Greg Hemphill was born on 14 December 1969 in Springburn, Glasgow, Scotland, to parents Edward (an accountant) and Anne (a teacher). He spent part of his childhood in Montreal, Canada, before returning to Scotland.

He studied at the University of Glasgow, earning an MA (Hons) in theatre, film, and television. His early interest in performance led him to comedy and stage work, including appearances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1990.

Hemphill rose to fame through his collaboration with Ford Kiernan on the sketch show Chewin’ the Fat (BBC Scotland) and later the hugely successful sitcom Still Game (BBC Scotland/BBC One).

In 2023, he co-presented Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim alongside his wife, which aired on BBC Scotland, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer. The show explores wild swimming locations across Scotland.

He continues to work in television, writing, and acting, while living in Scotland with his family.