10 actors you didn’t know were from Yorkshire
We’ve compiled a list of award-winning actors and actresses you probably didn’t know were from our wonderful Yorkshire county. So, next time there’s a pub quiz or you fancy impressing your friends with your knowledge of local celebrities, you can boast away thanks to us.
1. Matthew Lewis
That’s right, Neville Longbottom himself is from the great city of Leeds. It may have been a while since he wore his Hogwarts robes, so it’s worth pointing out that he also starred in the film ‘Me before You’ and the TV shows The Syndicate and Happy Valley.
2. Dame Judi Dench
My, oh my! The great Dame Judi Dench is from the equally as prestigious city of York. It would be a shocker if you didn’t know who this marvellous actress is, but if not, she has appeared in several Shakespeare plays, multiple James Bond films and starred as Queen Victoria in the recent film ‘Victoria and Abdul’.
3. Sir Patrick Stewart
This sci-fi legend originally hails from Mirfield in West Yorkshire. Who would have thought? Although he may be best known for starring in Star Trek and X-Men, Sir Stewart, like the great Dame Dench, also trod the boards with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Plus, interesting fact- he has had several guest appearances on The Simpsons.
4. Jodie Whittaker
Isn’t it incredible? The very first female Doctor Who is from Yorkshire origins. Jodie is originally from Skelmanthorpe in West Yorkshire and has starred in a variety of shows such as Broadchurch, Black Mirror and many more.
5. Sean Bean
We can’t not mention good ol’ Sean Bean now can we? Famous for keeping his strong Sheffield accent despite going to RADA, one of the most prestigious drama schools in the UK, he definitely deserves to be on our list. Sean’s characters don’t seem to have much luck at survival though, with both Boromir in Lord of the Rings and Ned Stark in Game of Thrones coming to nasty ends. His filmography is rather large, so we are hoping at least one of his other characters manage to survive!
6. Mark Addy
‘Ey up! It’s another actor from York. Mark Addy’s filmography proves he is definitely a man capable of any role. Recently, he has starred in the new Disney Mary Poppins sequel but many of you will probably recognise him for being another Game of Throne’s star or for his role in Robin Hood.
7. Lena Headey
Was Game of Thrones set in Yorkshire? It might has well have been, as Lena is another incredible actress who grew up in our wonderful county. She was raised in Highburton, near Huddersfield and can be recognised from her roles in Game of Thrones, The Brothers Grimm, 300 and many more.
8. Eleanor Tomlinson
Eleanor Tomlinson may only be 26, but with the way her career is going she is one to watch out for. Having starred in such films as Alice in Wonderland, Jack the Giant Slayer and more recently the TV drama Poldark. She’s doing great! Plus, she was raised in Beverly, North Yorkshire, making her a local star.
9. Dame Penelope Wilton
This Dame is from our very own hometown of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. One of this country’s most recognisable actresses, having starred a variety of films from Pride and Prejudice, to Shaun of the Dead and TV series ranging from Doctor Who to Downton Abbey. She is definitely worth noting as an incredible Scarborough talent.
10. Gemma Whelan
Finally, the last Game of Throne’s actresses that we’ll give a mention – the incredible Gemma Whelan. She’s starred in Gulliver’s travels, The Crown, Game of Thrones and many more. Not only is she an incredible actress, but she is a stand-up comic, professional dancer and trained in musical theatre – a quadruple threat. Not bad for a girl from Leeds.
There you have it, our collection of incredible actors and actresses from our neighbourhood. Proof that you don’t have t’go far to find talent in Yorkshire.