Rangers’ fanbase extends far beyond Scotland, with supporters’ clubs across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. The club’s history, including domestic success and and great nights of European football, including winning the European Cup Winners' Cup on the 24th May 1972, has helped build a passionate worldwide following.
From musicians and actors to sporting legends, Rangers’ famous fans reflect the club’s broad reach. Generations of families have passed down their allegiance, a tradition that extends into the world of film, television and entertainment.
Famous fans of Rangers include Marti Pellow, the former lead singer of 80s group Wet Wet Wet, now a solo recording artist and star of theatre musicals. Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald is also a Rangers supporter, as is World’s Strongest Man competitor Tom Stoltman and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
Here are 11 famous actors, past and present, who have talked about their support for Rangers.
1. Grado
The Rangers-daft Scot Squad and Two Doors Down actor has held a season ticket at Ibrox since he was 8 years old, following in the footsteps of his father. He appeared as a special guest in The Legends Return match at Ibrox Stadium. He starred in the stage play Rally Roon the Rangers at the Pavilion Theatre | Rally Roon the Rangers
2. Stephen Purdon
The River City and Glasgow pantomime actor is a famous Rangers supporter: I2 have been going to Ibrox since I was eight or nine. My dad was a mad Rangers fan and he went to games everywhere. I have my own season ticket, and the club is a very important thing in my life. I love Rangers and my wife moans about it a lot because I am always planning my calendar around football games.” | Supplied
3. Kenneth Branagh
The actor and director has won an Academy Award, four BAFTAs, two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and an Olivier Award throughout his illustrious career as an actor. In football, he is a fan of Tottenham Hotspur, Northern Irish side Linfield, and Rangers. | Getty Images
4. Jonathan Watson
Scottish actor best known for his comedy sketch show Only an Excuse and appearing in BBC sitcom Two Doors Down grew up a Rangers supporter but later made a decision to stop watching them. | British Comedy Guide