University of Leeds: 15 famous faces who studied at the uni, from sporting heroes the Brownlee brothers to Hollywood star Chris Pine

Not only is Leeds the birthplace of many famous faces, but some seriously talented people have also decided to move to the city to carry out their studies.

By Charles Gray

Published 9th Jan 2023, 04:45 GMT

Updated 15th Jan 2023, 18:24 GMT

These 16 people all went to the University of Leeds before finding success in their industries selected industries.

From Hollywood actors with starring roles in Star Trek, the current leader of the Labour Party, Olympic gold medal winners and even reality TV royalty and Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend - some seriously famous faces have walked up the steps of Parkinson.

Take a look at who they are and what they studied during their time in Leeds.

Former students at the University of Leeds include a number of famous faces.

1. University of Leeds alumni

Former students at the University of Leeds include a number of famous faces. Photo: National World

Before becoming national sporting royalty with their Olympic gold medals, local lads Jonny and Alistair studied at the University of Leeds. Alistair started a medicine degree at Cambridge but left after just the first term having decided instead to study Sports Science and Physiology at the University of Leeds, where he gained his degree in 2010. Jonny studied history at the university and also became a leading junior athlete during his time there.

2. The Brownlee brothers

Before becoming national sporting royalty with their Olympic gold medals, local lads Jonny and Alistair studied at the University of Leeds. Alistair started a medicine degree at Cambridge but left after just the first term having decided instead to study Sports Science and Physiology at the University of Leeds, where he gained his degree in 2010. Jonny studied history at the university and also became a leading junior athlete during his time there. Photo: National World

After working as a junior reporter at the Yorkshire Evening Post, guitar maestro Mark Knopfler studied English at the University of Leeds. His band Dire Straits would go on to record such classics as 'Sultans of Swing' and 'Money For Nothing' and Knopfler has produced albums for Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, and Randy Newman.

3. Mark Knopfler

After working as a junior reporter at the Yorkshire Evening Post, guitar maestro Mark Knopfler studied English at the University of Leeds. His band Dire Straits would go on to record such classics as 'Sultans of Swing' and 'Money For Nothing' and Knopfler has produced albums for Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, and Randy Newman. Photo: Glenn Ashley

Corinne Bailey Rae was born in Leeds in 1979 and chose to stay in the city to study. The Grammy-winner read English language and literature at the University of Leeds where she graduated in 2000. In 2011, she was awarded an honorary doctorate of music by the university. She found success with her debut single Like a Star in 2005, followed by her debut self-titled album in 2006.

4. Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae was born in Leeds in 1979 and chose to stay in the city to study. The Grammy-winner read English language and literature at the University of Leeds where she graduated in 2000. In 2011, she was awarded an honorary doctorate of music by the university. She found success with her debut single Like a Star in 2005, followed by her debut self-titled album in 2006. Photo: Steve Riding

The leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, studied law at the University of Leeds, graduating with a first class LLB degree in 1985. He later received a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from the university in 2012. He worked as a human rights lawyer before being appointed Queen's Counsel in 2002. In 2008, he became Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), holding these roles until 2013. He was elected to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader in 2020.

5. Keir Starmer

The leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, studied law at the University of Leeds, graduating with a first class LLB degree in 1985. He later received a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from the university in 2012. He worked as a human rights lawyer before being appointed Queen's Counsel in 2002. In 2008, he became Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), holding these roles until 2013. He was elected to succeed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader in 2020. Photo: Oli Scarff

Hollywood actor Chris Pine is known for playing James T Kirk in the Star Trek reboot, Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman and Jack Ryan in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. What you might not know is that he also did a Junior Year Abroad studying English at the University of Leeds in 2001. Born into a showbiz family, he graduated from the University of California after his exchange student year in Leeds, before starting his own acting career.

6. Chris Pine

Hollywood actor Chris Pine is known for playing James T Kirk in the Star Trek reboot, Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman and Jack Ryan in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. What you might not know is that he also did a Junior Year Abroad studying English at the University of Leeds in 2001. Born into a showbiz family, he graduated from the University of California after his exchange student year in Leeds, before starting his own acting career. Photo: PA

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