Jane McCarry: Biography, Still Game Role, Teaching Career

There’s something about a well-loved sitcom character that makes you wonder about the person behind the laugh. Jane McCarry brought Isa Drennan to life on BBC Scotland’s Still Game, earning a BAFTA Scotland award along the way, but her story doesn’t end on screen—she’s also a dedicated teacher at Queen Margaret University, shaping the next generation of performers.

Born: 1970, Scotland, UK · Famous role: Isa Drennan in Still Game · Award: BAFTA Scotland award-winning actress · Profession: Actress, presenter, teacher

Seven facts capture Jane McCarry’s public profile, from her birth year to her social media reach.

What is Jane McCarry’s most famous role?

Jane McCarry is best known for portraying Isa Drennan, the sharp-tongued but lovable tea lady in the BBC Scotland sitcom Still Game. The show originally aired from 2002 to 2007 and later enjoyed a revival from 2016 to 2019, drawing millions of viewers across the UK. Her performance earned her a BAFTA Scotland award, cementing her status as a household name in Scottish comedy.

Beyond Still Game, McCarry played Granny Murray on the BBC CBeebies programme Me Too and appeared in films like Goon (2016) and the Amazon series The Devil’s Hour (2022) (IMDb filmography).

The implication: McCarry’s versatility spans comedy, children’s TV, and drama, proving her range extends beyond the iconic Isa.

What is Jane McCarry’s nationality?

Jane McCarry is Scottish. Official records from UK Companies House list her nationality as British and her country of residence as Scotland. She was born in Scotland in 1970 and has built her career primarily in Scottish television and theatre.

Is Robert Gibson married to Jane McCarry?

No, Robert Gibson is not married to Jane McCarry. They are co-stars on Still Game with no known personal relationship. Robert Gibson is the actor who plays Boaby the barman, and his private life is separate from McCarry’s.

How old was Isa in Still Game?

Isa’s age was never explicitly given in the show. Based on storylines and the actress’s own birth year (1970), fans estimate the character was in her late 50s to early 60s during the original run.

What is Robert Gibson’s real name?

Robert Gibson is the actor’s real name. He is known for playing Boaby the barman in Still Game and has not used a stage name.

Where did Jane McCarry study or teach?

McCarry’s academic and professional lives are tightly linked through Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Edinburgh. She graduated in 1992 with a Diploma in Drama (Acting Studies) and later returned to earn a BA in Acting in 1999. Before her television breakthrough, she worked as a secondary school teacher (SpeakOut UK).

Today, she teaches drama and performing arts at QMU, sharing her industry experience with students. The university awarded her an honorary doctorate in July 2022 for her contribution to Scotland’s cultural life. Her dual role as actress and educator is central to her public identity.

The pattern: McCarry’s career mirrors other Scottish actresses who balance screen work with teaching. For more, see profiles of Laura Elphinstone and Janine Duvitski.

Does Jane McCarry have children?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about the actress, and the answer is not straightforward. IMDb’s biographical entry lists a spouse named Hugh and two children, but this information has not been independently verified by official sources such as Companies House or Queen Margaret University. McCarry keeps her personal life private, and no public interviews or reliable biographies confirm or deny the details. The ambiguity places this topic in the “unclear” category.

What is clear: she maintains an active Instagram presence (@jane_mccarry) where she shares professional updates but rarely posts about family. For now, the question remains open.

The clarity section underscores that while many details are on the record, personal matters remain private. For aspiring Scottish performers, Jane McCarry’s career illustrates that artistic success and academic commitment can reinforce each other: young actors can aim for both television fame and a teaching legacy without compromise.

Jane McCarry is a BAFTA Scotland award-winning actress and a valued member of our teaching staff.

— Queen Margaret University, official alumni profile

Jane McCarry is a BAFTA award-winning actress and comedienne who has worked with the Baldy Bane Theatre Company.

— SpeakOut UK, speaker biography