UK Celebs Trivia

1. Who worked as a musical dancer in the late 1970s, played in movies and theatre plays, wrote a book on knitting, and gained most fame with her eponymous TV show, which also launched the TV career of Matt Groening?

From Quiz British Comedians

Answer: Tracey Ullmann

Tracey Ullmann was born in a small town in Berkshire, England in 1959. She enrolled in the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in 1971 and started her career dancing in several musicals. In 1980 she started working for television, and in 1983 she recorded a music album. Shortly afterwards she moved to Hollywood, and there she was offered her own show: "The Tracey Ullmann Show" (1987-1990). She won a Golden Globe for this show. Furthermore she acted in several movies, including "Small Time Crooks" (2000) for which she also won a Golden Globe. As an enthusiast knitter, she published a manual on knitting too. "The Tracey Ullmann Show" also introduced us to the animation series "The Simpsons" by Matt Groening, who would also design other animated series. Drew Carey was an actor born in the USA. The actress Carol Burnett was also born in the USA. Catherine Tate (born 1969) was British, but started her career at the end of the 1980s.

From Quiz The Only Way is Sussex

Answer: Piers Morgan

Piers Morgan, who was born in a small village in East Sussex in 1965, worked as a journalist for several British tabloid newspapers before becoming editor of the now defunct 'News of the World' in 1994 at the age of just 29. He then moved on to edit the 'Daily Mirror' from 1995 to 2004. His television career began as the presenter of some documentary and current affairs shows in the UK, but didn't really take off until he moved to the US to appear as a judge on the first series of 'America's Got Talent' in 2006, a role that he continued to hold until 2011 when his chat show 'Piers Morgan Tonight' (later called 'Piers Morgan Live') was chosen to replace the long-running CNN programme 'Larry King Live'. His other television work has included winning the 2008 edition of Donald Trump's 'The Celebrity Apprentice', judging 'Britain's Got Talent' and co-hosting the ITV breakfast programme 'Good Morning Britain'. Howard Stern and Howie Mandel both served stints on the judging panel of 'America's Got Talent', while Nick Cannon was the show's main presenter between 2009 and 2016. However, none of them are British.

From Quiz Ten Celebrities Who Shook the Wirral

Answer: The Scaffold

The Scaffold had two other Top 10 hits, 'Thank U Very Much' and 'Liverpool Lou'. They evolved into Grimms, which also contained members of the Bonzo Dog Band. After the Scaffold, John Gorman regularly appeared on the Saturday morning children's programme 'Tiswas' as Albert the Janitor, berating the presenters for making so much mess with their liberal throwing around of flans and water. Other British household names appearing on the show were Chris Tarrant and Lenny Henry. At the end of Series 7, Gorman, Tarrant, Henry and ventriloquist Bob Carolgees left the show. Its more adult successor, 'OTT' was less successful.

From Quiz Where Would I Be Without You?

Answer: Chesney Allen

Flanagan and Allen first paired back in 1926 and became very famous during the Second World War as a double act and part of The Crazy Gang. Together they recorded over 20 songs. The theme to "Dad's Army" was recorded by Flanagan and was the last recording he made before his death in 1968. Chesney Allen did not die until 1982.

From Quiz Do You Know Me by My Catchphrase?

Answer: Arthur Askey

In addition to the catchphrase, "Hello, Playmates", Arthur Bowden Askey CBE had another two slogans he was well-known for. They were "I thank you" (pronounced "Ay-thang-yaw") and "Before your very eyes". He rose to stardom on the radio programme "Band Waggon" on the BBC in 1938. He was the star of many films and TV programmes over the following five decades. Arthur carried on working right up till he was admitted to hospital in July 1982. He had both legs amputated after bad circulation led to gangrene of both his legs. He passed away on the 16th November 1982, aged 82.

From Quiz Ant & Dec Turned Out All Right!

Answer: Anthony McPartlin & Declan Donnelly

Their full names are: Anthony David McPartlin and Declan Joseph Oliver Donnelly. Dec is the 'smaller' one of the pair, and has been constantly teased about his size.

From Quiz Blazing Stars from Greater Manchester

Answer: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Roy Kinnear was born in Wigan, in 1934. He was a good friend of director Richard Lester, who directed the 1966 film "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". Buster Keaton played the role of Erronius. Roy is best known for his role as Mr Salt in the 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory". Kinnear was injured in a riding accident, which occurred on the set of the film "The Return of the Three Musketeers" (1988). Whilst he was rushed to hospital, he suffered a heart attack the following day and passed away.

From Quiz From Britain to Hollywood

Answer: Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom appeared as Legolas in the 'Lord of the Rings' film trilogy, consisting of 'The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001), 'The Two Towers' (2002) and 'The Return of the King' (2003). He followed this success up by playing Will Turner in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' series, appearing with Johnny Depp who portrayed Captain Jack Sparrow. The other three British actors named also appeared in 'Lord of the Rings', with Sean Bean playing Boromir, Ian McKellen portraying Gandalf and Dominic Monaghan appearing as Merry.

From Quiz Celebrities from the Cambridge Footlights

Answer: Hugh Laurie

Hugh Laurie partnered Steven Fry in several TV comedy shows. 'A Bit of Fry and Laurie' and 'Jeeves and Wooster' being two of the best known. He also starred in the 'Blackadder' series. His recent success in 'House' has increased his following in the USA.

From Quiz How Screened Are My Valleys?

Answer: Keira Knightley

In "The Edge of Love" (2008) Keira Knightley plays Vera Phillips, the third part of the love triangle also involving Dylan Thomas (Matthew Rhys) and his wife Caitlin (Sienna Miller). As a Welsh speaker myself, I was very impressed with her Welsh speaking in this film - though she makes no claims whatsoever to any Welsh lineage. Natalie Portman and Keira Knightley are often mistaken for one another - urban legend has it that when both where together whilst filming the "Star Wars" films; even their mothers had difficulties in telling them apart. The little tips in the question referred to Ms Knightley's appearances in the Pirates of the Carribean series and in "Bend it like Beckham". Catherine Zeta Jones and Kate Winslet were the "red sewins" in this question! (red herrings)

From Quiz Suffolk's Showbiz and Celebrity Links

Answer: The Fourth Protocol

Although born in Kent, Frederick Forsyth lived at one time in East Anglia and worked as a journalist for the Eastern Daily Press. In the film 'The Fourth Protocol', RAF Bentwaters was called RAF Baywaters. 'The Fourth Protocol' (1987) is about a Spycatcher trying to track down a secret agent who is smuggling a small nuclear device into Britain one piece at a time.

From Quiz Ulster's Acclaim Academy

Answer: Enya

Eithne Patricia Ni Bhraonain was born in Co Donegal in 1961. Her musical career started when she joined family members who had formed the group Clannad. Enya played keyboards and provided vocals, but she left the group in 1982 to follow a solo career. Haunting lyrics and melodies are a trademark of this Donegal diva. In her career, she has sold millions of records and earned four Grammy awards.

From Quiz Bring Me Sunshine - Morecambe and Wise

Answer: John Eric Bartholomew

He was born May 14th, 1926 and named John Eric Bartholomew. He took the stage name Eric Morecambe from the town where he was born, Morecambe, in Lancashire.

From Quiz Birthdays of British Stars

Answer: 22 February 1950

Julie Walters was born in the West Midlands and in 1983 was nominated for an Oscar in 1983 her role as "Rita" in the film "Educating Rita" (1983) playing a working class hairdresser who decides to "better herself" by taking an Open University course, she lost out to "Shirley Maclaine" (1983) for "Terms of Endearment", story of a mother and daughters relationship during the daughters fight against cancer. Julie Walters started out on television in the early 80's with her comedy partner "Victoria Wood" with whom she still works quite regularly up until this day.

From Quiz Famous Welsh Entertainers

Answer: Aled Jones

Aled began singing at the age of 9 at Bangor Cathedral and recorded "Walking in the Air" which is heard on the cartoon "The Snowman" (although Jones did not sing this version). Born in Anglesey, 29th December 1970.

From Quiz Name the British Celebrity - Part 2

Answer: Rik Waller

Rik Waller had to drop out because of vocal problems. He later released an album which only hit 99th position in the charts. He later joined "Celebrity Fit Club" to lose weight. He has a marvellous voice and it was a shame he had to be replaced, although I wanted his replacement to win. Pete Waterman was a judge on the show and Aaron Bayley and Korben were fellow contenders, even though only one of them has a surname.

From Quiz Name the British Celebrity - Part 1

Answer: Sean Wilson

Sean Wilson joined "Coronation Street" in 1985. Wilson has appeared in several other shows, one being the game show "Russian Roulette".

From Quiz Residents of Brighton

Answer: Laurence Olivier

Olivier was the first director of the British National Theatre Company.

From Quiz The Only Way is Sussex

Answer: Natasha Kaplinsky

Natasha Kaplinsky was born in Brighton, East Sussex in 1972. She started her career in local television before moving to Sky News in 2000 to present their breakfast programme and evening news show. She came to more general prominence after taking up a role as a BBC Breakfast presenter and newsreader on the famous 'Six O'Clock News' show. Her winning performances on the first series of 'Strictly Come Dancing' with her professional partner Brendan Cole (and the couple's onscreen chemistry) made her a household name. 'Strictly Come Dancing' went on to become one of Britain's favourite TV shows and the format was exported around the world - most notably becoming 'Dancing with the Stars' in the US. All of the incorrect options are British television news presenters who have appeared on 'Strictly Come Dancing' over the years. None of them won the competition but Susanna Reid was a joint runner-up in 2013.

From Quiz The Only Way Is Essex

Answer: Louise Lombard

Louise Lombard was born in the London Borough of Redbridge in 1970 - an area that had been part of the traditional county of Essex until 1963. She played Evangeline Elliott in 'House of Elliott' - a drama series about two sisters and their fashion design business in 1920's London - from 1991 to 1994. After these early successes she took a break from acting in order to study at the University of Cambridge and then forged a successful career on US television, becoming known particularly for her long-running recurring role in 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation' as well as appearances in popular shows such as 'The Mentalist'. 'Stargate Universe' and 'NCIS: Los Angeles'. The incorrect options are all actresses who appeared in 'CSI': Lauren Lee Smith played Riley Adams, Liz Vassey portrayed Wendy Simms and Elizabeth Shue joined in season 12 as Julie Finlay.

From Quiz Where Would I Be Without You?

Answer: Dame Hilda Bracket

Hinge and Bracket, as they were known, were played by George Logan and Patrick Fyffe. They appeared on TV from the early 70s for almost 30 years, until 2001. They played two elderly eccentric spinsters living in the fictional town of Stackton Tressel. One played the piano and the other sang songs from both opera and musical theatre.

From Quiz Do You Know Me by My Catchphrase?

Answer: Tommy Cooper

Tommy Cooper was never really out of the limelight from the late '40s, when he became known through a BBC talent show. He was a member of the "Magic Circle" and respected by regular magicians, although his act revolved around looking like the trick was easy or he had mucked it up. That was never the case, though, and he was a very expert magician. He died as he lived, on stage performing. On the 15th of April 1984 he had heart attack in front of millions of TV viewers as he was working for the London Weekend Television variety show "Live From Her Majesty's". Whilst he was having a heart attack, the audience laughed, thinking it was part of the act. His assistants on stage at the time also thought it was a joke until they realised something was seriously wrong.

From Quiz Ant & Dec Turned Out All Right!

Answer: 1975

Born on the 18th of November (star sign Scorpio), Ant is a couple of months younger than Dec. Dec was born on the 25th of September (star sign Libra).

From Quiz Blazing Stars from Greater Manchester

Answer: Holliday Grainger

Born in 1988, Holliday Grainger was six years old when she appeared in the BBC comedy drama "All Quiet on the Preston Front". She has appeared in a number of popular TV shows in the UK including "Where the Heart Is", "Waterloo Road" and "Merlin". However, these pale alongside her breakout role in "The Borgias" (2011) where she shared the screen with the enigmatic Jeremy Irons. In 2012 she scored the role of Baroness Shilton in the movie "Anna Karenina".

From Quiz From Britain to Hollywood

Answer: Die Hard

'Die Hard' was the first film in the series, and starred Bruce Willis as John McClane battling against a gang of criminals led by Rickman's character. The film came out in 1988 and Rickman's playing of the ruthless leader was given the accolade of the 46th best villain on the American Film Institute's Top 100 villains list of 2003. Rickman also played the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham in 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' (1991) opposite Kevin Costner. In 'Judas Kiss' (1998) he was on the side of law and order and in 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' (1991) he was the leading man in a ghost story.

From Quiz Will Work for Chocolate

Answer: Horse

Loosely based on a 1935 book by Enid Bagnold, the film told the rather unlikely story of a young girl who trained, and then rode, her horse to victory in the Grand National. Taylor also starred with dogs, as she appeared in 'Lassie Come Home' (1943) and 'Courage of Lassie' (1946), and appeared in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' in 1958, where her character was 'Maggie the Cat'. The wolf reference came from her role in 'Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf' (1966) and she starred in many more films, with 'Cleopatra' (1963) among her most famous.

From Quiz Celebrities from the Cambridge Footlights

Answer: Sir David Frost

Sir David Frost has become one of the most admired interviewers in the world. He has also directed films and TV programmes. 'That Was the Week That Was' was probably the launching pad for many celebrities, both ex-Footlights members and non-members. It was colloquially referred to as 'TW3'.

From Quiz Celebrities Born In Yorkshire

Answer: Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart also played Professor Charles Xavier in the film "X-Men", which was first released in 2000. He has voiced numerous characters in several films, including the animated swashbuckling pirate book, in "The Pagemaster" (1994), and Mr Woolensworth, in the film "Chicken Little" (2005)

From Quiz Suffolk's Showbiz and Celebrity Links

Answer: Ipswich

Brian Cant, best known for Playschool and Playaway, was born in Ipswich in 1933. Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham Fiennes was born in Ipswich in December 1962. His mother was the writer Jennifer Lash and his brother Joseph is also an actor. Among his other siblings (2 sisters and 4 brothers) are a musician, a producer and a director and among his cousins is the bonkers British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

From Quiz Ulster's Acclaim Academy

Answer: Phil Coulter

Phil Coulter was born in Derry/Londonderry, about which he wrote 'The Town I Loved So Well'. He also wrote 'Back Home' for the England 1970 World Cup squad, and 'Ireland's Call', unofficial anthem of the Ireland rugby union team. He has written/co-written several Eurovision songs, including 'Congratulations' (1968), for Cliff Richard and 'Puppet On A String' (1967), for Sandie Shaw. Coulter and his long-time collaborator Bill Martin wrote several hits for the Bay City Rollers. Feargal Sharkey was another Derry native and one-time lead singer with The Undertones. John Anderson was a broadcaster and big band conductor. Phil Ochs has been hailed as one of the most influential American folksingers/songwriters of his generation.

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Last Updated Dec 21 2024 5:49 AM

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