Bill Paterson was born on 3 June 1945 in Glasgow, Scotland. Details about his parents are not widely public, though he grew up in a working-class family and developed an early interest in performance.

He trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), which helped launch his professional acting career in theatre during the 1960s.

Paterson built a strong reputation in British theatre before moving into television and film, appearing in numerous acclaimed productions across several decades. His career includes roles in period dramas, comedies, and major films.

He became widely recognised to modern audiences as the narrator of The Repair Shop, which airs on BBC One. His distinctive voice helps guide viewers through the stories behind the restored objects.

Paterson lives in the UK and continues to work in acting and narration, maintaining a respected presence in British entertainment.