Famous People Born In London

Situated on the banks of River Thames, London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. It is the most populous state in the country as well. It is classified as a leading global city, where a diverse range of languages and cultures thrive. With a variety of monuments, museums, cathedrals and world-heritage sites, the city is renowned for its vast number of tourists. Numerous notable personalities were born and raised in the city of London. Celebrities such as Tom Hardy, Tom Hiddleston, Emilia Clarke, Emily Blunt, Dev Patel, Idris Elba and Daniel Radcliffe were born here. Famous scientist Michael Faraday, poet John Keats, musician David Bowie, comedian Charlie Chaplin and director Alfred Hitchcock are also proud Londoners. Keep reading this list for more notable Londoners.
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 1 
Queen Elizabeth II
(Queen of the United Kingdom from 1952 to 2022)
Queen Elizabeth II
369
Birthdate: April 21, 1926
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: September 8, 2022

The Queen of the United Kingdom and 15 other Commonwealth realms, Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning British monarch in history. The first child of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother , she ascended to the throne in 1952. Despite the media criticism of the royal family, she continued to be a popular figure in the UK.

 2 
Dua Lipa
(Singer-Songwriter)
Dua Lipa
347
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 22, 1995
Sun Sign: Leo

At fourteen, singer Dua Lipa began her career by posting covers of famous songs on YouTube. She soon signed a contract with Warner Music Group and shot into fame with the release of her eponymous chart topping debut album. Since then, she has released her critically acclaimed second album, bagged two Grammys and created history at 2018 BRIT Awards.

 3 
Tom Hardy
(Known for His Roles in the Movies 'Inception', 'The Revenant' and 'Venom')
Tom Hardy
166
Birthdate: September 15, 1977
Sun Sign: Virgo

English actor and producer, Tom Hard,y has been active in the entertainment industry for more than two decades. Starting his career as a model, he soon branched out into acting and did not take long to become a beloved TV actor. He has performed in theaters as well. In the 2000s, he made his film debut.

 4 
David Bowie
(Regarded as One of the Most Influential Musicians of the 20th Century)
David Bowie
156
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 8, 1947
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died: January 10, 2016

English singer-songwriter and actor David Bowie is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Dubbed "The Greatest Rock Star Ever" by Rolling Stone magazine, he rose to international prominence in the 1970s with his innovative style of music. Deeply dedicated to his profession, he remained musically active until his death in 2016.

 5 
Adele
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists Known for Her Multi-Platinum Certified Albums '19' and '21')
Adele
259
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 5, 1988
Sun Sign: Taurus

Adele is one of the most successful female music artists from England. She is one of the best-selling music artists in the world, having sold over 120 million records. The recipient of numerous awards, Adele also holds several Guinness World Records. In 2012 and 2016, she was named in Time magazine's list of most influential people in the world.

 6 
Queen Victoria
(Queen of the United Kingdom (1837-1901))
Queen Victoria
172
Birthdate: May 24, 1819
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: January 22, 1901

The Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland for over six decades, Queen Victoria reigned for longer than any of her predecessors. Her rule witnessed the vast expansion of the British Empire and ushered in a period of industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military changes. Her Golden and Diamond Jubilees were celebrated with great pomp and show.

 7 
Emilia Clarke
(Actress)
Emilia Clarke
165
Birthdate: October 23, 1986
Sun Sign: Libra

Emilia Clarke rose to fame with the television series Game of Thrones, which garnered her international recognition and won her several awards. She has also starred in many films like Solo: A Star Wars Story and was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2019. Emilia also supports several charitable organisations. 

 8 
Emily Blunt
(One of the Highest-Paid Actresses in the World in 2020)
Emily Blunt
132
Birthdate: February 23, 1983
Sun Sign: Pisces
Often featured among the ‘Sexiest’ and ‘Most Desirable’ women in the world, this British-born actress is a Hollywood A-lister and sex-symbol who first captured everyone’s attention with her scene-stealing appearance in the Meryl Streep starrer The Devil Wears Prada. Emily Blunt has since tasted both commercial and critical success, and is married with kids to The Office actor, John Krasinski.
 9 
Alan Rickman
(Actor and Director)
Alan Rickman
92
Birthdate: February 21, 1946
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: January 14, 2016

One of the most admired British actors, Alan Rickman gained global recognition for his work on stage and screen. The late actor excelled at portraying villainous characters especially in movies like Die Hard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny. Other notable works of the versatile actor include Harry Potter film series and Truly, Madly, Deeply.

 10 
George Michael
(English Singer Who is Considered One of the Most Significant Cultural Icons of the MTV Generation)
George Michael
91
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 25, 1963
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: December 25, 2016

George Michael is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He rose to fame as a member of the music duo Wham and later went solo. His first solo single Careless Whisper reached number one in over 20 countries. He came out as gay in 1998. He was often in news for his personal life and legal troubles.

 11 
David Beckham
(English Former Professional Footballer Who was One of the Greatest Midfielders of His Generation)
David Beckham
139
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 2, 1975
Sun Sign: Taurus
David Beckham is a former English footballer who was football superstar on-field and a heartthrob off-field. A former player for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Milan, among others, Beckham was a free-kick specialist, a brilliant crosser of the ball and the first English player to win league titles in four countries. His passion for football, charisma and fashion style have made him an international sensation.  
 12 
Alan Turing
(English Mathematician Who is Considered as the Father of Theoretical Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence)
Alan Turing
128
Birthdate: June 23, 1912
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: June 7, 1954

Regarded as the father of computer science and artificial intelligence, Alan Turing was a distinguished mathematician and logician. During WWII, he successfully broke the challenging German Enigma machine codes thereby reducing the duration of war by a couple of years. The scientist, who was convicted for being gay, has been an inspiration for numerous films, plays and novels.

 13 
Idris Elba
(Known for His Roles in the Series 'The Wire' and 'Luther')
Idris Elba
120
Birthdate: September 6, 1972
Sun Sign: Virgo

Idris Elba is a successful actor both on the small and the big screen and is mainly known for the television series The Wire and Luther and also for films, such as Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and Beasts of No Nation. He has also acted in blockbuster films of Marvel Comics universe like Avengers: Age of Ultron and Avengers: Infinity War.

 14 
Benedict Cumberbatch
(English Actor Known for His Work on Screen and Stage)
Benedict Cumberbatch
125
Birthdate: July 19, 1976
Sun Sign: Cancer

Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the most popular English actors of the current generation. Apart from his acting skills, he is also known for his charity work. In 2014, he was named in Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world. In 2015, he was appointed a CBE for services to charity and performing arts.

 15 
Kate Beckinsale
(Actress and Model)
Kate Beckinsale
88
Birthdate: July 26, 1973
Sun Sign: Leo

Kate Beckinsale is an English actress and model and has worked in films such as Pearl Harbor, Serendipity, The Aviator, Contraband and Total Recall and received critical acclaim for her performance in the film Love and Friendship. She has also worked in various stage and radio productions. The British Heart Foundation is one of the charities that she promotes.

 16 
Charlie Chaplin
(The Greatest Comic Artist Ever & One of the Most Important Figures in Motion-Picture History)
Charlie Chaplin
92
Birthdate: April 16, 1889
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: December 25, 1977

Cinema lovers around the world hold Charlie Chaplin in high esteem. One of the biggest stars of the silent film era and an icon, he left the audience in splits with his comedic performances. Even today, his performances in movies like Modern Times and The Gold Rush are considered classic. The legendary actor was also a writer, director and producer.

 17 
Helena Bonham Carter
(English Actress Who is Known for Her Roles in Period Dramas)
Helena Bonham Carter
108
Birthdate: May 26, 1966
Sun Sign: Gemini

Helena Bonham Carter is an English actress who is known for her performances in independent films and huge blockbusters. Some of her notable films are The Wings of the Dove, The King's Speech, Hamlet, Howards End, Fight Club, Les Misérables . She was also part of the Harry Potter series. She was bestowed with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2012.

 18 
Rachel Weisz
(British Actress Known for Her Films: 'The Mummy', 'The Constant Gardener' and 'The Favourite')
Rachel Weisz
72
Birthdate: March 7, 1970
Sun Sign: Pisces

One of the most popular and decorated British-American actresses, Rachel Weisz is the recipient of many awards, such as the Academy Award. One of the most beautiful actresses, she has been featured on several magazine covers. In 2010, Rachel Weisz was named the global ambassador for L'Oréal. She has also served as fashion designer Narciso Rodriguez's muse.

 19 
Elizabeth Taylor
(One of the Best Actresses of Classic Hollywood Cinema)
Elizabeth Taylor
59
Birthdate: February 27, 1932
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: March 23, 2011

Considered an incandescent beauty, Elizabeth Taylor was a very popular and successful actor and her legacy is an everlasting one. She shone in movies like A Place in the Sun, Giant, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cleopatra, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Butterfield 8 in the 1950s and 60s. Recipient of two Oscars, she married eight times.

 20 
Gary Oldman
(Actor, Comedian & Singer)
Gary Oldman
57
Birthdate: March 21, 1958
Sun Sign: Aries

Gary Oldman is an English actor who can be best described as a chameleon, for his remarkable ability to imbibe the traits and mannerisms of the character he portrays. Whether playing a Cold War spy or a Sci-fi villain or Winston Churchill, this acting genius has earned the praise of millions of fans around the world.

 21 
Emma Thompson
(British Actress, Screenwriter and the Only Person to Win Academy Awards for Both Acting & Writing)
Emma Thompson
83
Birthdate: April 15, 1959
Sun Sign: Aries

One of the most celebrated British actresses, Emma Thompson has received plaudits for her work in films, television and stage. Her film credits include Howards End, The Remains of the Day as well as Sense and Sensibility which she also wrote. Her television appearances include miniseries Angels in America. The award winning actress is also an author, activist and comedian.

 22 
George V
(King of the United Kingdom (1910-36))
George V
63
Birthdate: June 3, 1865
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: January 20, 1936

George V became the King of Great Britain and the British Dominions in 1910. During the World War I, he played an active role in supporting the troops. The rise of socialism, communism, fascism and the Indian independence movement was witnessed during his rule. His reign also saw the supremacy of the elected British House of Commons established by the Parliament.

 23 
Cara Delevingne
(English Model and Actor)
Cara Delevingne
150
Birthdate: August 12, 1992
Sun Sign: Leo

English actress Cara Delevingne is known for films like Paper Towns, Suicide Squad, Tulip Fever and London Fields. She’s also a very successful fashion model and has been the face of some of the top brands in the world like Burberry, H&M, Zara and Chanel. She has also walked down the catwalk as a model at many prestigious fashion shows.

 24 
Phil Collins
(Drummer & Lead Singer of the Rock Band 'Genesis')
Phil Collins
63
Birthdate: January 30, 1951
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Phil Collins is best known for his work with the popular rock band Genesis. Having sold more than 150 million copies worldwide, he is one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Phil is one of three recording artists who have sold more than 100 million records both as principal members of a band and as solo artists.

 25 
Rosamund Pike
(Actress)
Rosamund Pike
64
Birthdate: January 27, 1979
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Popular English actress, Rosamund Pike, is best known for her performances in the movies Gone Girl, Hostiles, An Education and A Private War. A talented stage actress, she shot to international fame with her debut film Die Another Day. Since then, she has appeared in diverse roles and has achieved both critical and commercial success as well as prestigious award nominations.

 26 
Helen Mirren
(The Only Performer to Have Achieved the 'Triple Crown of Acting' in Both the US and the UK)
Helen Mirren
41
Birthdate: July 26, 1945
Sun Sign: Leo

Helen Mirren is one of the most respected and decorated actresses from England. She has won several prestigious awards, including the Triple Crown of Acting. Before achieving greatness, Mirren fought drug addiction during her 20s. She has also said that she is a naturist at heart and was named by British Naturism as Naturist of the Year in 2004.

 27 
Elizabeth I of England
(Queen of England)
Elizabeth I of England
59
Birthdate: September 7, 1533
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: March 24, 1603
Elizabeth I, daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, ruled as the Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 to 1603. She had been declared illegitimate after her mother’s execution. Nicknamed The Virgin Queen for her unmarried status, she established an English Protestant church and served as its governor.
 28 
Michael Caine
37
Birthdate: March 14, 1933
Sun Sign: Pisces

A British film icon, Michael Caine is one of the highest grossing box office stars. His filmography is extensive with numerous acclaimed performances. This includes Ipcress File, Hannah and Her Sisters, Educating Rita, Sleuth, The Quiet American and Inception. The esteemed actor, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, is also a bestselling author with eleven published books.

 29 
Angela Lansbury
(Actress and Singer Whose Career Spanned Over 80 Years)
Angela Lansbury
93
Birthdate: October 16, 1925
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: October 11, 2022

Angela Lansbury played a key role in shaping the Golden Age of Hollywood. Recognized as one of the few stars still alive from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema, Angela Lansbury has received accolades, such as an Honorary Oscar. In 2014, Queen Elizabeth II appointed her a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

 30 
Jude Law
(Actor)
Jude Law
49
Birthdate: December 29, 1972
Sun Sign: Capricorn

British actor Jude Law is hailed as one of the most respected and talented artists of his generation. The movie Shopping in 1994 was his breakthrough moment and he has not looked back since then. He has worked across continents, with some of his prominent films being Gattaca, The Talented Mr Ripley, Cold Mountain, Alfie, Road to Perdition, Captain Marvel and Sherlock Holmes.

 31 
Brian May
(Lead Guitarist of the Rock Band 'Queen')
Brian May
43
Birthdate: July 19, 1947
Sun Sign: Cancer

Queen guitarist and singer-songwriter Brian May is also a PhD in astrophysics. One of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time and Guitar World’s second-greatest guitarist, he received a CBE. He was a Chancellor of Liverpool at John Moores University, has worked with NASA, and fights for animal rights.

 32 
Hugh Grant
(English Actor Best Known for His Leading Roles in Romantic Comedies)
Hugh Grant
47
Birthdate: September 9, 1960
Sun Sign: Virgo

The quintessential lover boy of British and American cinema, Hugh Grant is widely regarded as a meticulous performer who works hard on his acting and comic skills. One of the few celebrities to express disdain for celebrity culture, Grant's personal life has overshadowed his on-screen achievements. Also known for his charity work, Grant is a patron of Pancreatic Cancer Action.

 33 
Bear Grylls
(British Adventurer and Television Presenter Best Known for His TV Series ‘Man vs. Wild’)
Bear Grylls
93
Birthdate: June 7, 1974
Sun Sign: Gemini

A former Special Air Service serviceman and honorary lieutenant-colonel, Bear Grylls is best known as an adventurer who does interesting things—from eating goat testicles to drinking elephant dung juice—in the TV series Man vs. Wild. Also known for his charity and humanitarian efforts, Bear was appointed OBE in 2019 for services to charity, young people, and the media.

 34 
Christopher Lee
(Actor and Singer Known for His Role as ‘Count Dracula’ in ‘Hammer Horror’ Films)
Christopher Lee
52
Birthdate: May 27, 1922
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: June 7, 2015

Christopher Lee was one of the most respected actors of his generation. Such was his impact on the British and American film industries that David Cameron described him as a titan of the golden age of cinema following his death in 2015. Famous for his deep, strong voice, Christopher Lee was also a popular singer who worked with several metal bands.

 35 
Rod Stewart
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists of All Time)
Rod Stewart
39
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 10, 1945
Sun Sign: Capricorn

British rock and pop singer and songwriter, Rod Stewart has sold over 250 million records worldwide and is counted among the best-selling music artists of all time. During his extensive career that spans almost six decades, he has won numerous awards and accolades. He was mentioned on the "Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists" list in 2008.

 36 
Tilda Swinton
(British Actress Who is Known for Her Roles in Independent Films and Blockbusters)
Tilda Swinton
53
Birthdate: November 5, 1960
Sun Sign: Scorpio

One of the most popular Scottish actresses of her generation, Tilda Swinton is known for portraying negative roles in both blockbusters and independent arthouse films. An Academy Award-winning actress, Tilda is also known for her impressive fashion sense; she was named by The Guardian as one of the fifty best-dressed over 50 in 2013.

 37 
Roger Moore
(Famous for His Portrayal as the Fictional British Secret Agent 'James Bond' in Seven Films)
Roger Moore
35
Birthdate: October 14, 1927
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: May 23, 2017

Widely regarded as one of the most popular actors to play the iconic secret agent James Bond in films, Roger Moore was more than just an actor. He was also well-known for his humanitarian work, so much so that he was knighted in 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II for services to charity.

 38 
Alfred Hitchcock
(One of the Most Influential Filmmakers of All Time)
Alfred Hitchcock
31
Birthdate: August 13, 1899
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: April 29, 1980

Popularly known as the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock pioneered the Hitchcockian style of filmmaking. One of the most studied filmmakers in the world, Hitchcock is also one of the most influential in the history of cinema. In his career, that spanned six decades, he directed some of the greatest films of all time, such as Psycho and Vertigo.

 39 
Daniel Day-Lewis
(British Actor and Only Person to Have Won Three 'Academy Awards for Best Actor')
Daniel Day-Lewis
54
Birthdate: April 29, 1957
Sun Sign: Taurus

Retired English actor, Daniel Day-Lewis, is widely regarded as one of the best cinema actors. Known for his dedication to method acting, he has entertained audience with both positive and negative roles. His work in movies like My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, Lincoln and Gangs of New York have won him fame, critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards.

 40 
Sacha Baron Cohen
(Known for Portrayal of the Fictional Satirical Characters)
Sacha Baron Cohen
91
Birthdate: October 13, 1971
Sun Sign: Libra

An English comedian, actor, writer, and director, Sacha Baron Cohen, is the creator of many fictional satirical characters, including Ali G and Borat Sagdiyev. He adopts a variety of accents and guises while playing these characters. He has been criticized for passing sexist and sexual comments. He is a mildly controversial figure and has been involved in a few lawsuits.

 41 
Kiefer Sutherland
(Actor Best Known for His Role in the Fox Drama Series '24;)
Kiefer Sutherland
35
Birthdate: December 21, 1966
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

The son of famous Canadian actors, Shirley Douglas and Donald Sutherland, Kiefer Sutherland followed in his parents' footsteps to become a famous actor. Apart from being a respected and decorated actor, Kiefer is also one of the controversy's favorite children, having been on the wrong side of the law several times.

 42 
Virginia Woolf
(One of the Most Important Modernist 20th-Century Authors)
Virginia Woolf
80
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: January 25, 1882
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: March 28, 1941

Virginia Woolf was an English writer who pioneered a narrative mode called stream of consciousness to describe the thoughts and feelings of the narrator. Regarded as one of the most prominent modernist 20th-century writers, Woolf's works have gained much attention for inspiring feminism. Her life and work have inspired several films, novels, and plays.

 43 
Ada Lovelace
(Countess of Lovelace)
Ada Lovelace
40
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: December 10, 1815
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: November 27, 1852

Ada Lovelace was a mathematician known for her work on the Analytical Engine, a mechanical general-purpose computer proposed by Charles Babbage. Many believe that Lovelace was the first to recognize the potential of computers. It is also believed that she published the first algorithm after realizing that the algorithm could be carried out by a machine like the Analytical Engine.

 44 
Charles II
(King of England, Scotland and Ireland from 1660 to 1685)
Charles II
37
Birthdate: May 29, 1630
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: February 6, 1685
Charles II, son of King Charles I of England, ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1660 to 1685. He was initially defeated by Oliver Cromwell and forced to go into exile, but returned to England after Cromwell’s death. He introduced the Clarendon Code and later sided with the Tories.
 45 
Rebecca Hall
(Actress)
Rebecca Hall
38
Birthdate: May 3, 1982
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 46 
Minnie Driver
(Actress and Singer)
Minnie Driver
34
Birthdate: January 31, 1970
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Minnie Driver is best known for her Academy Award-nominated role of Skylar in Good Will Hunting. She is also known for her supporting roles in the films Circle of Friends and Take and the series Speechless, About a Boy, and Will & Grace. She is a jazz musician, too. 
 47 
Naomi Campbell
61
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: May 22, 1970
Sun Sign: Gemini
Naomi Campbell is one of the “Big Six” supermodels of the 1980s and the 1990s, who has graced both the ramp and print. She has also released a music album, been part of a fashion reality show, started a web series, and founded charitable organizations such as Fashion for Relief.
 48 
Mary Shelley
(British Author Best Known for Her Gothic Novel ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus’)
Mary Shelley
28
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: August 30, 1797
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: February 1, 1851
An author who was admired for her exploration of the Gothic genre, Mary Shelley is best remembered for her novel Frankenstein. She also edited the works of her husband, Romantic poet P.B. Shelley. She lost her husband to a drowning accident and eventually passed away due to brain tumor.
 49 
Thandie Newton
(English Actress Known for Her Films: ‘Beloved’, ‘Mission: Impossible 2’ and ‘Shade’)
Thandie Newton
30
Birthdate: November 6, 1972
Sun Sign: Scorpio

A critically acclaimed and award-winning actress, Thandie Newton is also an activist—she led a flash mob in 2013 for gender equality and justice. An actress with an affinity for Buddhism, Thandie was named Sexiest Vegan of 2014 by PETA. During the 2019 New Year Honours, she was appointed OBE for services to charity and film.

 50 
Joan Collins
(Actress)
Joan Collins
23
Birthdate: May 23, 1933
Sun Sign: Gemini
Joan Collins, sister of renowned author Jackie Collins, is best known for her Golden Globe-winning role of Alexis Carrington in Dynasty, an iconic soap of the 1980s. She has also written several books, including beauty books, memoirs, and novels. A seasoned theater actor, she also received the DBE and OBE.