Sir Lenny Henry is a celebrated icon in British entertainment, renowned for his work as a comedian, actor, presenter, and passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. With a career stretching over 40 years, he has brought laughter and inspiration to audiences across generations. As a motivational and diversity speaker, Lenny shares his personal journey of breaking barriers in a predominantly white industry, offering an honest and inspiring account of overcoming adversity, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of Black British talent. His storytelling is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making him an ideal choice for events focused on inclusion, resilience, and creativity.
Lenny’s journey began in the 1970s when he won the talent show “New Faces”, impressing audiences with his impressions of well-known figures like Stevie Wonder. This led to his role in “The Fosters”, one of Britain’s earliest sitcoms with a predominantly black cast – a milestone in British television history. His early success opened the door to more prominent roles and opportunities, eventually leading to “The Lenny Henry Show” in 1984. The show, which ran for 19 years, featured a mix of celebrity impressions and original character-based comedy, cementing Lenny’s status as a comedic powerhouse and national treasure. His work during this period not only entertained millions but also challenged the lack of representation in mainstream media.
In addition to his work on television, Lenny’s achievements span voice acting, advertising, philanthropy, and academia. He voiced characters in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”, “Little Robots”, and “Big and Small”, showcasing his versatility. He became the face of Premier Inn, making him a familiar figure to viewers across the UK. In 1985, he co-founded Comic Relief, a charity that has raised over £1 billion to date. For his services to drama and charity, Lenny was appointed a CBE in 1999 and knighted in 2015. He has received the BAFTA Television Special Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Comedy Awards, and honorary degrees from several universities. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Television Society and was ranked fourth in the Powerlist of the 100 most influential Black Britons.
Lenny is hired as a speaker not only for his wealth of experience and insight but also for his unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive creative industry. Warm, witty and passionate, he speaks candidly about the need for greater ethnic diversity in media, using his own story to inspire lasting change.
