6 Famous People you never knew were from Birmingham
We Brummies’ are a very proud people. We are proud of our industrial heritage, our sporting achievements and our contribution to the world. We brought you cookers, skateboards, bicycle bells, photocopiers, whistles, microwaves, and even the not so humble pen! Many great things were born and bred in Birmingham including a surprisingly long list of famous faces. Here are some of Birmingham famous people who you may recognise.
1. Ozzy Osbourne & most of Black Sabbath
Starting with one of the most recognisable faces on the list, did you know that Ozzy Osbourne and the majority of Black Sabbath band were born and raised in Brum? The iconic band made up of guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne come from working-class roots in Aston, Birmingham. The frontman has never lost his distinctive accent even if it is a little less clear in his latter years. He talks openly about his roots and his proud British heritage.
2. Richard Hammond
Best known for his time on popular automobile TV show Top Gear, Richard Hammond is a presenter and author who was born and raised in Solihull, Birmingham. He was born in 1969, went to Solihull School and learned to drive on the picturesque streets. Richard Hammonds grandparents worked for the once-popular motor industry, helping to build the cars he would test and break-neck speeds for our TV entertainment! He still lives in the midlands area, reluctant to leave the town he loves so well.
3. Cat Deely
English television presenter, actress, singer and model Catherine (Cat) Deely was also born in Birmingham. She burst on to our screens in 1998 hosting the children’s programme SMTV Live and its spin-off chart show CD:UK with Ant & Dec for which she won a BAFTA Award. She went on to host Fame Academy, the iconic Stars in Their Eyes and So You Think You Can Dance in the US among many others. She married Irish comedian and television presenter Patrick Kielty in 2012. They have two beautiful boys and live in LA where they both still work in the industry.
4. Christine McVie
Birmingham has a very varied musical background, from heavy metal to indie ballads and everything in between. Another famous and extremely talented musician we claim as our own is Christine McVie, best known as one of the three lead vocalists and the keyboardist of Fleetwood Mac. She grew up in Bearwood, Birmingham and her father was a violinist and music lecturer in St Peters College of Educations in Saltly. She joined the band in 1970, left in 1998 and rejoined the band for their recent tours starting in 2014. She wrote and performs many of the songs most iconic hits such as ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘You make lovin’ fun’ and the iconic ‘Songbird’ which she wrote in 30-minutes.
5. Kenny Baker
Kenny Baker is Birmingham’s connection to the lucrative Star Wars franchise and one we are very proud of. Kenny, born in Birmingham in 1934, played an iconic role in the Star Wars movies, fitting for his height — R2D2. He also starred in many excellent sci-fi and box office hits such as The Elephant Man, Time Bandits, Willow, Flash Gordon, Amadeus and Labyrinth. He lived in Ashton with his wife Eileen until his death in 2019, the same year as his Star Wars co-stars Carrie Fisher and Erik Bauersfield.
6. Simon Cowell
This one is a bit of a stretch but the man himself, Mr Simon Cowell, claims to be a Brummie! His mother was born here and although he was raised in London, most of the Cowell Clan still live here meaning he visits often. In 2016, despite the protest of his fellow Judges, he declared “I want to see what Birmingham has to offer because I’m from here,” before filming the first of six audition sessions at Birmingham Hippodrome in 2016. So, I guess you could say Birmingham is responsible for producing the man who gave us One Direction, Westlife, Little Mix and so many more. You’re welcome!
Birmingham famous people shout about their heritage, the same way we shout about the excellent accommodation we offer. For flexible, comfortable and affordable serviced apartments in Birmingham, book your stay in PREMIER SUITES today. Make sure you book direct for exclusive access to our special offers and the lowest rates available.
