Gregory Edward Hemphill (born 14 December 1969) is a Scottish-Canadian comedian, actor, writer, and director. He is best known for his work with Ford Kiernan on the BBC Scotland comedy series Chewin' The Fat (1999–2005) and Still Game (2002–2007, 2016–2019). Hemphill was Rector of the University of Glasgow (2001–2004). Personal life Hemphill was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the son of Edward, a chartered accountant, and Anne Hemphill (née Brophy) a teacher. The family left Scotland in the mid 1970s, and he spent much of his childhood in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, which has contributed to his distinctive accent, Scottish-Canadian. He returned to Scotland in the late 1980s to study at the University of Glasgow, where he achieved an MA Honours Degree in theatre, film and television. He is married to actress Julie Wilson Nimmo, best known for playing Miss Hoolie in Balamory. They got married in a hot air balloon whilst flying over Las Vegas in 1999. The couple have two sons together. They live in Elie, Fife. He is a keen fan of professional wrestling from childhood as well as a Celtic season-ticket holder. During his time in Canada, he gained an appreciation for ice hockey and baseball, supporting the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Blue Jays. University of Glasgow Hemphill was elected Rector of the University of Glasgow in March 2001. He was one of five candidates and narrowly defeated Alasdair Gray for the post. He completed his three-year term in 2004, and was widely praised for taking an active interest in the role. Career Early career Hemphill has appeared in several projects. In 1990, he performed at the Edinburgh Fringe with Rab Christie and Neil Warhurst as the "Trio Brothers Troup", where they won the 1990 "So You Think You're Funny" trophy. He continued his stage work, appearing in the 1992 God Plus Support performance and in the popular 1995 Only an Excuse? tour. He also ventured into radio as the original presenter of football show, Off the Ball on BBC Radio Scotland and Eddie Mair Live. Hemphill and Kiernan scripted seven episodes between 1999 and 2000, for then popular children's television show Hububb. These were, Lullabubb, Top of the Bubbs, Conquer Leserest, Casual-Tea, Bubb Goes Boo, 2010: A Space Bubbsy and No Go Pogo. He guest starred alongside Kiernan in one episode, which he also scripted with Kiernan, Casual-Tea. However, his best known performances are alongside Ford Kiernan