Famous People from Cardiff: Meet the Welsh Wonders

Cardiff, the eclectic capital of Wales, is home to far more than great student bars and castles. It’s city that raises hard working legends. From Nobel prize recipients to global sporting icons, Cardiff has shaped individuals who’ve gone on to leave their mark on the world. Whether you’re studying, living, or visiting the city, here are eight famous people from Cardiff whose stories may influence your own.

1. Gareth Bale: Wales, Golf, Madrid

From kicking a ball around Whitchurch High School’s fields to dazzling under the lights of the Bernabéu, Gareth Bale is a symbol of modern Welsh pride.

While he is five time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid, it’s exploits for the national team that made Bale the legend he is today. Leading Wales to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016 as well as their first World Cup appearance since 1958, the wing wizard is often heralded as his nation’s greatest player of all time.

Despite his global fame, Bale has stayed true to his roots, often returning to Cardiff to invest in grassroots football in the city. He is also the owner of Elevens, a sports bar operating under the shadow of Cardiff Castle.

2. Roald Dahl: A Storytelling Genius

Before transcending into one of the world’s most renowned author’s, Roald Dahl was a mischievous child with a love of telling stories. He notably attended Llandaff Cathedral School, where he was often caned for misbehaviour. This experience would influence the creation of many crueller characters in his books.

His iconic stories include Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the BFG to name just a few. The books have been translated into more than 60 languages and have sold hundreds of millions of copies.

Dahl’s Cardiff heritage lives on through his books. A certain local sweet shop inspired The Great Mouse Plot, and his childhood spirit sparked a lifelong fascination with wonder and rebellion.

3. Shirley Bassey: The Voice of 007

Dame Shirley Bassey’s voice didn’t just fill rooms, it consumed stadiums, cinemas and history books. Born in Tiger Bay, she was the youngest of seven children and began singing as a way of supporting her family financially.

Her voice quickly gained recognition for a blend of soul and showbiz, which launched her to international stardom in the 1950s. It’s her association with the James Bond franchise that sealed her legacy though. Bassey sang the iconic opening tracks for Goldfinger and Diamonds are Forever; both of which are still considered classics of the franchise.

Remarkably still lighting up global venues at the age 0f 88, Bassey’s journey from Cardiff’s rugged docklands to Damehood is a masterclass in resilience and determination.

4. Charlotte Church: Child Star to Cultural Force

Another Llandaff native, Charlotte Church was discovered at age 11 singing on a local TV show. She later become one of the youngest classical artists to achieve global success. Her debut album titled Voice of an Angel went multi-platinum and transformed her into a household name.

As she matured, Church stepped away from commercial expectations, moving into pop, alternative music, and political activism. She’s been an outspoken voice on social justice, Welsh independence, and education reform.

Still living and working in Cardiff, Church has founded a progressive school that promotes local culture that shapes the next generation of Cymru’s creatives.

5. Brian Josephson: The Mind Behind Superconductors

Not all legends come from the world of entertainment. Some work in labs and collect Nobel Prizes. Brian Josephson is one such person. Born in 1940, he as awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics at just 33 years old thanks to his ground breaking discovery of the Josephson Effect, a quantum phenomenon that is utilised in MRI machines and quantum computing.

Josephson remains one of the youngest Nobel Laureates in science and is a leading figure in theoretical physics and the philosophy of science.

6. Geraint Thomas: Tour de France Champion

Cycling hero Geraint Thomas grew up cycling as part of the Maindy Flyers cycling club, regularly riding through the nearby hills and valleys of South Wales. What began as a passion progressed into Olympic triumph and a historic Tour de France win in 2018. Thomas was the first Welshman to ever reach the top step of the world’s biggest bike race.

Known for his calming presence and relentless training ethic, Thomas is a proud ambassador of Welsh sport around the world.

He recently retired from professional cycling to huge acclaim following the conclusion of the Tour of Britain in Cardiff.

7. Iwan Rheon: Game of Thrones Villain

Although born in Carmarthen, Iwan Rheon was raised in Cardiff from the age of five and attended the city’s Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf. His early years in the capital shaped his artistic career, from theatre to music and television.

He rose to fame for his role in Misfits, but it was his chilling portrayal of Ramsey Bolton in Game of Thrones that brought him global recognition. Despite playing one of the most scary villains in TV, Rheon is known for being softly spoken and kind.

Also a talented singer, Rheon sometime returns to Wales to perform, create, and connect with his creative roots.

8. Terry Nation: Creator of the Daleks

Cardiff has a long standing association with Doctor Who, that stretches back to show’s earliest days. Cardiff native Terry Nation is credited as the man who brought the iconic Daleks to our screens.

His work extended to other cult favourites too, including Blake’s 7 and contributions to The Avengers (the British spy series, not Marvel).

Cardiff: A City that Shapes Talent

Whether you’re a student in a lecture hall, a commuter chasing side projects, or a local artist finding your voice, Cardiff offers the same spark that lit these success stories. Its blend of Welsh heritage, culture, and hard working spirit make it the ideal launchpad for every ambition.

You don’t need to be born there to be made there either, so explore more tips for student life in Cardiff today.

Your Own Cardiff Story

Each of these icons began with a talent, a question, a challenge, or a dream. Many of the same things students arrive in the city carrying. Cardiff shaped their journeys and it can shape yours too if you let it.

Find your new home in the Welsh capital and see where your time in Cardiff takes you. If you’re studying at the University of Cardiff, read through their list of notable alumni to see who’s footsteps you’re following in.