Legendary Braveheart James Cosmo comes to the Beacon

The Braveheart star, who hails from Clydebank, has had a long and stellar career working with such famous names as Tony Curtis, Roger Moore, Sean Connery and Mel Gibson.

He will be embarking on a small 'evening with' tour, sharing fascinating stories from his illustrious career, at the Beacon.

James said: "I am so looking forward to coming to Greenock. It should be a great night and the Beacon looks like a great venue."

The film and television actor has been in several blockbusters including Braveheart, Highlander, Trainspotting, Game of Thrones and Jack Ryan.

He remains modest, however, saying he has been lucky.

James said: "It's been an amazingly lucky journey for a kid from up a close in Clydebank."

Young actor James McAnerney, who has been working with the star, came up with the idea of 'an evening with' based on the Hollywood actor's stories about the business and travelling all over the world.

James who is now in his 70s, said: "In my business, there's an awful lot of luck involved, there are some fine actors who were never in the right place at the right time.

"If you are associated with something that is successful, it has a knock effect and I have been in a few successful films.

"I've worked with Peter O'Toole, Sean Connery, John Krasinski and Michael Caine."

He said one of his favourites was Peter O'Toole whom he described as a 'delightful man' and inspirational actor.

James says his acting is a career of contrasts and you take the highs with the lows.

He said: "I knew Braveheart was going to be a groundbreaking film, it was a very powerful film. While other times you are sitting on a beach in Mexico and just have a wonderful time and just enjoy the good times when you can."

He started his career with a small part on iconic 60s series The Persuaders.

James said: "I worked with Tony Curtis and Roger Moore. I was absolutely terrified, I had a small part to play with two of the biggest stars in the world at the time. Both of them were absolutely delightful, they were so warm and calmed me down. It was a brilliant experience."

James also starred in an episode of The Sweeney back in the 1970s as a hard-nosed Glasgow cop.

He said: "Apparently it is one of the most popular episodes, it was great fun. I played Sgt Davey Freeth who ran rings around Jack and George.

"It was a different era, politically incorrect."

Asked is he was ever typecast when applying for roles, James said: "Yes, in the early days - I was a big lump. I've never played a hairdresser in my life!

"As you get older, you are less likely to get typecast, it frees you up a bit."

An evening with James Cosmo is at the Beacon on Wednesday 24 April at 7pm.