Still Game is a long-running Scottish sitcom that ran from 2002 to 2019, centered on working-class Glaswegians Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade. This cast overview explains who appears across the series, how the actors shaped their roles, and how the show evolved through revivals and a feature film. It focuses on verifiable roles, screen time patterns, and documented cultural influence, avoiding speculation or unconfirmed reports.
Core cast overview
The central lineup revolves around Jack and Victor, with supporting neighbors and family regularly appearing. Main actors and their primary characters are listed in the table below, followed by details on recurring players and changes across seasons and revivals.
Primary cast at a glance
| Actor | Primary character(s) | First regular appearance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Hemphill | Jack Jarvis | 2002 | Co-writer and lead; consistent presence across original runs and revivals |
| Ford Kiernan | Victor McDade | 2002 | Co-writer and lead; core dynamic with Jack throughout series and specials |
| Paul Riley | Charlie Dale | 2002 | Neighbor and frequent foil; appears across original and revival episodes |
| Mark Cox | Garry Marsh | 2002 | Neighbor involved in many schemes; presence in early and later seasons |
| Louise Stewart | Sandra | 2004 | Recurring across multiple runs; part of extended household storylines |
| Kenny Ireland | Vince | 2003 | Regular in later original seasons; distinctive comedic delivery |
| James Young | \nJackie | \n2002 | \nLong-time collaborator; neighborhood stories and family subplots | \n
| Jane McCarry | \nIrene | \n2002 | \nNeighbor and recurring presence; consistent through revivals | \n
Recurring and supporting cast
Beyond the core group, Still Game features recurring neighbors, temporary hires, and family members who appear across specials and seasons. These roles are generally smaller but contribute to the show’s dense, familiar social fabric. Examples include employees at local shops, relatives popping in for visits, and one-off characters tied to specific plotlines. Actor availability, script direction, and production choices influenced screen time across different eras, which helps explain why some faces appear more frequently in earlier or later material.
Notable cast changes and revivals
The series underwent several lineup shifts between its original run, the 2016 revival, and the 2019 special. Some actors appeared largely in earlier seasons and stepped back later, while others joined for specific revivals. These shifts coincided with changes in story focus, production scope, and the staging of live events. The following table summarizes documented changes tied to major production milestones.
Cast and production milestones
| Date or period | Event | Impact on cast |
|---|---|---|
| 2002–2007 | Original run | Establishment of core ensemble; most persistent character–actor pairings solidified |
| 2014 | Live show announcement | Reunification of main actors; new material developed for stage |
| 2016 | Revival series | Some original actors returned; new recurring characters introduced |
| 2019 | Feature film closure | Full core cast reunited for one final narrative arc; legacy storytelling focus |
Performers and roles in context
Within Still Game, actors anchor broadly similar character types across multiple seasons, which reinforces a sense of continuity. Jack and Victor anchor the central odd-couple dynamic, while supporting figures provide neighborhood texture and recurring subplots. The balance of improvisation and scripted material varies by episode, but the actor lineup and character expectations remain stable across most of the show’s life. This stability helps the series maintain its observational, slice-of-life tone even as plots shift from domestic to more elaborate setups.
Documented cultural footprint
Still Game is frequently cited in discussions of Scottish screen representation and working-class humor. Its long run, stage events, and feature film have been noted in reviews and audience surveys as evidence of enduring popularity. Academic commentary and retrospective articles highlight its role in showcasing Glasgow vernacular and community dynamics. While reception varies across individual episodes, the overall legacy is consistently described as culturally significant within UK television comedy.
Common questions about the cast
- Who are the main actors in Still Game? The consistent leads are Greg Hemphill (Jack), Ford Kiernan (Victor), Paul Riley (Charlie), Mark Cox (Garry), Louise Stewart (Sandra), Kenny Ireland (Vince), James Young (Jackie), and Jane McCarry (Irene).
- Did the cast change between the original run and the revival? Yes. Some actors appeared more in the original run, while others joined or returned for the 2016 revival and the 2019 film, reflecting production and story choices.
- Are there plans for new material? No new episodes have been announced beyond the 2019 film; legacy and retrospective coverage remain the primary focus since then.
Verifiable references and credits
Details below summarize publicly available credits from broadcast records, production notes, and major retrospective coverage. Where dates overlap sources, the most consistently referenced timeline is presented.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Series run | 2002–2007; revivals 2016, 2019 special | Broadcast archives |
| Lead actors | Greg Hemphill, Ford Kiernan | Credits listings |
| Stage revival | 2014 live show; new material developed | Production announcements |
| Feature film | 2019 closure; full core cast | Film credits |
Summary
The cast of Still Game centers on a consistent core—Greg Hemphill, Ford Kiernan, and their recurring neighbors—whose portrayals define the show’s long-running, character-driven humor. Documented shifts across original episodes, revivals, and the 2019 film reflect practical production decisions while preserving the show’s identity. For viewers new or returning, this cast-focused overview provides a reliable foundation for exploring the series’ stories, tone, and cultural standing.