July 16th: Today's Feature

July

Sir Lenworth George Henry, CBE, born on August 29, 1958, is a multi-talented British comedian who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. With his exceptional skills as an actor, comedian, singer, television presenter, and writer, Henry has achieved remarkable success throughout his career.

Early Career

Lennie Henry was delivered at Burton Road Hospital in Dudley on 29 August 1958. He was named after the doctor who brought him into the world. His parents, Winston Jervis Henry and Winifred Louise Henry, had moved to the UK from Jamaica. Henry was the first child in his family to be born in the United Kingdom.

As the fifth of seven siblings, Henry grew up in Dudley. At the age of ten, he discovered that his biological father was Albert Augustus "Bertie" Green, another Jamaican immigrant. Green had a brief relationship with Henry's mother when she first came to England from Jamaica. This revelation had a significant impact on Henry's life.

Henry received his education at St John's Primary School, The Blue Coat School in Dudley, and W.R. Tuson College in Preston, Lancashire. Despite the challenges he faced growing up, Henry's journey from his birth in Dudley to his education in Lancashire shaped his identity and future path in life.

Overview

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Henry rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and impressionist. His talent and unique style culminated in the creation of his own show, The Lenny Henry Show, in 1984. As the most prominent black British comedian of his time, Henry's performances often celebrated and parodied his African-Caribbean heritage, captivating audiences with his wit and charm.

Sir Lenny Henry, renowned comedian, thought very highly of two teachers who played a significant role in shaping his career as a celebrated children's author. Reflecting on his time as a student at the Blue Coat School in Dudley, West Midlands, during the 1970s, Henry discovered his comedic talent. His sharp wit allowed him to outsmart the school bully, and his natural ability to tell jokes propelled him into the world of stand-up comedy, eventually leading to his breakthrough on ITV's New Faces program.

Alongside his successful comedy career, Henry co-founded the esteemed charity Comic Relief with screenwriter Richard Curtis. However, his journey didn't stop there. Henry ventured into acting, showcasing his talent in popular shows like Chef! and the Amazon Prime series Lord Of The Rings. Despite his accomplishments in the entertainment industry, Lenny credits his passion for writing to the influence of two exceptional teachers, Jim Brookes and Mr Nash.

Speaking at the Hay Festival in Powys, Wales, the comedian emphasised the invaluable role teachers play in shaping young minds. He expressed his admiration for teachers and their dedication, stating that they deserve higher recognition and compensation for their tireless efforts. Henry specifically highlighted the impact of Mr Brookes and Mr Nash, who encouraged him to read and explore his creativity. Their influence inspired him to approach every academic challenge with a storytelling mindset, transforming exams and math problems into engaging narratives. This profound influence ultimately fuelled his desire to become a writer, leading to his success as a celebrated children's author.

Henry has achieved great success as an author, having written a series of captivating children's adventure comedy books that revolve around the beloved character, Tunde Wilkinson. This character holds a special place in Henry's heart as it draws inspiration from his own childhood experiences. Just like Henry's own daughter, Tunde is an adopted child, and this aspect adds depth and relatability to the stories.

Furthermore, Henry has revealed that he and Tunde share another unfortunate similarity - they both endured the torment of bullying during their school years. Henry empathises with anyone who has experienced the horrors of bullying, acknowledging that it is a truly dreadful experience. He has opened up about his own personal encounter with a bully, although he refrains from mentioning the bully's name.

Bullying

Lenny Henry vividly describes the relentless torment he faced on a daily basis, enduring verbal abuse, punches, and kicks from his tormentor. However, he shares a pivotal moment that changed the course of his life. One day, while being throttled on the floor, Henry had a sudden realisation as to why his bully was targeting him. In a moment of quick thinking, he cleverly responded to the bully's actions by suggesting that the bully must have romantic feelings for him, as they were rolling around on the floor fighting. This unexpected twist injected humour into the situation, causing bystanders who would typically encourage fights to burst into laughter. Henry seized this opportunity to diffuse the tension and make light of the situation by playfully suggesting that the bully should meet his parents and even buy him a ring to make their "relationship" official.

Lenny's story not only highlights the resilience and wit he displayed in the face of adversity but also emphasises the power of humour in diffusing tense situations. Through his books featuring Tunde Wilkinson, Henry aims to inspire children who may be facing similar challenges, showing them that they can overcome adversity and find strength within themselves. By sharing his own experiences, Henry hopes to create a sense of connection and understanding among his young readers, fostering empathy and resilience in the face of bullying.

Len has shared his personal journey of education and his passion for writing emphasising the importance of education, which was instilled in him by his late mother. Despite facing bullying during his school years, Len always had a desire to study and improve himself. He mentioned that even though he had a great English teacher, he didn't fully enjoy school due to the bullying he experienced. However, when he turned 30, he made the decision to pursue his dream of becoming a writer. Len enrolled in the Open University and obtained an English degree, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He encouraged anyone who is older and interested in studying to pursue their dreams, highlighting the flexibility and convenience of studying at home through the Open University.

Education & Writing

In addition to his English degree, Len furthered his education by completing a Master's degree in screenwriting for TV and film, as well as a PhD focusing on the representation of black people in the media. He shared his love for the freedom that writing provides, encouraging children to always carry a notepad and pen to jot down their story ideas. Len emphasised that writing allows one's imagination to run wild, enabling them to create stories that children will enjoy. He even humorously mentioned that one can sit in their kitchen in their pyjamas, snacking on jammy dodgers, and let their creativity flow onto the paper. Len's passion for writing and his belief in the power of education were evident throughout his speech, inspiring the audience to pursue their own dreams and embrace their creativity.

In addition to his comedic endeavours, Henry has also made significant contributions to charitable causes. In 1985, he co-founded the renowned charity Comic Relief alongside comedy screenwriter Richard Curtis. This organisation has since become a driving force in raising funds and awareness for various social issues, making a positive impact on countless lives.

Throughout his career, Henry has appeared in numerous television programs, showcasing his versatility and talent. From the children's entertainment show Tiswas to the sitcom Chef! and The Magicians, he has consistently entertained audiences with his comedic brilliance. In recent years, Henry has transitioned towards acting roles on both stage and screen, further showcasing his range and depth as a performer. Notably, he can be seen in the highly anticipated Amazon Prime series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Beyond his entertainment career, Henry has also taken on the role of chancellor at Birmingham City University. As a respected figure in the academic community, he has contributed to the growth and development of the institution. However, after eight years in this esteemed position, Henry recently announced his planned retirement at the end of the 2023‍–‍24 academic year. His dedication and commitment to education have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the university and its students.

Legacy & Honours

In conclusion, Sir Lenny Henry's remarkable career and contributions to the entertainment industry, charity work, and academia have solidified his status as a highly respected and influential figure. His talent, charisma, and dedication have entertained and inspired audiences for decades, leaving an indelible mark on British culture.