Top 20 Famous People from Manchester – Musicians, Actors & Heroes

There is a place in England where music fills the streets, football cheers echo in every home, and art brings life to old brick walls. It is a place where brave voices rose to fight for what is right and quiet minds created ideas that changed the world. This place has given us heroes like Emmeline Pankhurst, who stood up for women when no one else would, and Alan Turing, whose sharp mind cracked secret war codes and started the age of computers. From here came songs that the whole world sings, like Wonderwall by Liam Gallagher and Don’t Look Back in Anger by his brother Noel. Morrissey from The Smiths sang about love, pain, and real life, while new stars like Aitch rap about their streets and dreams. On the football field, Marcus Rashford runs with power and uses his fame to help children who need food and books. Tyson Fury stood tall in the boxing ring, proving strength is not just in muscles but also in mind. Great actors like Sir Ian McKellen and Maxine Peake showed that powerful stories can change how we see life. Painters like L.S. Lowry found beauty in the simple walks of everyday people. In this article you will meet 20 famous people from this proud city. Their stories will show you that no matter where you are born, with courage, hard work, and dreams, you can make a mark that lasts forever.

1. Emmeline Pankhurst: A Voice for Women’s Rights

Imagine a little girl in Manchester in 1865. Her name was Emmeline. Every morning she saw her father go to meetings and vote but her mother and sisters stayed home. No one asked what women thought. Young Emmeline asked, “Why can’t girls vote too?” People laughed at her question. Years later Emmeline grew up but she never forgot her question. In 1903 she started a group called the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU). They marched on streets, held up banners, and even went to jail to fight for what was right. Some called them troublemakers but Emmeline said, “We are making history.” Here is the amazing fact. When Emmeline was born, women could not even choose their leaders. When she died in 1928, women had the right to vote in the UK. She changed millions of lives. Even today, when a woman votes anywhere in Britain, it is because Emmeline once asked, “Why can’t girls vote too?”

2. Alan Turing: The Genius Behind Computers

People thought Alan Turing was just a quiet boy who loved numbers. But inside his mind were ideas that would one day change the whole world. Born in 1912, Alan spent hours solving puzzles while other kids played outside. During World War II, Britain faced a secret code called Enigma used by German forces. No one could break it. Then Alan came along. At Bletchley Park, he built a special machine that cracked the code. Because of him, the war ended sooner, and millions of lives were saved. After the war, he did not stop. He went to work at the University of Manchester and helped create one of the first modern computers. His idea of the Turing Machine became the foundation of computer science. Sadly, society treated him unfairly because he was gay. He died in 1954, never knowing how big his work would become. Today, every time we use a smartphone or AI, it is because Alan once asked, can machines think? His story shows that even the quietest people can change the future of the world forever.

3. Liam Gallagher: The Rock Star

Liam Gallagher was a boy who never liked being told what to do. Born in 1972, he grew up in Manchester listening to rock music and dreaming of being a star. As a teenager, he would sing loudly, annoying his neighbours but making his friends cheer. When his brother Noel joined a band and brought Liam as the singer, no one knew this would change British music forever. Their band, Oasis, gave the world songs like Wonderwall and Live Forever. People loved Liam’s strong voice and fearless style. He walked on stage like he owned the world, and fans loved him even more for it. When Oasis split in 2009, many thought it was the end of Liam’s music. But he proved them wrong. He formed a new band called Beady Eye and then went solo. His albums went straight to number one, and his concerts sold out everywhere. In 2025, Liam still performs at big festivals, singing with the same power he had as a young man. Fans see him not just as a singer but as a true rock star who showed that believing in yourself is the best song you can ever sing.

4. Noel Gallagher: The Songwriter

Noel Gallagher was never the loudest person in the room, but his words spoke to millions. Born in 1967 in Manchester, he grew up loving music and dreaming of writing songs that people would remember forever. As the older brother of Liam Gallagher, Noel had to watch out for him, but on stage, it was Noel who guided Oasis with his guitar and lyrics. He wrote songs like Don’t Look Back in Anger and Champagne Supernova, songs that made crowds sing together with hope and pride. Even when his band split in 2009, Noel’s music did not end. He started his own band called Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and released albums that topped the charts. In 2025, he still travels the world playing his music to fans who sing every word with him. Noel showed that true talent is not about being the loudest, but about writing songs that stay in people’s hearts forever.

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5. Marcus Rashford: Footballer and Hero

Marcus Rashford was born in 1997 in Manchester and grew up loving football more than anything else. As a little boy, he played with his brothers on the local pitch, dreaming of wearing the red Manchester United shirt. When he became a professional footballer, his speed and sharp goals made fans cheer loudly. But Marcus is not just a football hero. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he used his voice to make sure children who could not afford food got free meals, and the government listened. In 2025, he started a new project called Books for All to give free books to children so they could read and dream bigger. Marcus shows that a true hero is not only someone who scores goals but someone who uses their success to help others and bring real change to people’s lives. If you want to read about other UK athletes who are mental health advocates, click here.

6. Tyson Fury: King of the Boxing Ring

Tyson Fury was born in 1988 in Manchester into a proud Traveller family. His father named him Tyson after the great Mike Tyson, hoping his son would be a fighter. As a boy, Tyson was tall and strong but often felt different because of his Traveller roots. People called him names, but he ignored them and focused on boxing. In 2015, he shocked the world when he beat Wladimir Klitschko to become the heavyweight champion. It was one of the biggest wins in boxing history. But after his victory, Tyson faced a different fight. He struggled with depression and his weight went up. Many thought he would never return to the ring. But Tyson did something amazing. He fought his depression, lost weight, and came back stronger. He fought Deontay Wilder three times in unforgettable matches, winning and showing the world that he was not just a champion in boxing but also a champion in life. Tyson remained undefeated in his career. In 2025, he announced his retirement to focus on raising awareness about mental health. His story teaches us that true strength is not just in punching hard but in standing up after life knocks you down. Tyson Fury showed everyone that no matter how low you feel, you can rise again and inspire others with your courage.

7. Aitch: The New Voice of Manchester

Harrison Armstrong, known to everyone as Aitch, was born in Manchester in 1999. As a teenager, he would sit in his room writing rap lyrics about his life, friends, and dreams. He started posting freestyle rap videos on YouTube, and people quickly noticed his clear flow and confident style. His words felt real, like he was talking directly to you about what it means to grow up in Manchester. His big break came with the song Taste (Make It Shake), which climbed the UK charts and played on every radio station. Soon, Aitch was not just a local boy rapping in his room. He was performing on big stages, collaborating with famous artists like Ed Sheeran and Stormzy. But even as his fame grew, he never forgot his roots. In interviews and songs, he always talks about his city with pride, making young fans feel that if he could do it, they could too. In 2025, Aitch continues to release new music full of energy and honest lyrics. His songs make people dance but also think about life. His story shows that with confidence and real words, you can rise from a small room in Manchester to the top of the UK rap scene.

8. Steve Coogan: Master of Comedy

Steve Coogan was born in 1965 in Manchester and from a young age, he loved making people laugh. As a boy, he would do funny voices and impressions, making his family and friends giggle at every chance. When he grew up, he turned his love for comedy into a career. He created Alan Partridge, a silly and awkward TV and radio presenter that people in the UK still love today. Alan’s silly mistakes and bold jokes made everyone laugh because they felt so real. But Steve is not just a comedian. He also acted in serious films like Philomena, which was nominated for an Oscar, and Stan & Ollie, where he played Stan Laurel and showed his gentle side. In 2025, he continues to appear in comedy shows and serious movies, showing his skill in both. People admire Steve Coogan because he can make them laugh and think at the same time, proving that true comedy is not just about jokes but about understanding life and making it lighter for everyone. If you want to explore more about Britain’s top stand-up comedians, read this guide.

9. L.S. Lowry: Painter of Industrial Life

L.S. Lowry was born in 1887 in Manchester and grew up seeing the busy streets, dark factories, and crowds of workers going to their jobs every day. As a boy, he did not have many friends, so he spent his time sketching what he saw outside his window. When he grew up, he worked as a rent collector during the day and painted at night. People first thought his art was too simple because he drew people like little matchstick figures with thin arms and legs. But soon, they saw something special in his work. His paintings showed the real life of working-class people in Manchester, the smoke rising from factory chimneys, the crowded streets, and the tired but strong workers walking home. Even though his drawings looked simple, they were full of truth, sadness, hope, and beauty. Today, his paintings hang in famous galleries, and the Lowry Centre in Salford is named after him. In 2025, students and artists still study his paintings to learn how to see beauty in things that many people walk past without noticing. Lowry’s story teaches us that you do not need fancy colours or rich scenes to create great art. Sometimes, showing real life as it is makes the most powerful picture of all.

10. Sir Ian McKellen: Acting Legend

Ian McKellen was born in 1939 near Manchester and grew up loving stories and drama. As a child, he would read Shakespeare plays out loud, giving each character a different voice, and his family saw his talent early on. When he became an actor, people noticed his powerful stage performances. He could stand alone on a stage and make the whole audience feel every word he said. Later, his talent reached millions when he played Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings movies, with his deep voice saying lines like “You shall not pass,” making him famous across the world. He also played Magneto in the X-Men films, showing a different side as a powerful villain. But Ian is not only an actor. He is also a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, using his fame to speak up for people who feel alone or different. Even in 2025, he continues acting in films and theatre, his voice as strong as ever. His story shows that true talent does not fade with age. It grows deeper and inspires people to be brave, kind, and true to themselves, just like he has always been.

11. Morrissey: The Voice of The Smiths

Morrissey was born in 1959 in Manchester, a city full of music and working-class stories, and his songs carried both. As a young boy, he felt different from others and often spent time alone reading books and writing his thoughts. When he grew up, he became the lead singer of The Smiths, a band that gave the world songs full of emotion and truth. His voice had a sadness that felt honest, and his lyrics spoke about love, loneliness, and pain in a way no one else did. Songs like There Is a Light That Never Goes Out and This Charming Man are still sung today by people who feel their meaning deeply. After The Smiths ended, Morrissey did not stop. He started his solo career and released many albums that showed his unique style and strong opinions. In 2024, he released a new album called Without Music the World Dies, proving that even after so many years, his music still matters. In 2025, Morrissey continues to tour around the world, singing to old fans who grew up with his songs and new fans who feel his words today. His story shows that when you sing with truth and courage, your voice never fades. It keeps touching hearts across generations.

12. Maxine Peake: Star of Stage and Screen

Maxine Peake was born in 1974 in Bolton, near Manchester, and from a young age she loved telling stories and acting out scenes in her room. Her family did not have much money, but they always supported her dreams. When she became an actress, she chose roles that showed real life and made people think deeply. She became famous for playing Veronica in Shameless, where she showed the tough, funny, and painful moments of everyday life in Manchester. People saw themselves in her character and felt her honesty on screen. Later, she played Anne Williams in the drama Anne, telling the true story of a mother fighting for justice after the Hillsborough disaster. Maxine did not just act these roles; she made people feel their pain, hope, and strength. She is also known for standing up for women’s rights and fighting for social justice, using her voice to support causes that matter. In 2025, she continues to act in popular TV shows and films, always choosing roles that have meaning. Her story shows that being an actor is not just about fame. It is about telling stories that can change how people see the world.

13. Caroline Aherne: Queen of British Comedy

Caroline Aherne was born in London in 1963 but moved to Manchester when she was a child, and it was there that her sharp humour and warm storytelling grew. As a young girl, she loved watching TV comedy shows and often copied the voices of characters to make her family laugh. When she grew up, she turned this talent into a career that changed British comedy forever. She created The Royle Family, a show about an ordinary family sitting in their living room, watching TV, and talking about simple things in life. But it was not just a comedy; it showed the love, struggles, and small joys of working-class families in a way no one had done before. People saw their own families on screen and laughed because it felt real and close to their hearts. Caroline also created The Mrs Merton Show, where she dressed up as an elderly chat show host who asked cheeky and clever questions, making everyone laugh with her bold humour. Sadly, she died in 2016 from cancer, leaving behind a space in comedy that no one can fill. Even today, her shows remain popular, and many comedians say Caroline inspired them to write honest, simple, and meaningful comedy. Her story shows that making people laugh is a gift, but making them feel seen is a true talent.

14. Denise Welch: Actress and TV Star

Denise Welch was born in 1958 in Tynemouth but spent most of her life in Manchester, the city she proudly calls home. As a young girl, she loved performing and always dreamed of being on television. Her dream came true when she became an actress and joined Coronation Street, playing Natalie Barnes, a character people quickly loved for her strength and honesty. Later, Denise became even more famous when she joined Loose Women, a daytime talk show where she spoke openly about life, love, family, and her own struggles. She made people laugh with her bold and honest opinions but also made them feel comforted when she talked about her battles with depression and addiction. Denise never hid her pain; instead, she used her story to help others feel less alone and to encourage them to speak up about their mental health. In 2025, she continues to act in TV shows and works with mental health campaigns, sharing her voice to make the world kinder. People admire Denise for being real, strong, and unafraid to show who she truly is. Her story shows that true stars are not just those who shine on screen but those who light up the lives of others with their honesty and courage.

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15. Anthony Burgess: Brilliant Writer

Anthony Burgess was born in Manchester in 1917 and grew up surrounded by books and music. As a child, he loved reading stories and listening to classical music, dreaming that one day he could create something great himself. When he became a writer, his words showed how deeply he understood human life, choices, and the dark parts of society people often ignore. His most famous novel, A Clockwork Orange, told a powerful and disturbing story about free will and what happens when it is taken away. The book was later turned into a famous film by Stanley Kubrick, making his ideas reach even more people across the world. But Anthony was not only a writer; he was also a composer who loved playing the piano and writing his own music pieces. He published over 30 novels, essays, and reviews, filling each page with his love for words, ideas, and questions about life. Even though he died in 1993, his books are still read by students and readers everywhere in 2025, making them think about society, human nature, and their own choices. His story shows that true brilliance is not about writing what people want to hear but about writing what makes them see the world in a new way.

16. John Thaw: TV Detective Legend

John Thaw was born in 1942 in Manchester and grew up in a working-class family where life was not always easy, but stories and TV brought light into their home. From a young age, John wanted to act and tell stories that felt real. When he became an actor, his serious face and deep voice made every role powerful. He first became famous for playing a tough London police officer in The Sweeney, showing strength and fearlessness on screen. But it was his role as Inspector Morse that made him loved by people all over Britain. As Morse, he played a smart, quiet detective who solved the hardest crimes not just with clues but with understanding people’s minds and hearts. His acting made Morse feel like a real person with hopes, pain, and secrets. Viewers felt close to him, and every episode made them think deeply about life and truth. Throughout his career, John Thaw was praised for his emotional and honest acting. He could make a simple scene feel important with just a look or a pause. Sadly, he died in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of shows that are still watched today. Many actors say they learned from him how to act with truth and heart. His story shows that real acting is not about fame but about making people believe in the characters you play and leaving a mark that stays long after you are gone.

17. Victoria Wood: Comedy Icon

Victoria Wood was born in 1953 in Prestwich, near Manchester, and from a young age, she loved to make people laugh. As a little girl, she would watch her family and neighbours, noticing their funny habits and turning them into jokes and stories. When she grew up, she used this talent to become one of Britain’s most loved comedians, writers, and performers. She created the sitcom Dinnerladies, which showed the daily lives of women working in a factory canteen. People loved it because it was honest and kind, showing small moments like chatting over tea, sharing worries, or laughing about life’s little problems. Victoria also wrote and performed comedy sketches and songs about shopping, family dinners, and relationships, turning simple things into something everyone could laugh about. Her humour was never cruel; it was warm and clever, making people smile about their own lives. She won many BAFTA awards for her work, but what mattered most was how she made people feel happy and understood. Sadly, she died in 2016 from cancer, leaving a huge gap in British comedy. Even today, her shows and songs are watched and enjoyed by people of all ages. Her story shows that true comedy is not just about making jokes but about seeing life clearly and sharing its joys and struggles in a way that makes everyone feel better.

18. Andy Rourke: Bassist of The Smiths

Andy Rourke was born in 1964 in Manchester, a city filled with music and working-class pride. As a boy, he loved listening to records and dreamed of one day playing on big stages. When he picked up the bass guitar, he found his true voice. Andy became the bassist for The Smiths, one of the most important British bands of the 1980s. His bass lines were smooth and melodic, weaving through songs like This Charming Man and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, adding a special sound that made their music unforgettable. Fans and musicians often say it was his bass that gave The Smiths their unique style, making the songs feel deep and alive. After The Smiths split up, Andy did not stop playing. He worked with many other artists on different music projects, always bringing his calm focus and creative touch to everything he did. Sadly, he passed away in 2023, leaving fans across the world heartbroken. But his music lives on, played in homes, radios, and concerts by people who still feel every note he created. Andy Rourke’s story shows that even if you stand at the back of the stage, your music can lead the world and create songs that will never be forgotten.

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19. Mike Joyce: Drummer of The Smiths

Mike Joyce was born in 1963 in Manchester, a city where music was always in the air. As a child, he would tap rhythms on tables and chairs, dreaming of playing the drums in a real band one day. That dream came true when he became the drummer for The Smiths, one of Britain’s most loved and influential bands. His strong and steady drumming gave life to their songs, adding power and depth to tracks like There Is a Light That Never Goes Out and Bigmouth Strikes Again. Many fans say his beats made their music feel alive and full of energy. After The Smiths broke up, Mike did not stop making music. He worked with many other artists and bands, always bringing his reliable style and passion for rhythm to every project. He also became a DJ and often played on Manchester radio stations, sharing his wide knowledge of music with listeners and supporting new local artists. In 2025, Mike continues to be active in the music scene, working on collaborations with young Manchester bands to guide the next generation. People respect him not just as the drummer of The Smiths but as a musician who stayed true to his love for music and used his experience to inspire others. His story shows that even when the spotlight moves, your true love for your art keeps your light shining forever.

20. Jack Whitehall: Comedy and Acting Star

Jack Whitehall was born in London in 1988 but quickly became loved all over the UK for his quick jokes and funny, cheeky personality. As a child, he loved making his friends and family laugh, always ready with a clever line or silly impression. When he grew up, he turned that natural humour into a successful career. He became famous for playing a silly and fun teacher in the TV show Bad Education, where his crazy classroom adventures made viewers laugh every episode. Later, he showed a different side of comedy in Travels with My Father, a travel show where he went on trips around the world with his dad. Their different views and Jack’s playful teasing made the show funny and heartwarming, and people loved seeing the honest moments between father and son. Jack has also hosted big events like the BRIT Awards many times, making celebrities laugh with his bold jokes. In 2025, he continues to act in Netflix comedy specials and new Hollywood films, including his upcoming role in a family adventure movie set to release at Christmas, which is already creating excitement among fans. People love Jack Whitehall because he feels real, naturally funny, and always entertaining. His story shows that when you bring your true humour and heart to your work, people of all ages will love you for who you are.

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Conclusion

When you walk through Manchester, you can almost hear the echoes of its history. The streets whisper stories of brave women like Emmeline Pankhurst, who once stood tall and demanded change. The quiet libraries and old buildings still carry the genius of Alan Turing, who asked questions that built the world of computers we live in today. In the evenings, the city hums with music, from the old days of The Smiths to the powerful voices of Liam and Noel Gallagher that once shook entire stadiums. In hidden studios and bedrooms, young rappers like Aitch write lyrics that tell the truth about life today. On football pitches, kids kick balls and dream of being the next Marcus Rashford, not just to score goals but to help others. Manchester is not just a city. It is a living story of people who turned struggles into songs, pain into paintings, and dreams into something the whole world remembers. Their lives remind us that it does not matter if you come from a small flat in Salford or a terrace house in Gorton; what matters is how big your heart beats for your dreams. Even now in 2025, their stories teach us to stand up, speak out, and keep creating, because one day, our names too might become part of Manchester’s proud song.

FAQs

Q: Who is a famous scientist from Manchester?
A: Alan Turing worked in Manchester after World War II and helped create the world’s first modern computers, laying the foundations for AI and technology today. He also cracked the German Enigma code, helping end the war sooner.

Q: Which famous activist was born in Manchester?
A: Emmeline Pankhurst, who led the fight for women’s right to vote in the UK, was born and raised in Manchester.

Q: Who is the famous boxer from Manchester?
A: Tyson Fury, known as “The Gypsy King,” is a world heavyweight boxing champion and remained undefeated until his retirement in 2025.

Q: Which comedian created the character Alan Partridge?
A: Steve Coogan created Alan Partridge, a famous British comedy character loved for his awkward humour.

Q: Who are some famous bands from Manchester?
A: Manchester has given the world bands like Oasis, The Smiths, and Take That, along with newer artists like Aitch.

Q: Which Manchester actor played Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings?
A: Sir Ian McKellen, born near Manchester, played Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and is respected as one of Britain’s greatest actors. He is also a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Q: Who painted the ‘matchstick men’ pictures?
A: L.S. Lowry painted the famous ‘matchstick men’ and scenes showing working-class life in Manchester.

Q: Who is a popular rapper from Manchester today?
A: Aitch is a rising UK rapper from Manchester known for songs like “Taste (Make It Shake)” and for representing Manchester’s new music scene.

Q: What makes Manchester’s music scene special?
A: Manchester’s music is known for its honesty, working-class roots, and powerful lyrics that connect with people across the world, creating timeless songs.

Q: Which famous footballer from Manchester uses his fame for charity?
A: Marcus Rashford plays for Manchester United and uses his fame to fight child hunger, promote reading through his Books for All campaign, and inspire young people.

Q: Who was called The Queen of British Comedy from Manchester?
A: Caroline Aherne, who created The Royle Family and The Mrs Merton Show, is remembered as a comedy legend who changed British television.

Q: Who is the famous sibling duo from Manchester’s Oasis band?
A: Liam and Noel Gallagher, brothers from Manchester, formed Oasis and created songs like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” defining British rock music for a generation.