Lenny Henry
Born: August 29, 1958
Birthplace: Dudley, Worcestershire, England
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Sir Lenworth George Henry CBE is a British stand-up comedian, actor, singer, writer and television presenter, known for co-founding the charity Comic Relief, and appearing in TV programmes including children's entertainment show Tiswas, sitcom Chef! and The Magicians for BBC One. He is currently the Chancellor of Birmingham City University.
He graduated with a degree in English Literature (BA Hons), from the Open University, in 2007. He studied for an MA at Royal Holloway, University of London in screenwriting for television and film, where he received a distinction and in 2010 he began studying at the same institution for a PhD on the role of black people in the media. His PhD was awarded in July 2018 for a thesis titled Does the Coach Have to be Black? The Sports Film, Screenwriting and Diversity: A Practice-Based Enquiry.
Henry has been an open critic of British television's lack of ethnic diversity in its programmes. During a speech at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in March 2014, he called the lack of minorities "appalling" and he has continued to raise the issue publicly.
Henry is a lifelong supporter of West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
Henry was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1999 New Year Honours. He was knighted in the Queen's 2015 Birthday Honours for services to drama and charity. In July 2016, Henry became the chancellor of Birmingham City University to help inspire young people particularly in the West Midlands to get into learning.
In 2016, Henry was made a fellow of the Royal Television Society. Henry was awarded the BAFTA Television: Special Award in 2016. On 20 July 2016, Henry was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Nottingham Trent University in recognition of his significant contribution to British comedy and drama, along with his achievements in international charity work.