While many are quick to claim the likes of Mel B or the Kaiser Chiefs, the city's connection to fame often runs much deeper and more surprisingly than many realise.
You’ll find Leeds roots everywhere: in the gritty noise-rock scene that birthed a Stranger Things heartthrob, in the university halls that hosted a future Starfleet Captain, and in the local mill towns that inspired global literary icons.
Whether they were born here, raised here, or simply spent their formative years navigating the Otley Run, these figures all share a connection to our corner of West Yorkshire.
Here are 15 famous faces you might be surprised to learn have strong roots in Leeds.
1. Matthew Lewis
Best known for his transformation from the clumsy Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter to a suave leading man, Matthew was born in Leeds and attended St Mary's Menston. He remains a die-hard Leeds United fan and is often spotted at Elland Road. | Bruce Rollinson
2. Emma Mackey
The Sex Education and Barbie star may have a French-British background, but she has a strong Leeds connection. Emma moved to the city to study English Language and Literature at the University of Leeds, where she spent her formative years before Hollywood came calling. | Getty Images
3. Charlie Heaton
You’ll recognise him as Jonathan Byers from the Netflix mega-hit Stranger Things. Charlie was born in Leeds and lived in the city before moving to London at age 16 to pursue his first love: music. | Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
4. Marco Pierre White
The "Godfather of Modern Cooking" and the first British chef to be awarded three Michelin stars was born on a council estate in Leeds. He began his culinary training at the St George Hotel in Harrogate, but his journey started right here in LS. | Third party
5. Dan Smith
The lead singer of the Brit Award-winning band Bastille actually studied at the University of Leeds. He graduated in 2007 with a degree in English, just a few years before "Pompeii" became a global anthem. | Getty Images
6. Erling Haaland
It’s a fact that often shocks football fans: the Manchester City superstar was actually born in Leeds in 2000 while his father, Alfie Haaland, was playing for Leeds United. He is technically a Leeds lad. | AFP via Getty Images