Remarkable Britons: Our Beloved National Treasures
They come from all different backgrounds and professional industries, but between them they make up some of the most adored public figures of all time. From writers to musician, scientists to actors, who is your ultimate winner though and have we left anyone important off our list?
1. Dame Helen Mirren
The 69-year-old has certainly earned her stripes on the British stage. The English actor has contributed immeasurably to the performing arts in our country since she first appeared on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s. Mirren's incredible body of work is loved by generations and has earnt herself numerous Golden Globes, Emmy Awards and BAFTA awards.
2. WWII British War Hero: Albert 'Joe' Barnes
Joe Barnes was just a 14-year-old boy when he saved hundreds of British soldiers stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk in the Second World War. The 75-year-old former bus driver was awarded the Golden Hero Awards medal in London in recognition of his incredible bravery. Picture: PA
3. Sir David Attenborough
With his homely and instantly recognisable tones and his deep passion for all things weird and wonderful, he is arguably one of the greatest British TV documentary broadcasters of all time. The naturalist instills a passion in all who listen to him, as he invites us to love all of God's creatures both great and small.
4. Dame Judi Dench
Dame Judi has many strings to her bow, including author and actress of both screen and stage. The 80-year-old Yorkshire lass is often hailed as one of our nation's greatest actors and has worked in theatres in far flung as the United States, Canada and even Yugoslavia! Although most noted for her stage performances, mass audiences have been able to catch this talented lady in films such as 'James Bond' film 'GoldenEye', 'A Room with a View' and 'Philomena'.
5. Sir Trevor McDonald
During his 75 years, the journalist and broadcaster has journeyed from Trinidad to the UK and worked with everyone from ITN to Channel 4 News, including hosting his own, widely respected program 'Tonight with Trevor McDonald'. Knighted in 1999 for his services to journalism, the news presenter is nothing short of a legend for anyone with any interest in current affairs.
6. Barbara Windsor, MBE
The beloved 77-year-old has starred in classic films including the 'Carry On' franchise and the 1968 movie 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', as well as playing the long-running role of Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap 'EastEnders'. Instantly recognisable thanks to her blonde beehive, she'll always be Queen soap mum to us! Picture: PA
7. David Beckham
The former-footballer-turned-UNICEF-ambassador is undoubtedly one of our present day national icons. The 40-year-old seems to have every area covered - from sports, to charity, to fashion, to family. The hands-on father-of-four is as likely to be spotted on the front row at Fashion Week as he is running after his little daughter Harper or kicking a ball around with his sons. The handsome underwear model is one of the most famous sports personalities in history and now uses his fame for good.
8. Dawn French
One of the nation's favourite funny ladies - the comedy genius is a household name. Starring in beloved TV shows ranging from 'The Vicar of Dibley' to 'French and Saunders' and voicing characters in movies ranging from 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' to 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. As if that isn't enough, the actress also co-writes and stars in various charity comedy sketches.
9. Roald Dahl
The writer is responsible for bringing the childhood's stories of thousands of children to life. Author of classic stories such as 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', 'Matilda, 'The BFG' and 'Fantastic Mr Fox' to name just a few, the British novelist. The storyteller's skill comes from his ability to pull off his own brand of black comedy within children's writing - entertaining both adults and kids alike and weaving his spell of magic over generations past, present and future. Picture: PA
10. Sir David Jason
The great David Jason is etched in our hearts as wheeler-dealer Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in the comedy 'Only Fools and Horses'. The BAFTA award-winning comedian and actor was knighted in 2005 for his services to Drama. However, the father-of-one's influence extends far beyond formal awards.
11. Dame Maggie Smith
One of the most widely-recognised and deeply loved actresses of our times, it's hard to know where to start when talking about Dame Maggie's extensive career! From stage to screen and back again, this incredible chameleon-like actress has played everyone from comedic roles such as 'Downton Abbey's' Dowager Countess, to the tragic Desdemona in Shakespeare's 'Othello'. The twice-married actress is still going strong at 80-years-old - and that's why we love her! Picture: PA
12. Sir Paul McCartney
A singer, instrumentalist songwriter combined, the 72-year-old has enjoyed a prolific career in arguably the greatest British band of all time and as a solo performer. McCartney is responsible for some of the best loved classics in music history, including 'Yesterday' and 'Hey Jude'. As well as dominating the chart scene and being a huge source of influence to many other musicians of all musical persuasions. The father-five is also passionate about promoting charitable causes. Picture: Getty
13. The Queen
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will forever be a darling of the British public. Loved for her sense of duty, public responsibility and dedication, the elderly monarch is admired and appreciated by royalists and republicans alike for the tireless work she has done over her lifetime.
14. Professor Stephen Hawking
Probably the brainiest Brit on our list, the physicist, cosmologist and author has inspired academics and Hollywood movie-makers alike. The Oscar-winning film 'The Theory of Everything' is based on Hawking's often difficult personal and public life and his achievements. The celebrated thinker has won awards ranging from the 'Albert Einstein Award' to the 'Fundamental Physics Prize' to the 'Presidential Medal of Freedom'. Now that's what we call a bonafide genius.
15. Gary Barlow, OBE
The Take That frontman is a songwriter pièce de résistance with multiple number one singles and albums to his name. Successful both as a lead singer in his beloved boy band and as a solo artist, the 44-year-old has received the Ivor Novello Award several times and was awarded an OBE for his work in both charity and music.
16. Joanna Lumley, OBE
The comedian and actress stands tall on our list of great Brits! The 69-year-old actress and activist is as passionate on the theatrical stage as she is on the political stage. Lumley is as widely respected for her TV and film roles, inducing playing her alter-ego Patsy Stone in the comedy 'Absolutely Fabulous', as she is for her role as a positive force for human rights on the world stage.
17. Winston Churchill
Arguably one of the most famous Britons of all-time, we couldn't have a list of national treasures and not include Britain's former Prime Minister. Whereas many politicians will only be remembered for their bickering and backstabbing, we have the wartime leader to thank for managing to get us through the Second World War.
18. Stephen Fry
The 57-year-old holds a special place in the heart of the old and young alike. From giving us his best comedy gold in classic series such as 'Blackadder', to hosting hilarious TV shows such as 'QI', the 57-year-old always makes us chuckle at the delightful nuances of life. An author, actor and presenter, there aren't many lives that Fry hasn't touched.
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