The University of Bristol, as a member of the prestigious Russell Group, has a long history and a rich reputation. If you are planning on studying there, you probably already know about its graduate job rates, its subject specialisms, and its entry requirements. But what about something else? Which famous people went to the University of Bristol?
Success is measured in many different ways and the University of Bristol has seen a lot of familiar faces before stardom struck. Here are some of those notable famous alumni.
Which actors have attended the University of Bristol?
British actor Naomie Harris studied Social and Political Sciences at The University of Bristol. She has had a very successful career to date, with notable performances in films such as 28 Days Later, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the James Bond franchise. Her role as Eve Moneypenny in Skyfall and Spectre made her the first black actress to play the iconic character. Harris got an Oscar nod for her outstanding performance in Moonlight and further success is guaranteed in the future.
Simon Pegg is an English actor, comedian, and writer who studied Theatre, Film and Television at The University of Bristol. He has had a successful career in British comedy, breaking through in cult classic Spaced and the films Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End.
Off the back of the much-loved Cornetto Trilogy, Pegg headed to Hollywood, appearing in Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. He also starred in Amazon Prime‘s The Boys – a comic book adaptation that has been dazzling fans for three bonkers seasons.
Pegg is also an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about his struggles with depression.
Related: Which Famous People Went To Liverpool Universities?
Which famous academics studied at Bristol?
Hannah Fry is a mathematician, author, and broadcaster who studied Mathematics at The University of Bristol. She went on to complete a PhD in Fluid Dynamics at University College London and has since become a leading expert in the mathematics of cities. Fry has written several popular science books, including The Mathematics of Love and Hello World, which aim to make complex mathematical concepts accessible to the general public.
She has also presented a number of BBC documentaries, including City in the Sky and The Joy of Data. Fry’s work has earned her numerous awards, including the prestigious Royal Society of London’s Science Book Prize.
Sir Paul Nurse is a Nobel Prize-winning geneticist who studied Biology at Bristol. He has made significant contributions to the field of cell cycle research, which has helped to further our understanding of cancer and other diseases. In addition to his research, Nurse has also served as the President of the Royal Society of London and as the Director of the Francis Crick Institute. His achievements have earned him numerous awards and recognitions, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2001.
Sian Berry is a British politician and environmental campaigner who studied Chemistry. She has been a leading member of the Green Party of England and Wales, serving as a councillor in Camden, London and running for the position of Mayor of London twice. Berry has also worked as an environmental and transport campaigner, advocating for policies to reduce carbon emissions and improve public transportation. In 2019, she was elected as a member of the London Assembly, where she serves as the Chair of the Housing Committee.
So there you have it. The University of Bristol has some very notable alumni and those above only scratch the surface. It is clear that, whatever field you ultimately want to succeed in, Bristol is a great place to study. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be included in an article like this.
Related: The Famous Faces That Have Studied At The University Of Oxford
