honored her with an honorary doctorate for her contributions to the arts.
Jane McCarry at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jane McCarry |
| Profession | Actress, Presenter, Teacher |
| Born | 1970 (Scotland, UK) |
| Famous For | Playing Isa Drennan in Still Game |
| Notable Works | Still Game, The Devil’s Hour, Goon |
| Social Media | X: @McCarryJane, Instagram: @jane_mccarry |
Key insights about Jane McCarry
- Jane McCarry is primarily known for her role as Isa Drennan in the long-running Scottish sitcom Still Game, which has a cult following.
- Despite her public acting career, she maintains a private personal life with no confirmed details about a current husband or partner.
- She is also a presenter on STV Radio and a speaker, demonstrating versatility beyond acting.
- Her birth year (1970) is consistent across sources, but her exact date of birth is not disclosed.
- Recent work includes the critically acclaimed series The Devil’s Hour, indicating career longevity and a move toward darker roles.
Key Facts About Jane McCarry
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jane McCarry |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Occupation | Actress, Presenter, Teacher |
| Best Known For | Portraying Isa Drennan in Still Game (2002–2019) |
| Birth Year | 1970 |
| Height | Not publicly available |
| Spouse/Partner | Not publicly confirmed |
| Children | Not publicly known |
| Active Years | 1994–present |
What is Jane McCarry known for?
What is Jane McCarry’s role in Still Game?
Jane McCarry is best known for playing Isa Drennan in the BBC Scotland sitcom Still Game. The character is a nosy, gossip-loving resident of the fictional Craiglang housing scheme. According to the Still Game wiki, Isa is described as a 72-year-old cleaner at Harrid’s, married to Harry Drennan, with a son named Colin. McCarry has said she based aspects of Isa on observations of residents in Rutherglen, where her former husband is from.
What other TV shows and movies has Jane McCarry appeared in?
Her career includes a range of roles beyond Still Game. She appeared as Granny Murray in the children’s show Me Too! from 2006 to 2008. In 2022, she took on a darker role as Bella Holness in the Amazon Prime psychological thriller The Devil’s Hour. Her filmography also includes appearances in Rab C. Nesbitt, Goon (2016), and the Christmas film Nativity! (2018). A full list of her credits can be found on her IMDB page.
Jane McCarry is described as a BAFTA Scotland award-winning actress by Queen Margaret University. The specific award and year are not detailed in the available sources, but the recognition underscores her standing in Scottish entertainment.
Who is Jane McCarry married to?
Does Jane McCarry have a partner?
Information about Jane McCarry’s current marital status is not confirmed in reliable public sources. While one result lists a spouse named Hugh, this conflicts with information from the BBC and Wikipedia. The better-supported name from the provided results is Robert Gibson, her former husband. There is no verified public figure for a current husband or partner.
Does Jane McCarry have children?
Yes, according to Wikipedia and a BBC article, Jane McCarry has two children named Iain and Alexander. They are from her marriage to her former husband, Robert Gibson.
How old is Jane McCarry and what is her height?
When was Jane McCarry born?
Jane McCarry was born in 1970 in Scotland. As of 2025, she is approximately 54–55 years old. The exact month and day of her birth have not been publicly disclosed.
What is Jane McCarry’s height?
Jane McCarry’s height has not been released in any authoritative or reliable source. Neither her Wikipedia entry nor her IMDB profile lists this information, so it remains unknown.
What movies and TV shows has Jane McCarry been in?
What is Jane McCarry’s most famous TV show?
Still Game (2002–2007, 2016–2019) remains her best-known work. The show achieved iconic status in Scotland and built a loyal international audience through streaming platforms.
Has Jane McCarry appeared in any recent productions?
Yes, she appeared in the Amazon Prime psychological thriller The Devil’s Hour in 2022, playing the character Bella Holness. She also appeared in the short film Nothing to Declare (2020), and she continues to work in radio, co-presenting the show Micky and McCarry on STV Radio from 2026 onward.
Jane McCarry Career Timeline
- 1970: Born in Scotland, UK.
- 1992: Graduates from Queen Margaret University with a Diploma in Drama (Acting Studies).
- 1994: First screen credit in The Tales of Para Handy.
- 2002: First appears as Isa Drennan in Still Game (BBC Scotland).
- 2007: Still Game original run ends after five series.
- 2016: Appears in the film Goon; Still Game returns for new series after a nine-year hiatus.
- 2019: Still Game concludes after final series and live stage shows.
- 2022: Stars in Amazon Prime series The Devil’s Hour; receives honorary doctorate from Queen Margaret University.
- 2025: Continues presenting on STV Radio and doing voice work.
What We Know and What Is Unconfirmed About Jane McCarry
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| She is a Scottish actress born in 1970. | Her exact date of birth (month and day) is not publicly recorded. |
| She is best known for playing Isa Drennan in Still Game. | Her height and weight are not disclosed in reliable sources. |
| She has appeared in The Devil’s Hour, Goon, and other productions. | Whether she is currently married or has a partner is not confirmed by any official biography. |
| She works as a presenter on STV Radio. | No information about her early education before university is widely available. |
| She has two children, Iain and Alexander, with former husband Robert Gibson. | The exact details of her former husband’s identity are disputed in some online sources. |
Analysis and Context
Jane McCarry’s career is deeply tied to Scottish cultural comedy, with Still Game achieving iconic status. Her character Isa Drennan brought warmth and humor to the show, making her a household name in Scotland. While her acting roles have been selective, she has maintained a steady presence in radio and public speaking. The lack of personal information aligns with her preference for privacy. Her recent role in The Devil’s Hour shows her ability to transition to darker, more dramatic material. Overall, McCarry exemplifies a successful regional actor who has capitalized on a breakout role while diversifying into media and education. For context on other Scottish performers with long-running careers, see the profile on Kathy Staff – Death, Family And Last Of The Summer Wine Career, another actress who became synonymous with a beloved character.
Notable Quotes and Sources
Jane McCarry is a Scottish actress, presenter and teacher. She is best known for her roles as Isa Drennan in the BBC Scotland sitcom Still Game.
Jane McCarry was born in 1970 in Scotland, UK. She is an actress and producer, known for Still Game, Goon and The Devil’s Hour.
Best known for her iconic role as the endearing Isa Drennan in the BBC and Netflix comedy Still Game, Jane McCarry is a beloved and versatile Scottish actress.
What’s Next for Jane McCarry?
As of 2025, Jane McCarry continues to present on STV Radio and take on acting roles. No upcoming projects have been announced publicly. Given her recent work in streaming series such as The Devil’s Hour, she may appear in more dramatic roles in the future. Fans can follow her on X (Twitter) or Instagram for updates. For those interested in the creators behind Scottish sitcoms, the article on Derren Litten – Age, Career, and Personal Life Facts offers insight into another key figure in British comedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jane McCarry’s net worth?
Jane McCarry’s net worth has not been disclosed in any reliable source. Estimates are speculative and should not be trusted.
Is Jane McCarry still acting?
Yes, she continues to act and appeared in The Devil’s Hour in 2022. She also works as a radio presenter on STV Radio.
Did Jane McCarry train as an actress?
Yes, she graduated from Queen Margaret University with a Diploma in Drama (Acting Studies) in 1992 and later earned a BA in Acting in 1999.
What is Jane McCarry’s Instagram handle?
Her verified Instagram handle is @jane_mccarry.
Where can I watch Still Game?
Still Game is available on BBC iPlayer and Netflix (in some regions).
Who played Granny Murray in Me Too!?
Jane McCarry played the character Granny Murray in the CBeebies show Me Too! from 2006 to 2008.
What character did Jane McCarry play in The Devil’s Hour?
She played the character Bella Holness in the Amazon Prime psychological thriller series The Devil’s Hour (2022).
Is Jane McCarry active on social media?
Yes, she has an active presence on X (Twitter) at @McCarryJane and Instagram at @jane_mccarry.
Victoria Winslow is Editor-in-Chief at ShowbizUK.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, editorial standards, publication decisions, source review and content quality across the publication.