British Celebrities
British celebrities are popular not only in the United Kingdom but around the world for their profound impact in literature, music, film and television. Well-known Brits around the world include J.K. Rowling, Naomi Campbell, Rod Stewart, Catherine Zeta-Jones, David Tennant, Daniel Radcliffe, Jason Stathem and Academy Award winner Colin Firth to name a few.
Top British Celebrities
When it comes down to making a list of the most influential or popular celebrities in the world, British personalities often rank at the top of these lists. Whether it's fascination with their accents, their work or their roles, the following are some of the most well-known celebrities not only in Great Britain, but around the world.
J.K. Rowling
The well-known author sold more than 450 million copies of her Harry Potter series worldwide. The film rights to her novels have led to some of the largest-grossing films in history and a global brand that is recognized by children and parents alike. Forbes magazine recognized her in their top 100 celebrities for several years and lists her in the top 14 self-made female billionaires. Rowling's celebrity is immeasurable as is her gift to young readers around the world.
Naomi Campbell
Born in London, the runway model blazed a trail for other young black models onto the national catwalk of the fashion world. Despite a reputation for diva like behavior, Campbell's international presence includes a personal friendship with former South African President Nelson Mandela and an on-again off-again relationship with Robert DeNiro in the early 1990s.
Rod Stewart
Born in 1945, rocker Rod Stewart hit the music scene in the 1960s and released his first solo album in 1969. A father of seven, Stewart has been married three times. The singer's distinctive, rough voice has sold more than 140 million albums and topped the music charts for decades with songs like Maggie May, Do Ya Think I'm Sexy, All for Love (with Bryan Adams and Sting), Downtown Train and Have I Told You Lately.
David Tennant
While this Scotsman's popularity soared when he was cast as the tenth Doctor in Doctor Who, Tennant first came to public attention for his turn as Barty Crouch Jr. in the film adaption of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Since leaving Doctor Who, Tennant voiced a character in How to Train Your Dragon, filmed a pilot for NBC and roles in the remake of Fright Night, Decoy Bride and The Pirates! In An Adventure with Scientists.
Jude Law
Actor Jude Law soared to celebrity stardom with his roles in Gattaca, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and The Talented Mr. Ripley. An affair damaged his marriage to actress Sienna Miller, although the two rekindled their relationship in 2009 and separated again in 2011. Considered one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, Law has appeared in Road to Perdition, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Enemy at the Gates, The Aviator and Sherlock Holmes.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Born in Wales, Catherine Zeta-Jones earned her celebrity stripes as the romantic leading interest in films such as The Mask of Zorro opposite Antonio Banderas and Entrapment opposite Sean Connery. The actress met actor Michael Douglas in 1998 and began dating him in 1999, marrying in 2000. The pair has two children. In 2011, Zeta-Jones made her diagnosis of bipolar II disorder public.
Colin Firth
One of Britain's favorite everyman actors, Firth has appeared in dozens of roles throughout his career including an Academy Award winning turn as King George VI in The King's Speech. The actor is well-known across generations for roles in The English Patient, Pride and Prejudice, Shakespeare in Love, Bridget Jones' Diary, Love Actually, Mamma Mia and What a Girl Wants. In 2011, Time magazine added Firth to its list of 100 most influential people and he has been named Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
Other Great British Celebrities
A who's who of British celebrities is extensive and should include mentions of the following stars:
- Jason Statham (Actor)
- Daniel Radcliffe (Actor)
- Emma Watson (Actor)
- Sir Michael Caine (Actor)
- Dame Judi Dench (Actor)
- Sir Paul McCartney (Musician)
- Robert Pattinson (Actor)
- Simon Cowell (Television Personality)
- Piers Morgan (Television Personality)
- Hugh Grant (Actor)
- Kenneth Brannagh (Actor/Director)
- Alan Rickman (Actor)
- David Beckham (Sports)
- Jane Seymour (Actress)
The Royal Family
All roads of British celebrity lead back to Great Britain's royal family. Headed by Queen Elizabeth II, the royal family tends to rank among the top celebrity lists particularly the deceased Diana, Princess of Wales and her sons, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
The wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton in April 2011 was viewed by an estimated global audience of 300 million with over 24 million viewing it locally in Great Britain. In addition to his numerous royal duties and titles, Prince William succeeded Lord Attenborough as the fifth President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
International Talent
British celebrities have made a huge impact in all areas of the entertainment arena. Whether they're topping the music charts, winning awards for their acting roles, writing bestsellers, or contributing their talents to other arts, these stars all have international appeal.
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