Belgium has produced numerous internationally celebrated figures across film, music, sports, and art, with icons like Audrey Hepburn—who was born in Brussels and achieved global legendary status as a Hollywood actress and humanitarian—frequently cited as one of the most universally recognized personalities with Belgian roots. Other globally prominent figures from the nation include martial arts star and action actor Jean-Claude Van Damme, surrealist painter René Magritte, comic creator Hergé (creator of Tintin), and contemporary musical artist Stromae, alongside legendary sports stars like cyclist Eddy Merckx and various international football players.