Lenny Henry
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1958-08-29
    • Born Place: Dudley, West Midlands, England, UK
  • Also Known As:

    Sir Lenworth George Henry CBE, Lenworth George Henry, 連尼·亨利

Lenny Henry

Sir Lenny Henry, born Lenworth George Henry on August 29, 1958, in Dudley, Worcestershire, England, is a British-Jamaican comedian, actor, writer, and philanthropist. He is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to British comedy and his advocacy for diversity in the media. Henry began his career at the age of 16 with a stand-up comedy act, gaining national recognition after winning the talent show New Faces. He went on to star in The Fosters (1976–77), the UK's first sitcom with an all-Black cast. In 1984, he launched The Lenny Henry Show, which showcased his versatility in sketch comedy and character work. His other notable television roles include the sitcom Chef! and appearances in Doctor Who and Broadchurch. In 1985, Henry co-founded the charity Comic Relief with Richard Curtis, a telethon that has raised over £1.5 billion for various causes. He hosted the event for nearly 40 years before stepping down in 2024, though he continues to serve as Honorary Life President. Beyond television, Henry has made significant contributions to theatre, portraying roles such as Othello and Troy Maxson in Fences. He has also authored several books, including memoirs and children's fiction. In 2015, he was knighted for his services to drama and charity. Henry is also an advocate for diversity in the media. In 2020, he helped establish the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity at Birmingham City University, aiming to promote inclusion both in front of and behind the camera.

Person History