Richard was born in Rutherglen, Glasgow, on 4 January 1983 to a policeman and a hotel manager and has a brother Colin, his birth name actually being Richard Harris. On becoming an actor it was changed to Rankin, his mother's maiden name to avoid any confusion with the famous Irish player. Initially wanting to be a marine biologist he was inspired by a trip to Los Angeles with his girl friend at the age of 21 that an actor's life was for him and enrolled at Langside College in Glasgow to train as an actor the following year, persuading Colin - who has also been seen in major television productions - to join him. Richard first attracted attention in the Scottish comedy series 'Burnistoun', shown regionally but has consequently taken on strong roles on national television in 'The Syndicate', 'From Darkness' and 'Thirteen' as well as appearing on stage in his home town - where he is still based - in 'Black Watch' for the National Theatre of Scotland', 'The Pillowman' at the Players Theatre and, also for XLC Theatre company 'Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off'.
