 A local film producer told the then 22-year-old that he had the look of an actor, and upon his return to Glasgow, Rankin auditioned for Langside College with his brother Colin Harris.Both graduated and went on to a career in acting, but when Rankin, who was then known by his birth name of Richard Harris, applied for his Equity card he began using his mother's maiden name (Rankin) to prevent confusion with Irish actor Richard Harris.Rankin began his professional career in 2006 by starring alongside Robert Florence in "VideoGaiden," a Scottish video game show originally aired on BBC Two Scotland"."