COMEDY GOLD
How old is Lenny Henry and when was he married to Dawn French?
The talented star once starred in a very famous show alongside David Tennant
THANKS to his incredible career as a comedian and actor, Lenny Henry is considered a national treasure.
The star is well known for his work on Comic Relief, but after nearly 40 years is retiring from the annual telethon.
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How old is Lenny Henry?
Born Lenworth George Henry, Sir Lenny Henry is a British stand-up comedian, actor, and writer.
He was born to Jamaican immigrant parents in Dudley, Worcestershire, on August 29, 1958.
Apart from his stage and TV projects, he is also known for co-founding Comic Relief.
He is the Chancellor of Birmingham City University and was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1999.
Lenny was also knighted in the Queen's 2015 Birthday Honours for his services to drama and charity.
Throughout his career, he has been an advocate for ethnic minorities and at the 2014 Baftas he called the lack of ethnic minorities in the industry "appalling".
When was Lenny Henry married to Dawn French?
The actor was married to fellow comedian Dawn French from 1984 to 2010 after meeting her on the alternative comedy circuit.
They adopted their daughter Billie who was born in 1991.
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After 25 years of marriage, the pair separated in 2010 saying the decision to part ways was amicable.
Since 2013, Lenny has been in a long term relationship with theatre director Lisa Makin.
What TV shows has Lenny Henry starred in?
Lenny's successful career in TV spans over forty years.
His first television appearance was in the New Faces talent show where he won with his impersonation of Stevie Wonder.
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After this he landed his own series called The Lenny Henry Show which aired on BBC One in 1984 and showcased his stand-up talents and comedy spoofs.
Lenny is not short of talent, and is also known as an actor.
He is best known for his appearance on Broadchurch, where he starred alongside David Tennant.
Did Lenny Henry set up Comic Relief?
Lenny is best known for co-founding Comic Relief in 1985 with Richard Curtis.
The charity spends the money that is raised through Red Nose Day and Sport Relief on disadvantaged people living in the UK and around the world.
I have decided this will be the last time I host Comic Relief on the night. Only because I have been doing it since the 90s - and I think it is time for someone else to take the reins.
Lenny Henry in 2024
In 2015, Lenny received a knighthood in the Queen's birthday honours, he said: "This is not just for me, this is for everyone who has done something for Comic Relief.
"Every person who has helped us raise £1billion and for everyone who works at Comic Relief, this is for you."
In 2024, Lenny revealed that he would be stepping down and retiring from hosting Comic Relief after 39 years.
He said: "I have decided this will be the last time I host Comic Relief on the night.
"Only because I have been doing it since the 90s - and I think it is time for someone else to take the reins."
However, he confirmed he will continue as Honorary Life President of the charity - a role he has held since 2017.
The TV star added: "When we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we'd still be here today.
"I thought we'd probably do three shows and that would be it, but fast-forward nearly 40 years, and that enthusiasm and determination to step up and help others has never wavered.
"As life president of Comic Relief, I'm excited to see some new and familiar faces come forward now to present the big night and lead us into the next chapter."