20 Famous People from Manchester You Should Know About in 2025

Discover 20 famous people from Manchester who shaped music, sports, art, and activism. Updated for 2025 with simple language, fun facts, and clear details.

Andrew Andrew
Apr 15, 2025 - 14:20 Updated: Apr 15, 2025 - 15:39
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20 Famous People from Manchester You Should Know About in 2025
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Manchester is known worldwide for producing stars in music, sports, acting, science, and activism. Many famous people from Manchester have changed the world through their talent, creativity, and strength. In this article, we highlight 20 famous people from Manchester you should know about in 2025, including updated facts, simple language, bullet points, short paragraphs, and clear details.

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

Emmeline Pankhurst was a fearless activist born in Manchester who changed history. She founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903, leading bold campaigns that helped women gain the right to vote in the UK. Even today, Pankhurst is remembered as a symbol of courage and determination. Her impact on gender equality movements around the world is still strong in 2025.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
July 15, 1858 June 14, 1928 Leading the British suffragette movement.

  • Founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU).

  • Led campaigns for women’s right to vote.

  • Inspired future generations of activists.

2. Alan Turing: The Genius Behind Computers

Alan Turing’s work saved millions of lives during World War II by breaking Nazi codes. After the war, he worked at the University of Manchester and helped build the first modern computers. Today, his ideas form the backbone of computer science and artificial intelligence. Turing is honored worldwide, including in the 2025 celebrations of AI’s impact on society.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
June 23, 1912 June 7, 1954 Breaking the Enigma code and founding modern computing.

  • Cracked the German Enigma code during WWII.

  • Worked at the University of Manchester on early computers.

  • Created the Turing Machine concept.

3. Liam Gallagher: The Rock Star

Liam Gallagher is the voice behind many of Oasis’s biggest anthems. His powerful vocals and famous Manchester attitude made him a key figure in the 1990s Britpop movement. After Oasis ended, he built a strong solo career with hit albums and sold-out tours. In 2025, Liam continues to headline major music festivals and remains a rock legend.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
September 21, 1972 Alive Lead singer of Oasis and solo artist.

  • Lead singer of Oasis.

  • Famous for "Wonderwall" and "Live Forever."

  • Successful solo career after Oasis.

4. Noel Gallagher: The Songwriter

Noel Gallagher’s songwriting shaped the sound of an entire generation. As Oasis’s chief writer and guitarist, he penned timeless hits like “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and “Champagne Supernova.” Since forming Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, he has continued releasing top albums. In 2025, Noel is touring globally and is still seen as one of Britain’s finest musicians.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
May 29, 1967 Alive Songwriter and guitarist of Oasis.

  • Wrote most of Oasis’ biggest hits.

  • Formed Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.

  • Influenced modern rock music.

5. Marcus Rashford: Footballer and Hero

Marcus Rashford is more than a football star — he’s a national hero. Playing for Manchester United and England, Rashford became famous for his speed, skill, and goals. Off the pitch, he led major campaigns against child hunger, earning huge respect. In 2025, Rashford launched his “Books for All” project, aiming to give free books to kids across Britain.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
October 31, 1997 Alive Footballer for Manchester United and child poverty activist.

  • Plays for Manchester United and England.

  • In 2025, led a "Books for All" campaign.

  • Continued working with FareShare.

  • Received a CBE for charity efforts.

6. Tyson Fury: King of the Boxing Ring

Tyson Fury is known worldwide as “The Gypsy King” for his incredible boxing career. After beating Wladimir Klitschko and later Deontay Wilder, Fury became the WBC heavyweight champion and stayed undefeated. In 2025, Fury announced his retirement to focus on promoting mental health awareness. His journey from battling personal struggles to inspiring millions proves that strength comes from within.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
August 12, 1988 Alive Heavyweight boxing world champion.

  • Won the WBC heavyweight title.

  • Defeated Deontay Wilder in major title fights. 

  • Retired in 2025 to focus on mental health advocacy.

  • Continues to inspire athletes worldwide.

7. Aitch: The New Voice of Manchester

Aitch has quickly become one of the most exciting new voices in UK rap. Starting with viral freestyles on YouTube, he climbed the charts with hits like "Taste (Make It Shake)." In 2025, Aitch continues releasing new music and represents the next generation of Manchester’s rich music history. His honest lyrics and Manchester pride have made him a favorite among young fans.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
December 9, 1999 Alive Rising UK rapper and music star.

  • Hit singles like "Taste (Make It Shake)."

  • Collaborated with Ed Sheeran and Stormzy.

  • Represents Manchester’s new rap scene.

8. Steve Coogan: Master of Comedy

Steve Coogan is a comedy genius known for his sharp wit and clever characters. His most famous creation, Alan Partridge, became a national treasure in the UK. Beyond comedy, Coogan has shown serious acting skills in films like Philomena, earning Academy Award nominations. In 2025, he remains a major figure in British entertainment, balancing comedy with serious film work.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
October 14, 1965 Alive Creator of Alan Partridge and actor.

  • Created the character Alan Partridge.

  • Starred in "Philomena" and "Stan & Ollie."

  • Continues to act in TV and film.

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

L.S. Lowry captured the spirit of Manchester’s working-class life like no other artist. His paintings of factories, busy streets, and "matchstick men" became iconic symbols of Northern England. Today, his work is displayed in top galleries around the world, including the Lowry Centre in Salford. In 2025, his art continues to inspire new generations to see beauty in everyday life.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
November 1, 1887 February 23, 1976 Painting industrial Manchester scenes.

  • Painted "matchstick men" and city scenes.

  • Honored at the Lowry Art Gallery.

  • Depicted working-class Manchester.

10. Sir Ian McKellen: Acting Legend

Sir Ian McKellen is one of Britain’s most respected actors, known for his powerful stage performances and blockbuster movie roles. He became world-famous playing Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and Magneto in the X-Men series. In 2025, McKellen continues acting while supporting LGBTQ+ rights and the arts. His long career proves that real talent never fades.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
May 25, 1939 Alive Stage and film actor.

  • Played Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings."

  • Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

11. Morrissey: The Voice of The Smiths

Morrissey is a true icon of British alternative music. As the frontman of The Smiths, he gave a voice to a generation with emotional, sharp lyrics. After The Smiths, his solo career grew strong with many successful albums. In 2024, he released Without Music the World Dies, and in 2025, he continues to tour globally, keeping his influence alive in the music world.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
May 22, 1959 Alive Singer and songwriter.

  • Lead singer of The Smiths.

  • Strong solo career with multiple albums.

  • Released Without Music the World Dies in 2024.

12. Maxine Peake: Star of Stage and Screen

Maxine Peake is one of the UK’s best-loved actresses, known for her powerful roles. From starring in Shameless to playing Anne Williams in Anne, she chooses characters with strong stories. In 2025, she continues to act in major TV dramas and movies while supporting social causes, making her a role model for many.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
July 14, 1974 Alive Actress in TV and theatre.

  • Starred in Shameless and Silk.

  • Played Anne Williams in Anne.

  • Advocates for women’s and social rights.

13. Caroline Aherne: Queen of British Comedy

Caroline Aherne brought laughter and realness to British comedy. She created and starred in The Royle Family, a sitcom showing everyday life with humor and heart. Even though she passed away in 2016, her shows are still watched and loved today. Caroline's work opened doors for more natural, character-driven British comedy.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
December 24, 1963 July 2, 2016 Creating "The Royle Family."

  • Created and starred in The Royle Family.

  • Won multiple BAFTA Awards.

  • Changed how working-class families were shown on TV.

14. Denise Welch: Actress and TV Star

Denise Welch is a familiar face on British television. She starred in Coronation Street and became a popular panellist on Loose Women. Over the years, she has also become a mental health advocate, openly sharing her experiences. In 2025, Denise continues to act and inspire many with her honesty and activism.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
May 22, 1958 Alive Actress and TV presenter.

  • Starred in Coronation Street and Loose Women.

  • Advocated for mental health awareness.

  • Active in TV and social campaigns.

15. Anthony Burgess: Brilliant Writer

Anthony Burgess was a master of both language and imagination. Best known for A Clockwork Orange, his works explore deep ideas about free will and society. Besides novels, he also composed music, showing his wide talents. In 2025, his writing remains important, studied in universities and loved by readers everywhere.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
February 25, 1917 November 22, 1993 Writing A Clockwork Orange.

  • Wrote A Clockwork Orange.

  • Published over 30 novels and essays.

  • Composed classical music pieces.

  • Still active in theatre and film in 2025.

16. John Thaw: TV Detective Legend

John Thaw is remembered as one of Britain’s finest television actors. His role as Inspector Morse made him a household name, known for playing deep, complex characters. Before Morse, he also starred in The Sweeney. Even after his passing in 2002, his work still inspires today’s crime dramas and actors.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
January 3, 1942 February 21, 2002 Acting in "Inspector Morse."

  • Starred as Inspector Morse.

  • Known for serious, emotional acting.

  • Inspired generations of TV detectives.

17. Victoria Wood: Comedy Icon

Victoria Wood was a rare talent who mixed humor, music, and real life perfectly. She created Dinnerladies and many funny, warm-hearted sketches that captured British life. Her work is still loved today, and she is seen as one of the greatest British comedians. Even though she passed away in 2016, her influence continues.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
May 19, 1953 April 20, 2016 Comedian, writer, and singer.

  • Created Dinnerladies, a classic sitcom.

  • Won several BAFTA awards.

  • Mixed humor and heart in her shows.

18. Andy Rourke: Bassist of The Smiths

Andy Rourke’s bass lines helped create the signature sound of The Smiths. Songs like "This Charming Man" and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" showcased his smooth playing. After The Smiths, he continued to work with many artists. Andy passed away in 2023, but his music lives on with fans across the world.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
January 17, 1964 May 19, 2023 Bass guitarist for The Smiths.

  • Played on The Smiths' major albums.

  • Influenced modern indie musicians.

  • Remembered as a brilliant bassist.

19. Mike Joyce: Drummer of The Smiths

Mike Joyce was the steady, powerful drummer for The Smiths. His beats helped define many of their biggest hits. After the band split, he worked with top names in music and stayed active in Manchester’s music scene. In 2025, Joyce continues to be respected as one of the city’s top musicians.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
June 1, 1963 Alive Drummer for The Smiths.

  • Drummer for The Smiths.

  • Worked with other major artists after The Smiths.\n- Still active in music and radio in 2025.

20. Jack Whitehall: Comedy and Acting Star

Jack Whitehall is a comedy star known for his quick wit and loveable style. He became famous through shows like Bad Education and Travels with My Father. In 2025, Jack continues starring in Netflix specials and Hollywood films, showing his wide appeal across audiences of all ages.

Date of Birth Date of Death Famous For
July 7, 1988 Alive Comedian and actor.

  • Starred in Bad Education and Travels with My Father.

  • Hosted the BRIT Awards multiple times.

  • Acting in Hollywood movies and Netflix shows.

Conclusion

Manchester is home to some of the world’s brightest talents. From music and sports to activism and acting, these famous people from Manchester have left a lasting mark on the world. Their hard work and achievements continue to inspire people everywhere in 2025 and beyond.

FAQs

Q: Who are the most famous musicians from Manchester?
A: Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher, Morrissey, and Aitch are some of the biggest music stars.

Q: Which Manchester footballer is also known for charity work?
A: Marcus Rashford is famous for helping fight child hunger.

Q: Who are some famous actors from Manchester?
A: Sir Ian McKellen, Maxine Peake, and Steve Coogan are well-known actors.

Q: Which artist painted Manchester’s industrial life?
A: L.S. Lowry is famous for his paintings of working-class Manchester.