They’ve been the training grounds for Hollywood stars, Olympic champions, and even the leader of the country.
Whether they were navigating the library at the University of Leeds, honing their craft at Leeds Beckett, or getting creative at Leeds Arts University, these famous faces all called the city home during their formative years.
From 80s synth-pop icons who met their bandmates in student unions to a current Prime Minister who spent his weekends in Hyde Park, the city’s alumni list is as diverse as it is impressive.
Many of these stars have even credited their time in West Yorkshire, and the occasional attempt at the legendary Otley Run, with shaping the careers that eventually made them household names - including Chris Pine, who has previously shared fond memories of his time in the city.
Here are 15 famous faces you (probably) didn’t know studied in Leeds.
1. Mark Knopfler (University of Leeds)
The Dire Straits frontman and legendary guitarist graduated in 1973 with a degree in English. He began his career in the city as a junior reporter for the Yorkshire Evening Post before "Sultans of Swing" turned him into a global rock star. | Juan Naharro Gimenez
2. Sir Keir Starmer (University of Leeds)
Before entering politics, the current Prime Minister studied Law at Leeds, graduating in 1985. He has often spoken about how his time living in the city and studying at the university was a transformative period in his life. | Jane Barlow
3. Danny Kirrane (University of Leeds)
Known for his standout roles in Baby Reindeer, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Serpent Queen, Danny was actually a Physics student at Leeds. He graduated in 2006 before trading the laboratory for the screen. | Shirlaine Forrest / Getty Images
4. Emma Mackey (University of Leeds)
The Sex Education star and Barbie actress graduated in 2016 with a degree in English Language and Literature. She was very active in the university's theatre scene, which helped pave her way to Hollywood. | Frederic J. BROWN / AFP via Getty Images
5. Alexander Skarsgård (Leeds Beckett University)
The Swedish actor and Succession star spent six months studying English in Leeds during the late 90s. He famously looks back on his time in the city’s nightlife and music scene with great fondness. | Ian West
6. Dan Smith (University of Leeds)
The frontman of Bastille graduated in 2007 with a degree in English. While studying, he was a student journalist for the university's newspaper, The Gryphon, long before topping the global charts with "Pompeii." | Getty Images