So here is just a small selection, included with the places they went to school.
5. Terry Deary
Born in Sunderland in 1946, the former Monkwearmouth Grammar School pupil is best known for his Horrible Histories series of children's books
6. Bryan Ferry
Born in 1945 in Washington, Ferry attended Washington Grammar Technical School before finding fame as the lead singer of 1970s rock band Roxy Music.
7. Lauren Laverne
Born in 1978, and attended St Anthony's Academy. She made her name with punk pop band Kenickie before going on to become a successful broadcaster, working in both TV and Radio.
8. Denise Robertson
Attended Sunderland High School. She was born in Sunderland in 1932 and died in 2016 aged 83. She worked for both the BBC and ITV, but was best known as the agony aunt for This Morning, dealing with more than 200,000 letters seeking advice.