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.
7. Nicola Adams OBE
The double Olympic gold medallist and boxing legend was born in Leeds and grew up in Burmantofts. She made history as the first female boxer to win an Olympic title and remains a hero for the city. | James Hardisty
8. Julian Barratt
One half of the surreal comedy duo The Mighty Boosh, Julian was born and raised in Leeds. His unique brand of humour has a cult following worldwide, but it all started in West Yorkshire. | Getty Images
9. Mandip Gill
Best known as the Doctor's companion Yasmin Khan in Doctor Who, Mandip was born in Leeds. She has since starred in everything from Hollyoaks to West End plays, but her roots are firmly local. | Getty Images
10. Ernie Wise
One half of the legendary comedy duo Morecambe and Wise, Ernie (right) was born in Bramley. In fact, the duo nearly called themselves "Morecambe and Leeds," but decided it sounded too much like a cheap train ticket! | YPN
11. Col Needham
You might not know his face, but you definitely know his work. Col is the founder and CEO of IMDb (the Internet Movie Database). He started the site as a personal project while studying at the University of Leeds—meaning the world's biggest movie site was born right here. | IMDB
12. Angela Griffin
A staple of British TV in Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, and White Lines, Angela was born and raised on the Cottingley estate in Leeds. Her journey into acting actually began as a childcare option; her mother, Sheila, was working on Saturdays and had a friend take five-year-old Angela along to the Leeds Children’s Theatre. | Neil Cross LEP