4. James McAvoy
A young Scotsman by the name of James McAvoy was just twenty two in 2001 when Band of Brothers was released. Playing the role of Pvt. James C. Miller, a replacement for a deceased soldier who soon succumbs to death himself, his role in the series was forgettable, but was the highlight of the credits he had amassed to that point. Two years later, people began to take notice when he appeared in State Of Play, the David Yates political thriller that, along with Edge of Darkness, is amongst the finest miniseries that the UK has ever produced. This was followed one year later by a recurring role in Shameless, which was itself followed two years later by The Last King Of Scotland. Though McAvoys Scottish doctor character is admittedly overshadowed by Forest Whitakers Oscar-winning performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the film, it paved the way for lead roles in the likes of Joe Wrights Atonement and the film adaptation of the Wanted comic Like Michael Fassbender, he has recently taken on a lead role in the X-Men franchise, playing Charles Xavier alongside Fassbenders Magneto. He will return in next years Days Of Futures Past, starring alongside the characters original portrayer, Sir Patrick Stewart, as well as an all-star cast that includes Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry and Peter Dinklage. Now established as a leading man, McAvoy has two films currently in cinemas Danny Boyles Trance and gritty thriller Welcome To The Punch. Both are enjoyable fare, and are certain to ensure that the roles keep on coming for the Scotsman.