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Actor Brian Cox to explore Dundee upbringing in new documentary about wealth

By Kieran Webster

November 9 2022, 1:38pm

Brian Cox. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson.

Actor Brian Cox will explore his upbringing in Dundee during a new documentary on wealth.

The two-part Channel 5 series, How the Other Half Live, will investigate the lives of the richest and the poorest in society later this month.

Cox – who is famed for playing media tycoon Logan Roy in the hit TV show Succession – will tell his own rags to riches story, from growing up in hardship to becoming a successful and wealthy actor.

The 76-year-old will recall how his father, a shopkeeper, gave his customers groceries ‘on tick’, knowing they were struggling to afford their shopping.

Cox will also reveal that, following the death of his father, the family were left with just £10 in their bank account, leaving them in extreme poverty.

The shows sees Cox visiting Dundee, including his first childhood home and a chip shop.

The Manhattan-based actor, who last month hinted at a possible move back to Tayside, said: “This is a fascinating subject and having lived both ends of the wealth gap, this series will allow me to examine my own relationship with money while gaining a deeper understanding of how wealth really affects society today.”

‘The wealth divide has never been bigger’

Channel 5 previously revealed Cox’s involvement in the documentary at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August.

Daniel Pearl, commissioning editor of Factual, Channel 5 & P+, said: “This is an important series to be bringing to the channel, exploring a topic that has never been more relevant.

“Working with Brian continues to show our ability to attract incredible talent and I’m looking forward to seeing him tell his story.”

Cox reading a copy of The Courier. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson.

Fatima Salaria, managing director of Naked – the company producing the documentary – said: “The wealth divide has never been bigger and the richest 1% now own half of the world’s wealth – all while more people are falling into extreme poverty.

“Alongside producer/director Tristan Quinn we’re delighted to be working with Brian as he guides viewers through his own exploration in this important and compelling series which will see him try to gain a better understanding of what it means to be rich or poor in society today.”