9 famous people from the Yorkshire Coast
We've got some big names from our part of the world!
Last updated 11th Feb 2021
How many of these famous faces did you know were from round here?
Joanne Froggatt
Best known as Anna Bates in "Downton Abbey", Joanne Froggatt grew up in the village of Littlebeck on the Moors outside Whitby. As a child, she was a member of a drama group in Scarborough. Aside from her Golden Globe-winning performance in Downton, she was Laura in "Liar" on ITV and is the voice of Wendy on "Bob The Builder"!
Jimi Mistry
Actor Jimi Mistry was born in Scarborough. You'll recognise him from movies like "East Is East" and "The Guru". For a couple of years he was Dr Fred Fonseca in "Eastenders" before playing Kal Nazir in Corrie. He and partner Flavia were eliminated in Week Six on Strictly in 2010 – but they no doubt feel like winners – they got married in 2013.
Mikey North
Mikey North from Scarborough has been playing Gary Windass in Corrie since 2008. A former student of Scarborough Sixth Form College, he was onstage in local amateur productions from the age of 12.
Rosie Jones
Comedian and writer Rosie Jones was born in Brid and is a regular on the stand-up circuit. You'll have seen her on TV shows like The Last Leg, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and Hypothetical. She's also written episodes of the Netflix comedy-drama Sex Education.
Ben Kingsley
Oscar and BAFTA winner Sir Ben Kingsley was born Krishna Pandit Bhanji in Snainton near Scarborough, although much of his childhood was spent over the other side of the Pennines. His most famous role was as Ghandi in Richard Attenborough's film of the same name. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was knighted in 2002.
Beth Mead
Arsenal and England footballer Beth Mead is from Whitby. She joined Middlesbrough FC's Centre of Excellence at the age of 10. Her England goals include the winner against Brazil in the 2019 SheBelieves Cup.
Dame Penelope Wilton
Born in Scarborough, you'll recognise Dame Penelope Wilton from loads of TV roles over the years including as Ann Bryce in the sitcom "Ever Decreasing Circles" and Isobel Crawley in "Downton Abbey". She's been in countless movies too like "Calendar Girls" and "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel".
Mark Herman
You might not know his face, but chances are you've seen the movies of Brid-born director and screenwriter Mark Herman. A student at Bridlington Grammar School, he went on to write and direct "Brassed Off". He adapted and directed "Little Voice" and "The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas".
Robert Palmer
Singer-songwriter Robert Palmer was born over in West Yorkshire but moved to Scarborough before his first birthday. He joined his first band, "The Mandrakes", at the age of 15 whilst still at Scarborough High School for Boys. His biggest hits include "Addicted To Love" and "Some Like It Hot".
Do you recognise the locations from the movies and TV shows filmed on the Yorkshire Coast
Admire the best views on the Yorkshire Coast
Here's something you never knew: fascinating facts about the Yorkshire Coast