Sir Lenny Henry

Lenny Henry has risen from being a children’s television star to becoming one of Britain’s best-known comedians, as well as a writer and award-winning actor.

Originally gaining popularity as a stand-up comedian and impressionist, he hosted his own TV show The Lenny Henry Show in 1984.

In 1985, he to co-founded the charity Comic Relief with the comedy screenwriter Richard Curtis. In 1988, the first Red Nose Day was celebrated. Over 150 celebrities and comedians, including Henry, took part in an evening-long BBC broadcast, which was watched by 30 million viewers and raised over £15 million.

In 2017, it was announced the charity had raised over £1 Billion through public donations.

He was knighted in the Queen's 2015 Birthday Honours for services to drama and charity. In 2022, he was awarded the National Television Award for Special Recognition, the most prestigious award given out in the ceremony for his long-standing contribution to British television.