From sporting icons and TV stars to chart-topping musicians and international celebrities, the Black Cats’ reach has extended far beyond the North East in recent years. Some names are proudly local, others more surprising – but all have shown their support for the red and white stripes in one way or another.
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Over the years, many celebrities have been spotted at the Stadium of Light, posted about the club on social media, or even worn Sunderland colours on stage or screen. Here, we take a look at 55 famous faces who have shown their support for Sunderland:
9. Leatherface
Popular Sunderland band Leatherface made massive waves in the music scene in the 1980s and 1990s with one of their famous album covers drawing inspiration from the club's old crest. The Guardian once dubbed them "the greatest British punk band of the modern era". Photo: YouTube
10. Billy Hardy
Sunderland-born Billy Hardy is a former bantamweight and featherweight boxing champion. Unfortunately, Hardy never captured a world title but did fight all-time great Prince Naseem Hamed in a high-profile bout. Photo: Mark Thompson
11. Paul Collingwood
The England cricket star-turned-coach was born in County Durham and has been a long-standing supporter of the Black Cats. Photo: Gareth Copley
12. Jimmy Montgomery
Former Sunderland goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery is famous for his save against Leeds United in the 1973 FA Cup final against Leeds United. Photo: Matthew Lewis