John Hannah was born on 23 April 1962 in East Kilbride, Scotland. His mother was a cleaner and his father worked as a toolmaker, and he grew up in a working-class family environment.

He attended Claremont High School before studying electrical engineering at college, but later pursued acting at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. This shift marked the beginning of his acting career.

Hannah rose to prominence in the 1990s with roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral and later gained international fame in The Mummy film series. His career expanded into television, theatre, and voice work.

He became the narrator of Race Across the World (BBC Two, later BBC One), providing commentary that guides viewers through the travel competition format.

Hannah lives in the UK with his family and continues to work in acting, voice narration, and television, maintaining a steady presence in entertainment.