Ian Buchanan Facts: Longtime Soap Veteran Primer

Ian Buchanan is a Scottish actor best known for starring in soap operas such as General Hospital, Port Charles, The Bold and the Beautiful, All My Children, and Days of Our Lives.

Along with his work on soaps, Buchanan has also appeared on Charmed, Hope & Faith, Alias, and The Nanny. From where he was born and raised to winning an Emmy, here are five fast facts you need to know about the actor!

Who Is Ian Buchanan?

Buchanan was born on June 16 in Hamilton, Scotland. He tragically lost both of his parents by the time he was 14 to alcoholism, so he and his five siblings were suddenly orphaned. Buchanan began working as a bellhop and eventually became a manager of a restaurant.

Model Behavior

While vacationing in Spain, Ian Buchanan caught the eye of a photographer who asked if he could take photos of him. Buchanan was so good that he began working as a model and even moved to London to pursue it full time. He then packed up and moved to New York City to continue modeling with the Ford Agency.

Chance Meeting

After relocating to New York City, Buchanan started studying acting at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute. He then began landing acting jobs, including his role as Duke Lavery on General Hospital. But, another big break came when director David Lynch noticed Buchanan during a Calvin Klein commercial taping and decided to cast him in Twin Peaks!

Ian Buchanan: Part Of The Band

Buchanan has been an ensemble member of The Citizen’s Band, which is a politically-based cabaret troupe. Their work deals with controversial topics such as politics and religion. Some other celebrities who have performed with the group over the years include Zoë Kravitz, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Zooey Deschanel.

Winner, Winner

Ian Buchanan won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1998 thanks to his role as Dr. James Warwick in The Bold and the Beautiful.