While McRae was studying international law at Edinburgh, he developed a love for theater as a member of the 7:84 Troupe. After graduation, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and began a long career on stage and screen.
He appeared in Return of the Jedi in an uncredited performance of Arvel Crynyd. McRae was also one of five Star Wars actors to appear in Greystoke - The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.
McRae's wife, Lindsay Duncan, supplied the voice of TC-14 in The Phantom Menace.
- Star Wars in 100 Scenes