But he's far from the only screen face to hail from – or have connections to – Sunderland.
Here we look at 12 more stars of the big – and small screen – with links to Wearside.
1. Jonny Lavelle
Former callcentre worker Jonny has landed roles in a number of high-profile projects in the last year, including Vera and The Trial of Christine Keeler. In 1917, the latest movie from Skyfall director Sir Sam Mendes, Jonny, from Hougton, plays Orderly Byrne and finds himself sharing the credits with the likes of Colin Firth, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch Photo: Danann Breathnach
2. Maurice Roeves
Born in Sunderland but brought up in Scotland, Mauriue Roeves is a familiar face from a string of hard man roles. On TV, he has graced the likes of The Sweeney, Danger UXB, Doctor Who, Tutti Frutti, Star Trek: The Next Generation and EastEnders. He portrayed Chf Supt David Duckenfield in the 1996 television film about the Hillsborough disaster. Film roles include The Eagle Has Landed, The Last of the Mohicans, and Judge Dredd. Photo: Gareth Cattermole
3. Debbie Arnold
Sunderland-born Debbie Arnold was always destined for a showbiz life - dad Eddie was a ventriloquist and mother Mary a theatrical agent. She is known for her portrayal of April Branning in EastEnders between 1995 and 1996 and has also played regular characters in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Doctors. She is the mother of fellow Hollyoaks star Ciara Janson. Photo: Stuart C. Wilson
4. Peter O'Toole
The Lawrence of Arabia star outed himself as a Sunderland AFC fan to Chris Evans on on TFI Friday in 1990. Although not from Sunderland, it is believed O'Toole's father and many of his relatives lived and worked in the city and his love of the Black Cats stemmed from research into his family tree. Photo: Kevin Winter