Did you know?

We’ve all heard about Cambridge University, one of the foremost centers of academic excellence in the world today. You’ve probably also heard of some famous alumni who have graduated from the university. Today, we’re going to go through some alumni you might not have thought had ventured through M11 traffic to study there.

Dame Emma Thompson

Thompson is one of Britain’s most acclaimed actresses and the recipient of numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, three BAFTA Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.

She has won the hearts of the world on the screen but also has a very impressive degree from Cambridge University. That is along with her navigating some pretty bad M11 traffic.

At Cambridge, Thompson was invited into Footlights, the university’s prestigious sketch comedy troupe by its president, becoming its first female member. Also in the troupe were fellow actors Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.

Hugh Laurie CBE

James Hugh Calum Laurie CBE is an English actor best known for portraying the title character on the Fox medical drama series House, which he received two Golden Globes for and nominations for numerous other awards.

He was listed in the 2011 Guinness World Records as the most watched leading man on television and was one of the highest-paid actors in a television drama.

Laurie first gained recognition for his work as one half of the comedy double act Fry and Laurie with his friend and comedy partner Stephen Fry, who he met through their mutual friend Emma Thompson whilst attending Cambridge University.

Laurie studied archaeology and anthropology at Selwyn College from 1978, and is an honorary fellow of the college. He was also president of the Footlights.

Stephen Fry

Fry was offered a scholarship to Queen’s College for matriculation in autumn 1978, briefly teaching at a preparatory school before taking his place.

At Cambridge, Fry joined the Footlights and, he also appeared on University Challenge and read for a degree in English, graduating with upper second-class honours.

Fry also met his future comedy collaborator Hugh Laurie at Cambridge and starred alongside him in the Footlights.

After graduating from university Fry went on to become of the most famous English actors, comedians and writers of all time and often comes back to the city for a punting session or two. Also check A55 Traffic

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris OBE has become a member of Hollywood’s elite but judging by her impressive degree that wasn’t such an obvious career path.

Graduating from Pembroke College in 1998 with a degree in social and political sciences, Naomie Harris became far more famous for becoming a film star (and honorary M11 traffic star).

Key roles in 28 Days Later, Pirates of the Caribbean, and as Eve Moneypenny in James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre, have made her one of the most recognisable faces in cinema.

Charles, Prince of Wales

Among the movie stars and authors of Cambridge alumni there is also royalty. Maybe a royal horse and cart took him down the M11 traffic.

Charles, Prince of Wales, the heir to the British throne, is another name to add to the list of famous people who attended Cambridge University and have been back to the county on royal visits since.

Charles was born at Buckingham Palace and was educated at Cheam and Gordonstoun schools, which his father, had attended as a child. Charles also spent a year at the Timbertop campus of Geelong Grammar School in Australia.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cambridge, Charles served in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy from 1971 to 1976.

Mike Atherton

The former opening batsman for England spent two years at Cambridge reading history, and is also a blue, with no surprises for what sport it was in.

His leadership quickly made an impact, taking the combined universities team to the Benson & Hedges cup quarter finals in 1989.

And whilst Iron Mike is one of the most gifted crickets to ever play for the university, it was the same talents that cut his time at Cambridge short.

Atherton went on to play first class cricket at Lancashire for 14 years, earning 115 appearances for England in the process.

And there you have it. Some very diverse skill sets there but all of them experienced some form of M11 traffic!