Walton-on-Thames has its fair share of links to famous people considering its small size, but did you know who came from the historic north Surrey town?
According to the 2001 census, the town has a population of 22,834, however, this has not stopped it from contributing some major names to the world of showbusiness. The charm of the neighbourhood continues to attract people to the estate agents Walton-on-Thames has to offer, which means this list of celebrated artists could be set to grow.
Dame Julie Andrews
The biggest show business export from Walton-on-Thames is undoubtedly the legendary star of stage and screen Dame Julie Andrews. The ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Sound of Music’ star was born in the town in 1935 and went on to win huge acclaim along with every acting accolade on offer, including an Academy Award.
For those that knew her as an infant, she would have been known as Julia Elizabeth Wells, with her name changing when her mother remarried. As well as her vast contribution to the worlds of theatre and film, she has enjoyed success as a stage director and author of children’s books.
Tony Walton
Another Walton-on-Thames-born individual to have an Oscar to their name is set and costume designer Tony Walton, who received his prize for 1980’s ‘All that Jazz’.
The childhood sweetheart and eventual husband of Dame Julie, he worked on Mary Poppins with her and was Oscar-nominated for his contribution to the film. The pair divorced in 1967 but have collaborated on several projects while separated.
Tyger Drew-Honey
For those who are too young to remember Dame Julie or her husband, the latest individual to make a name – and what a name – for himself is Tyger Drew-Honey, who is arguably most famous for his role as Jake in the comedy series Outnumbered.
The actor’s full name is Lindzi James Tyger Drew-Honey and he has showbusiness in his blood – his mother is the former glamour model Linzi Drew and his father is Simon Lyndsay Honey, better known as adult film director Ben Dover.