Ian Buchanan

Buchanan was born June 16, 1957 in Hamilton, Scotland. He worked at a local hotel as a bellhop while still a teenager. By the time he turned 14 his parents, both of whom fought alcoholism, died suddenly. He and his five siblings were left alone and his dreams of moving to the U.S. were put on hold. Buchanan went on to work as a bartender and restaurant manager in Scotland. While vacationing in Spain, his exceptional good looks captured the attention of a photographer. He agreed to a photo session that went so well he quickly found regular modeling work. He moved to London where he soon became an international fashion model. When the prestigious Ford Agency signed Buchanan in the 1980s, he relocated to New York City. Buchanan studied acting at New York's Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. He was also coached by notable playwright and actress Marcia Haufrecht. His hard work paid off when he was offered the role of heartthrob Duke Lavery on General Hospital (1963) in 1986 who most notably s