How Many of These Welsh Men Do You Know? (2024)

Birthdate: July 16, 1989

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales

The charismatic Welsh footballer player, Gareth Frank Bale played for Southampton football club and Tottenham Hotspur extensively before joining Real Madrid in 2013 for a fees that exceeded Christiano Ronaldo’s earlier record fee. Known for his speed and accuracy, Gareth Bales is also the captain of Wales national team and plays for Tottenham Hotspur, on loan from Real Madrid.

Birthdate: December 31, 1937

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Margam, Wales, United Kingdom

Highly renowned Welsh actor, Anthony Hopkins is best known for his portrayal of a cannibalistic serial killer in the movie The Silence of the Lambs. The portrayal earned him prestigious awards and also a place in the list of best villains of all time. Other notable films of the celebrated character actor include Remains of the Day, Nixon and Amistad.

Birthdate: September 13, 1916

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales

Died: November 23, 1990

British writer, Roald Dahl, is considered as one of the greatest children’s authors. He is one of the best-selling authors of all-time and had a career spanning decades. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, The Twits and Matilda are some of his classic works. He also wrote short stories and novels meant for adults.

Birthdate: June 7, 1940

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Treforest, Pontypridd, Glamorgan, Wales

Tom Jones is a Welsh singer who has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. His life and work inspired the 2016 musical, Tom: A Story of Tom Jones. In 2005, for his services to music, Tom Jones was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

Birthdate: November 10, 1925

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Pontrhydyfen, Wales

Died: August 5, 1984

Richard Burton is remembered for his tumultuous affair with Elizabeth Taylor, whom he married and divorced twice. The Burton-Taylor duo is also known for their hits Cleopatra and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? A seasoned Shakespearean actor, Burton was known for his baritone voice. He became an alcoholic later.

Birthdate: November 29, 1973

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Canton, Cardiff, Wales

Welsh midfielder Ryan Giggs has had a successful 24-year stint with Manchester United as a senior player and has also served as their interim coach. He has won 13 Premier League titles with the club and was the first player with two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards.

Birthdate: May 18, 1872

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Trellech, Monmouthshire, Wales

Died: February 2, 1970

Bertrand Russell was a British polymath and Nobel laureate. His work, which is spread across various fields, has had a considerable influence on philosophy, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, mathematics, linguistics, and logic. Russell is also credited with leading the revolt against idealism in Britain and is regarded as one of the founders of analytic philosophy.

Birthdate: November 10, 1989

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Birkenhead, Merseyside, England

An award-winning actor, Taron Egerton is popular for playing real-life icons in biopics, such as Eddie the Eagle and Rocketman. Also known for his singing abilities, Egerton has appeared in a couple of music videos as well. Taron Egerton does not shy away from voicing his opinion on sensitive topics like misogyny and is a supporter of the LGBT community.

Birthdate: February 5, 1969

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales

Michael Sheen is a Welsh actor and started his career as a theatre artist. He rose to fame in the 2000s as a screen actor after working in various biographical films. He starred in television films like The Deal, The Queen and The Special Relationship. Some of his notable films are The Twilight Saga: New Moon and Midnight in Paris.

Birthdate: November 17, 1978

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales

Tom Ellis is a Welsh actor, whogained international prominence after he started playing Lucifer Morningstarin the AmericanDC Comics-basedseriesLucifer.An alumnus of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he began his career with a role in a BBC TV show. He eventually began appearing in American TV shows and films as well.

Birthdate: April 15, 1979

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Pontypool, Wales

Luke Evans is one of the most successful and popular actors from Wales. Also a decent singer, he released his debut studio album,At Last,in 2019; he studied music under the tutelage of an established singing coach named Louise Ryan. Since he is openly gay, Luke Evans serves as an inspiration to the gay community around the world.

Birthdate: February 1, 1942

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire, Wales

Died: January 21, 2020

Starting his career as a comedy writer, actor-director Terry Jones later soared to fame as part of the Monty Python comedy team. An avid historian, too, he wrote several books and presented TV documentaries on the topic. In his later years, the BAFTA Cymru award winner struggled with dementia.

Birthdate: October 27, 1914

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Swansea

Died: November 9, 1953

Dylan Thomas was a Welsh writer and poet who published popular poems, such as Do not go gentle into that good night, which was popularized in the 2014 movie,Interstellar,where Michael Caine's character recites the poem throughout the film. Dylan Thomas achieved tremendous popularity during his lifetime and remains popular after his untimely death at the age of 39.

Birthdate: May 5, 1944

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Salisbury, Wiltshire, England

John Rhys-Davies is best known as Gimli and the voice of Treebeard from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He is also known for voicing Cassim in Aladdin and the King of Thieves. His other notable projects include Shōgun, Sliders, and the James Bond film The Living Daylights.

Birthdate: June 1, 1947

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Carmel, Flintshire

Jonathan Pryce is one of the most popular Welsh actors of all time. Renowned for his versatility, Pryce has contributed immensely across all the three major acting mediums: movies, television and theatre. Best known for his work in theatre, Pryce is a two-time winner of the prestigious Tony Award. In the 2009 Birthday Honours, Jonathan Pryce was appointed a CBE for services to drama.

Birthdate: March 23, 1972

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Hammersmith, London, England

Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe scripted history as the longest-reigning champion ever in boxing, having defended the WBO title for more than a decade. Excelling in both super-middleweight and light-heavyweight categories, he had registered 46 wins in 46 fights by the time he retired. He now owns a boxing promotion company.

Birthdate: October 6, 1973

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Llwydcoed, Aberdare, Wales

Ioan Gruffudd is a Welsh actor known for playing important roles in popular American films, such as102 Dalmatians, Black Hawk Down, andSan Andreas. An accomplished oboist and singer during his teenage years, Ioan Gruffudd gave up music in order to focus on his career as an actor.

Birthdate: July 22, 1967

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

Birthdate: December 26, 1990

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Caerphilly, Wales

Height: 5'10" (178 cm)

Birthdate: January 17, 1863

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Chorlton-on-Medlock

Died: March 26, 1945

David Lloyd George, or the 1st Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor, was the British prime minister from 1916 to 1922 and the first Welsh to hold the position. Though he was a Liberal, he was initially supported by the Conservatives. He was a key figure in the Paris Peace Conference.

Birthdate: October 17, 1971

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Amlwch, Anglesey, Wales

Died: September 11, 2011

Welsh actor, Andy Whitfield, gained international fame for his leading role in the Starz television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand.A qualified engineer, he quit his corporate job to act in TV shows. He became popular within a few years and began acting in films as well. Tragically, he became ill withcancer and died at the age of 39.

Birthdate: March 9, 1942

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Garnant, Wales

Experimental musician John Cale is best known as the co-founder of the rock band The Velvet Underground. The son of a coal miner father, he later developed a love for music that earned him a scholarship to the University of London. Prescribed opiates for his bronchial issues, he later struggled with addiction.

Birthdate: May 8, 1987

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Bridgend, Wales

Born to a factory worker and a coal miner, Aneurin Barnard began gaining recognition with roles in series such as Jacob's Ladder. His performance as Melchior Gabor in the musical Spring Awakening won him the Laurence Olivier Award. His portrayal of Richard III in The White Queen was also appreciated.

Birthdate: May 13, 1985

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Carmarthen, Dyfed, Wales

Best known to audiences as Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones and as Simon Bellamy in Misfits, Iwan Rheon is also an Olivier Award-winning stage actor. A talented singer, too, he was previously the lead vocalist of The Convictions and has also performed with his brother in the single Rhodd.

Birthdate: July 17, 1985

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Aberystwyth, Wales

Thomas Cullen soared to fame with his role in the series Downton Abbey. Fans also loved him as Sir Landry in the series Knightfall. He delivered an award-winning debut performance in the film Weekend. He co-founded the company Undeb Theatre and has also directed the film Pink Wall.

Birthdate: January 3, 1907

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Neath, Glamorgan, Wales

Died: March 10, 1986

Welsh-American actor-director Ray Milland is best remembered for his Oscar-winning role of Don Birnam in The Lost Weekend. Fans also loved him in films such as Dial M for Murder and The Jungle Princess. He was previously part of the British Army’s Household Cavalry, as a marksman, pilot, and horseman.

Birthdate: May 17, 1958

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Stanleytown, Wales

Birthdate: November 1, 1963

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Wrexham, Wales

Height: 5'10" (178 cm)

Birthdate: December 22, 1967

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Blackwood, Wales

Died: February 1, 1995

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

Birthdate: September 12, 1914

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Newport, Wales Newport, Wales

Died: December 19, 1999

Welsh actor, Desmond Llewelyn, is best known for his role as Q in many James Bond films over a span of four decades. Even though he originally wanted to be a minister, his interest shifted to acting while in high school. He served in the army during World War II and resumed hisacting career afterward.

Birthdate: May 5, 1944

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Aberystwyth, Wales, UK

Died: July 10, 2015

Height: 5'11" (180 cm)

Birthdate: July 2, 1978

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Chepstow, Wales

Welsh actor Owain Yeoman is best known as Wayne Rigsby from The Mentalist, as Steven Daedalus from Kitchen Confidential, and as Lucas Dalton from The Nine. He has also appeared in films such as Troy and American Sniper. He is a supporter of PETA’s campaign for vegetarianism.

Birthdate: May 25, 1986

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales

Welsh racing cyclist Geraint Thomas is a 2-time Olympic gold medal winner, apart from being a 3-time world champion and the 2018 Tour de France winner. Starting cycling at age 10, he is now an OBE and has also bagged numerous endorsem*nt deals, such as the one with Continental Tyres.

Birthdate: January 28, 1841

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Denbigh, Denbighshire, Wales

Died: May 10, 1904

Henry Morton Stanley was a Welsh-American explorer, journalist, colonial administrator, soldier, politician, and author. He is remembered for his exploration of central Africa and his search for the source of the River Nile. Stanley received an honorary title of knighthood in 1899. His life and career inspired the 1939 movie Stanley and Livingstone, where Stanley was played by Spencer Tracy.

Birthdate: 1359 AD

Birthplace: Sycharth, Wales

Died: 1415 AD

Legendary Welsh hero Owain Glyndŵr was part of the last major Welsh attempt at overthrowing the English reign. With the help of local rebels, he declared himself the prince of Wales and even set up a parliament, ignoring Henry IV’s rule. He eventually disappeared and was presumed dead.

Birthdate: November 30, 1964

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed, Wales, UK

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

Birthdate: November 8, 1974

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales

His work in two television dramas—as a KGB sleeper agent, Philip Jennings in The Americans and a gay lawyer, Kevin Walker in Brothers & Sisters—turned Welsh actor, Matthew Rhys Evans into a well-known name. Earlier, the Primetime Emmy Award winner actor studied at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and gained recognition with the movie,Titus.

Birthdate: May 11, 1927

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Port Talbot, England

Died: December 14, 2016

Birthdate: March 7, 1985

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Markham, Wales

Height: 5'10" (178 cm)

Birthdate: July 13, 1979

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales

Height: 5'9" (175 cm)

Birthdate: October 18, 1968

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Carmarthen, Wales

Perrier Best Newcomer Award-nominated comedian Rhod Gilbert is also a writer and producer, known for his shows such as Rhod Gilbert vs. Kilimanjaro and Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience. Named to the list of the Top 50 Comedians by The Times, he is also an avid badminton player.

Birthdate: November 15, 1897

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Tredegar, Wales

Died: July 6, 1960

Born into a working-class family, Aneurin Bevan quit school at 13 to start working at a colliery. He later won a scholarship to study in London and rose to become a Labour MP. He led the ministries of labor and health, and the left-wing of the Labour Party, the Bevanites.

Birthdate: September 17, 1971

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Bangor

Height: 7'1" (216 cm)

Birthdate: January 16, 1958

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Newport, Wales

Tony Pulis is a Welsh former football player who played for teams like Bristol Rovers, AFC Bournemouth, and Newport County in a career that spanned 17 years. Pulis is better known for his career as a football manager, for which he was made an inductee tothe LMA Hall of Fame.

Birthdate: September 19, 1985

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Swansea, Wales

Alun Wyn Jones is a Welsh rugby union player who is currently playing for the Ospreys. Jones is the current captain of the Wales national rugby team and has helped his team win five Six Nations Championships. He has also won other important trophies, such as three Grand Slams, four Triple Crowns, three Doddie Weir Cups, and four Prince William Cups.

Birthdate: May 14, 1771

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Wales

Died: November 17, 1858

While working as an apprentice to a clothes manufacturer, Robert Owen often spent hours reading at his employer’s library. He later explored the textile industry and led a Manchester firm. Remembered as a pioneer of the co-operative movement and utopian socialism, he improved the working conditions of factory workers.

Birthdate: April 27, 1947

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales

Died: April 24, 1975

Welsh musician Pete Ham soared to fame as the lead singer and composer of the rock band Badfinger. Known for iconic hits such as No Matter What, he also co-wrote the classic Without You. After the band’s manager defrauded and vanished, Ham committed suicide by hanging himself in his garage.

Birthdate: February 12, 1978

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales

Height: 6'1" (185 cm)

Birthdate: February 18, 1967

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales

Colin Jackson is a Welsh former athlete who represented Wales and Great Britain during his career. Jackson, who specialized in hurdles, won the silver medal in the 110m hurdles at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. His world record for the 110m hurdles stood for more than ten years, while his world record for the 60m hurdles stood for almost 27 years.

Birthdate: January 21, 1991

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Bargoed, Wales

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)