The West Midlands boasts some seriously talented exports, from movie stars and musicians to world class football players.
Recently, we’ve had a look at the famous faces - actors, musicians and even politicians - who were raised in and around Birmingham. Now, we’ve decided to take a look at the famous celebrities who grew up in Acocks Green and Hall Green.
Many famous people grew up in the Birmingham districts which have plenty to offer. Parts of Hall Green are where J. R. R. Tolkien gained inspiration for the Hobbit’s home “The Shire” as well as the book, The Lord of the Rings. The neighbourhood is also only 6 miles from the city centre so is a great location for those looking to mix the peace of the suburbs with the hustle and bustle of the city.
And Acocks Green also has numerous parks and green spots for residents to enjoy, including Fox Hollies Park in the south which is home to the man-made lake called Round Pool. There are also many great shops and coffee shops located along the Warwick Road.
A number of writers, comedians and sportspeople as well as other famous faces all come from the areas. With this in mind, we’ve taken a look at the most famous people who are from Acocks Green and Hall Green, including those who were born in the areas, as well as those who have lived there at some point during their lifetime.
Let’s take a look:
1. Joe Lycett
The Brummie comedian was born in Hall Green and grew up in Solihull. After appearing on TV shows including Live at the Apollo and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, he rose to fame as the presenter on BBC Two’s The Great British Sewing Bee and Channel 4’s Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back. The current Late Night Lycett host is also renowned for his political satire
2. Jasper Carrott OBE
Birmingham-born comedian and television presenter, perhaps best known for his stand-up shows and presenting game show Golden Balls between 2007 and 2009. He was born in Acocks Green
3. J. R. R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings creator lived near Sarehole Mill in Hall Green before moving to a Worcestershire village. The iconic author wrote both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, two of the most successful film franchises of all time
4. Nigel Mansell CBE
Mansell, and F1 legend, is a British retired racing driver who won both the Formula One World Championship in 1992 and the CART Indy Car World Series in 1993. Mansell became the first person to win the CART title in his debut season, and making him the only person to hold both the World Drivers’ Championship and the American open-wheel National Championship simultaneously. He was born in Upton in Worcestershire but grew up in Hall Green Photo: John Nguyen