Had Audrey Hepburn survived her cancer, she would've turned 82 years old today. Tragically, the Belgium-born actress passed away of abdominal cancer in 1993. Until the end of her life, Hepburn maintained a remarkable reputation not only as one of Hollywood's greatest actresses but one the world's most devoted activists, having worked with UNICEF for most of her career. Today's generation, meanwhile, recognizes Hepburn as the face of numerous ad campaigns and Urban Outfitters T-shirts. Needless to say, the cinema great's spirit lives on in every possible way. So, to keep her the momentum going, we're introducing the Internet to her successors, the 10 Hottest Women From Belgium.
10. SYLVIE DE BIE
Hometown: Heist-op-de-Berg
The Netherlands is known for two things: dance music and supermodel-looking women. Those two characteristics unite in the form of Sylvie De Bie, the lead singer of the popular dance band Sylver.
9. INGRID VANDEBOSCH
Hometown:Zichen-Zussen-Bolder
As "Third Robber" from Taxi (Yes, the Jimmy Fallon/Queen Latifah flop) and NASCAR king Jeff Gordon's hot model wife, Ingrid Vandebosch might already be recognized in Middle America. But for those of you who don't like watching cars drive in circles or terrible movies, consider this your introduction to Belgium's finest em>Sports Illustrated swimsuit model.
8. JESSICA VAN DER STEEN
Hometown: Antwerp
This Victoria's Secret model has also posed for Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition. So it's clear that she has no problems with showing off her les bras, which is French for...arms.
7. JELLE VAN DAEL
Hometown: Opglabbeek
Dance music trio Lasgo is one of the most famous groups in Belgium, having put out a number of top ten singles. Of course, they couldn't have done any of that without lead singer Jelle Van Dael, who took over the lead role after original vocalist Evi Goffin left in 2006.
6. DEBORAH FRANCOIS
Hometown: Liege
The star of the critically-acclaimed L'Enfant has grown up to be one of Belgium's most successful actresses, having won a Cesar Award for her role in The First Day of the Rest of Your Life in 2008 at just 20 years old. Something tells us she's purposely taking on roles in projects with titles that match the various stages of her career.
5. ELISE CROMBEZ
Hometown: Mouscron
Arguably Belgium's most accomplished supermodel, Elise Crombez has landed six covers of Italian Vogue, worked with Prada, H&M, Versace and Armani, and walked the runway for a couple of Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows. But Crombez is most famous for falling at the Proenza Schouler Spring 2007 fashion show, which landed her on New York's "Top 5 Runway Fails" list. Our only regret is that we weren't there to catch the disgraced gazelle.
4. ANOUCK LEPERE
Hometown: Antwerp
Typical of Northern European women, Anouck Lepere is another successful high-fashion model who's worked with Hugo Boss and photographers Steven Meisel and Mario Testino. But don't be fooled by the stoic reputation of runway models; Anouck has also posed for French Playboy. OK, so it's still a bit pretentious, but the bottom line is she was naked.
3. SYLVIE DE CALUWE
Hometown: Torhout
This Belgian beauty started off as a famous model who has posed for Maxim and P Magazine. But, recently, her career has started to regain momentum, with a new hosting gig on GUNKtv, a network devoted mostly to video games. So, basically, she's the Olivia Munn of Belgium.
2. CILOU ANNYS
Hometown: Bruges
Pageant queens have a knack for controversy, and Miss Belgium 2010 was no exception. When she posed standing atop the Belgian flag and seemingly cutting her sash on the cover of P Magazine, Cilou Annys became the hot topic of conversation for another (welcomed) 15 minutes.
1. AUDREY HEPBURN
Hometown: Ixelles
Audrey Hepburn was the epitome of the classic Hollywood movie star. Her unfaltering grace and timeless films have made her one of the most cherished and revered figures of American cinema. If you want to argue that any actress in the industry today compares to her, you need to check yourself.
