- In preparing for his role of Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire (1981), Charleson read the Bible from beginning to end.
- He appeared in two Best Picture Academy Award winners in consecutive years: Chariots of Fire (1981) and Gandhi (1982).
- Sir Ian McKellen said that Charleson played "Hamlet" so well it was as if he had rehearsed the role all his life.
- He died seven weeks after playing "Hamlet" in Richard Eyre's production at the Olivier Theatre.
- His name was used posthumously for the Ian Charleson Awards, which have been presented annually since 1991 to reward the best classical stage performances by actors aged under 30.
- Studied architecture at Edinburgh University, but apparently this area was his weakest point: He once designed a model of a magnificent bridge without foundations.
- Close friend of David Rintoul. They met at Edinburgh University and became roommates during drama training in London.
- He appeared in two Best Picture Academy Award winners: Chariots of Fire (1981) and Gandhi (1982). John Gielgud and Richard Griffiths also appeared in both films.
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