7 Famous People Who Live or Lived in Chelsea
The London borough of Chelsea has had several notable residents over the years. The area harbors some lavish real estate, which is convincing enough for anyone with the means to secure a home here. Here is a list of Chelsea's famous former and current residents.
1. The Flamboyant Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was a British record producer, singer, and songwriter, most famous for his role as the lead vocalist for the rock band Queen. He is often regarded as one of the greatest singers in rock music history.
His flamboyant stage presence and four-octave vocal range made him well-known. He once lived in the Garden Lodge mansion in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The house previously belonged to the painter Cecil Rae.
2. Rock and Roll Titan Mick Jagger
Sir Michael Philip Jagger is an English film producer, actor, singer, and songwriter, best known as one of the founding members and lead vocalist of The Rolling Stones. He also partnered with Keith Richards to form one of the most successful songwriting duos ever.
The two lived in a one-bedroom flat at 102 Edith Grove in Chelsea. Jagger's energetic live performances and distinctive voice, along with Keith Richards' guitar style, have been trademarks of The Rolling Stones over the years.
3. The Talented Joyce Grenfell
Joyce Grenfell was an English diseuse, writer, actress, and singer. Her monologues, which she wrote and performed first in revues and later in her solo shows, helped make her famous. She lived at 34 Elm Park Gardens in Chelsea for 20 years.
Although she never appeared as a stage actress, she had several comical roles in films such as *The Happiest Days of Your Life* as Miss Gossage and as Police Sergeant Ruby Gates in the *St Trinian's* series. Joyce was also a renowned broadcaster on radio and television.
4. The Prolific Steve Coogan
Stephen John Coogan is an English screenwriter, actor, comedian, and producer. He lived in the Ovingdean Grange mansion in Chelsea. His career began in the 1980s with voice acting on the satirical puppet show *Spitting Image* and doing voiceovers for television ads.
He began creating original characters in the 1990s. In 1999, he co-founded Baby Cow Productions with Henry Normal.
5. Fredo the Rapper
Marvin William Bailey, professionally known as Fredo, is a British rapper and singer from Queen's Park, London. In 2018, he had a UK number one single called "Funky Friday," featuring fellow rapper Dave. He grew up in the Mozart Estate in West London.
6. Jazz Entertainer Adelaide Hall
Adelaide Louise Hall (20 October 1901 – 7 November 1993) was a UK-based American-born jazz singer and entertainer. Her career spanned over 70 years, from 1921 until her death.
She holds a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most enduring recording artist. Some of the major artists she worked with include Louis Armstrong, Josephine Baker, Cab Calloway, Fela Sowande, Ethel Waters, and Fats Waller.
7. The Jamaican Star Bob Marley
Robert Nesta Marley (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981) was a Jamaican musician, singer, and songwriter. Marley is regarded as one of the pioneers of reggae, known for blending elements of rocksteady, ska, and reggae in his music.
Guide to Chelsea
The spirituality in his music made Marley widely recognized as a Rastafari icon. He was also a strong advocate for Pan-Africanism and the legalization of marijuana.
Clara Annesley
Clara Annesley is an interior design and construction content writer. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Design Technology from the University of West London. Clara specialises in residential construction for topics like health & safety, architectural design and writing cost guides for renovation and remodelling projects.