Bristol Born & Brilliant: Famous Faces from the West Country

At Urban Student, we love shouting about everything that makes Bristol special – and that includes the legendary people who grew up in this city! From Olympic golds to the galaxy far, far away, Bristol’s been the hometown of some absolute icons. Whether you’re into sports, music, TV or just want some local knowledge, here are 23 famous Bristolians you need to know about:

 

 

🏉 Ellis Genge

A Bristol boy through and through, Ellis grew up in Knowle West and smashed his way into professional rugby. Now an England rugby star, he’s a proud John Cabot Academy alum and never shies away from his roots.

 

 

📺 Josie Gibson

Big Brother winner, This Morning presenter, and all-round TV queen, Josie was born in Bristol and quickly became one of the UK’s most loved personalities. Good vibes and proper West Country charm.

 

 

🏃‍♀️ Emily Diamond

Olympic bronze? Check. European gold? Check. Emily found her love for athletics at Bristol Grammar School and went on to sprint her way to the top.

 

 

🎤 Maya Jama

TV presenter, DJ, style icon – is there anything Maya can’t do? Born in Bristol and educated at Cotham School, she’s now a household name.

 

 

🤸‍♀️ Claudia Fragapane

Bristol’s own gymnastics superstar! Claudia was the first English woman to win four golds at one Commonwealth Games since 1930.

 

 

🌌 Dave Prowse

May the force be with you! Dave played Darth Vader in Star Wars and grew up in Southmead. Fun fact: he was also a champion weightlifter and starred in Green Cross Code ads.

 

 

🩱 Kate Shortman & Isabelle Thorpe

Best mates since age 10 at Clifton High, this artistic swimming duo made their Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 – and went on to win silver at Paris 2024. Huge!

 

 

😂 Stephen Merchant

Comedian, co-creator of The Office, and one very tall Bristolian. Born in Hanham, Stephen went from Hanham Secondary to Hollywood – with a stop at Warwick Uni on the way.

 

 

🏑 Lily Owsley

Clifton College alum Lily made her England debut at just 19 and helped GB win hockey gold at Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo.

 

 

🏉 Amber Reed

Amber helped England win the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Born in Bristol, educated at Colston’s School, and repping the West Country all the way to the top.

 

 

🎸 Fred Wedlock

Folk legend, comic, and singer of the hit The Oldest Swinger in Town, Fred was raised in Redcliffe and had deep Bristol roots.

 

 

🎶 Smith & Mighty

Before Massive Attack hit the big time, Smith & Mighty (Rob Smith, born in Bristol) were laying the foundations of the trip-hop scene.

 

 

🎤 Mark Stewart

Post-punk pioneer and founder of The Pop Group, Mark was one of Bristol’s most influential musicians. A Bristol Grammar grad with a legendary voice.

 

 

🎬 Cary Grant

THE Cary Grant. Born Archibald Leach in Horfield, he went from humble Bristol beginnings to full-on Hollywood royalty. Think North by Northwest, Charade, and a whole lot of tuxedos.

 

 

🥁 Florrie

Singer, drummer, model – Florrie does it all. She went to Colston’s Girls’ School before moving to London to take on the music scene.

 

 

🎤 Justin Lee Collins

Southmead-born Justin started out with no qualifications and a warehouse job, then became a household name in UK comedy and tv in the 2000s.

 

 

🧠 Alice Roberts

Academic, author, and TV presenter (you’ve probably seen her on Digging for Britain), Alice was born and raised in Westbury-on-Trym and went to Red Maids’ School.

 

 

📺 Chris Serle

TV legend Chris Serle grew up in Henleaze, attended Clifton College, and presented loads of classic shows from That’s Life! to Points of View.

 

 

🧘‍♀️ Diana Moran

AKA the “Green Goddess” of 1980s fitness TV! Diana was born in Bristol in 1939 and brought aerobics to millions – all in bright green lycra.

 

 

😂 Mark Watson

One of the UK’s well-known comedians, Mark Watson was born in Bristol and went from Bristol Grammar to Queens’ College, Cambridge.

 

 

🎭 Hannah Murray

You’ll know her as Cassie in Skins or Gilly in Game of Thrones, but Hannah got her start at the Bristol Old Vic Young Company while studying at North Bristol Post 16 Centre.

 

 

🎬 Tuppence Middleton

This Downton Abbey and Sense8 actress was born in Bristol and raised in Clevedon. She went to Bristol Grammar and trained at Stagecoach in Portishead.

 

 

🎭 Jason Forbes

Actor, comedian and impressionist Jason was born in Bristol, studied at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital in Clifton, and went on to Cambridge – brains and laughs!

 

 

Next time you’re walking around town or sipping coffee near College Green, just remember – you’re in the same city where some of the UK’s most iconic talents grew up. Pretty cool, right?

 

 

Want to learn more about living in the heart of this brilliant city? Check out our student accommodation options here.

 

 

 

Published: 04.08.25 by Phoebe Clutton