From sports stars to TV personalities and musicians to local heroes, the Black Cats have a number of famous fans – including some surprising and international names.
Over the years, we have seen many celebrities come out and publicly announce their support of the Wearside club. Here, we take a look at 20 surprising famous faces who support Sunderland AFC:
5. Peter O'Toole
Peter O’Toole was in fact a Sunderland fan. Renowned for his portrayal of T.E Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia, the London-born actor holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations without winning the award. O’Toole became a Black Cats supporter through his father who worked as a labourer in the city. However, the actor sadly passed away in December 2013. Photo: Robert Mora
6. Sir Tim Rice
Best known for working on a number of West End musicals with Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rice may have been born in Warwickshire - but he counts Sunderland as his football team. Photo: Daniel Berehulak
7. Tony Jeffries
A real hometown hero, Jeffries even signed his first professional boxing contract at the Stadium of Light - having won a medal at the 2008 Olympics. Photo: Matthew Lewis
8. Josh Kelly
The former Rio 2016 Olympic boxer - who is now signed to Eddie Hearn's Matchroom stable - is a big Sunderland fan. Photo: Christopher Lee