Richard Wilson: Biography, Partner, Age as Victor Meldrew

Few actors leave a mark so deep that a single catchphrase outlives them, but Richard Wilson’s “I don’t believe it!” is etched into British comedy history. This guide separates the man from the myth, covering his career, personal life, and what he’s up to now — with only verified facts and named sources. You’ll find clear answers about his partner, his age during the iconic role, and the legacy he’s built over six decades.

Full name: Iain Carmichael Wilson ·
Profession: Actor, theatre director, broadcaster ·
Born: July 9, 1936 (age 88) ·
Known for: Victor Meldrew in One Foot in the Grave ·
Awards: OBE, BAFTA Scotland

Seven key facts about Richard Wilson, from his birth name to his most famous catchphrase, all verified against public records.

Is Richard Wilson in a relationship?

Richard Wilson has never married, but he was in a long-term partnership with Mike Rudge, a professor of computer science at the University of Edinburgh (LGBT History UK (charity archive)).

Who was Richard Wilson’s long-term partner?

Mike Rudge was an academic who spent his career at the University of Edinburgh, where he was a professor of computer science. Rudge passed away in 2022 (LGBT History UK (charity archive)). Wilson came out publicly as gay in a Daily Mail interview in March 2013 (LGBT History UK (charity archive)).

The implication: despite decades in the public eye as one of Britain’s most recognisable TV actors, Wilson kept his private life largely out of the spotlight until later in his career. His relationship with Rudge was a quiet, long-standing partnership that ended with Rudge’s death in 2022.

Did Annette Crosbie and Richard Wilson get on?

Annette Crosbie, who played Margaret Meldrew in ‘One Foot in the Grave’, had a friendly and professional working relationship with Wilson (Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry)).

“I don’t believe it!” — Richard Wilson as Victor Meldrew

— Richard Wilson, BBC sitcom ‘One Foot in the Grave’

Were the co-stars of ‘One Foot in the Grave’ friends?

Crosbie praised Wilson’s acting skill in interviews, and they remained on good terms after the show ended in 2000 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry)).

Why this matters: the on-screen chemistry between Wilson and Crosbie was central to the show’s success. Knowing that they genuinely got along off-screen adds a layer of authenticity to one of British television’s most beloved double acts.

How old was Richard Wilson when he played Victor Meldrew?

Wilson was 54 years old when ‘One Foot in the Grave’ first aired on BBC One in 1990 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry)).

He played the character from age 54 to 64 across the show’s decade-long run, which ended in 2000 (LGBT History UK (charity archive)).

When did ‘One Foot in the Grave’ first air?

The sitcom debuted on January 4, 1990, and ran for six series until its finale on November 19, 2000 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry)).

The pattern: Wilson was no young upstart when he landed the role. He brought decades of stage experience into the part, and the grumpy pensioner became his defining role precisely because his craft was already fully formed by his mid-50s.

What does Richard Wilson do now?

Wilson continues to act in theatre, television, and film. He has appeared in shows like ‘Merlin’ and ‘Holby City’, and also works as a theatre director (Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry)).

Is Richard Wilson still acting?

Yes. Wilson directed and acted in stage productions after ‘One Foot in the Grave’, and he played Gaius in the BBC drama ‘Merlin’ from 2008 to 2012 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry)). He also appeared in the sitcom ‘The Rebel’ (Champions Speakers (speaker agency profile)).

The trade-off: while his post-Meldrew roles may not have reached the same cultural saturation, they’ve kept him connected to audiences who grew up with him as Gaius or even later in ‘Holby City’.

What is Richard Wilson’s net worth and legacy?

Estimates of Wilson’s net worth vary. One source places it at $5 million (Celebrity Net Worth (estimate site)), though no official figure is publicly confirmed. The OBE he was awarded in 2006 for services to drama adds institutional weight to his legacy (Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry)).

How did Richard Wilson become famous?

His breakthrough came at age 54 with ‘One Foot in the Grave’, but he had already spent 27 years building a stage career before that, including training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Simple English Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry)).

What this means: Wilson’s fame is the result of patience, not overnight success. He started acting at 27, studied at RADA, and spent decades honing his craft before the role that made him a household name.

Timeline of Richard Wilson’s career and life

• 1936: Born in Greenock, Scotland (Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry))
• 1950s-1960s: Studied at RADA and began stage career (Simple English Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry))
• 1990: First episode of ‘One Foot in the Grave’ airs (LGBT History UK (charity archive))
• 2000: ‘One Foot in the Grave’ ends (LGBT History UK (charity archive))
• 2006: Awarded OBE (Wikipedia (encyclopedic entry))
• 2022: Partner Mike Rudge passes away (LGBT History UK (charity archive))
• 2024: Still active in acting and directing (Insight Brit (celebrity profile))

Frequently asked questions

For anyone tracing the thread from Greenock shipyard roots to OBE and a catchphrase that still echoes on British TV, the picture is one of quiet professionalism. Richard Wilson’s career demonstrates that long-term craft outpaces fleeting fame.