
Karen Dunbar
Acting • Born 1971-04-01
Biography
Karen Dunbar (born 1 April 1971) is a Scottish comedian, actress and writer known for her bold humour and standout performances in Chewin’ the Fat and The Karen Dunbar Show. Born in Glasgow and raised in Ayr, she began her career in theatre and radio before gaining national fame with BBC Scotland in the late 1990s. Dunbar has also starred in major stage productions, including the National Theatre of Scotland’s Men Should Weep and The Guid Sisters. Openly gay and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, she is praised for blending comedy with social commentary and continues to be a leading voice in Scottish entertainment.
Filmography
18 credits
Nae Expectations
Movie • 2023
Miss Havisham

Ooh the Banter!
Movie • 2022
Self (archive footage)

The All Star Euros Sketch Show
Movie • 2024

Chewin' the Fat Live!
Movie • 2000
Various

Rice Paper Stars
Movie • 2000
Lulu

Julius Caesar
Movie • 2018
Casca

Mary Queen of Scots
Movie • 2018
Commoner

Henry IV
Movie • 2018
Bardolph/Vernon

The Tempest
Movie • 2018
Trinculo

Ooh the Banter!
Movie • 2022
Self

Karen Dunbar Live from Ayr
Movie • 2025
Self

#CancelKarenDunbar
Movie • 2022
Self

Chewin' the Fat
TV • 1999

The Karen Dunbar Show
TV • 2003

Britain's Got More Talent
TV • 2007
Self

Happy Hollidays
TV • 2009
Joyce Mullen

Best of Chewin' the Fat
TV • 2019
Various

M.I. High
TV • 2007
Arme Gonnerssen