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 the north west areas of the city: Great Barr and Perry Barr.
Many famous people grew up in the Birmingham districts which have plenty to offer and are steeped in history. Great Barr Hall is a Grade II* listed building. St. Margaret’s Church also stands nearby, and Birmingham Canal Navigations‘ Tame Valley Canal runs through Great Barr.
And in Aston Villa actually first played in Perry Barr. The club opened their Wellington Road ground in Perry Barr in 1876, playing there until 1897. It’s also home to the international athletics stadium Alexander Stadium.
A number of actors, sportspeople and 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 Great Barr and Perry Barr, 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. Cat Deeley
Presenter and actress Cat Deeley attended the Grove Vale Primary School and Q3 Academy in Great Barr and grew up in the area. Photo: Picture: Joseph Sinclair
2. Dean Smith
The former Aston Villa manager and current Leicester City boss grew up in Great Barr. He also attended Dartmouth High School before going on to play for for Walsall and Sheffield Wednesday before venturing into management
3. Mark Greenway
The lead singer of Nepalm Death was born in Great Barr. The band is credited as pioneers of the grindcore genre by incorporating elements of crust punk and death metal, using a noise-filled sound that uses distorted, down-tuned guitars, grinding overdrive bass, high-speed tempo, and vocals that consist of incomprehensible growls or high-pitched shrieks, extremely short songs, and sociopolitical lyrics.
4. Inspector George Gently
Another big name with links to the area is Martin Shaw. Another big name who grew up in Erdington is Martin Shaw. Shaw attended Great Barr School growing up. He came to national recognition as Doyle in ITV crime-action television drama series The Professionals, and is also known for Judge John Deed and for his role as Inspector George Gently Photo: CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images