Johnny Vegas, the St Helens-born comedian, is celebrated as one of Britain's most notable and loved comedy personalities. The nation fell in love with his cheeky chappy persona, but his popularity has been spread through numerous film roles and career-defining moments.
The star originally studied art and ceramics at Middlesex University, and during the pandemic, he rediscovered his love of the craft. He made his television debut as a contestant on Win, Lose or Draw in 1996, mentioning even then he had dreams of becoming a comedian.
Today, Saturday (September 5), is Johnny's birthday. Here is a look at some of the star's more personal moments, from weight loss and relationships to his artistic side hustle.
Career Highlights: Benidorm, Ideal, and The Twits
Johnny has secured numerous prominent parts throughout his career. His earliest work included guest slots on panel shows and programmes like Black Books and Room 101.
Several of his most memorable performances encompass BBC Three's dark comedy Ideal, portraying Moz/Roger, and ITV's sitcom Benidorm, bringing Geoff Maltby, aka "The Oracle," to life. Additional appearances include Eric Agnew in BBC One's Still Open All Hours and Krook in Bleak House.
His comedic talents have also earned him regular spots on panel shows, including QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. More recently, he starred in Netflix's rendition of Roald Dahl's beloved short tale The Twits.
Rediscovering Ceramics and Art for Sale
Last year, it was confirmed that Johnny had collaborated with sculptor Emma Rodgers to create an installation for an upcoming pottery showcase called Just Be There. Described as an "avenue of hugs captured in clay," it has been featured at the British Ceramics Biennial, which began in Stoke-on-Trent in early September.
Johnny rediscovered his love for ceramics during the pandemic and has described it as an "unfinished part" of his story. His artwork went on sale at the Blackmore Gallery and Bluecoat Display Centre.
Marriages and Family Life
Johnny was first married to interior designer Catherine "Kitty" Donnelly, with the pair wedding in August 2002 after meeting at a pub in London. The pair welcomed their son Michael Pennington in 2003, before splitting in 2006 and divorcing two years later.
Johnny then remarried in 2011, tying the knot with Irish TV presenter Maia Dunphy in Spain. At this time, Maia was already famed for competing in Celebrity Masterchef: Ireland and Ireland's version of Dancing with the Stars. The pair welcomed their son Tom in 2015 before their marriage came to an end two years later.
Maia announced the separation with a "heavy heart" in 2018, posting on X (Twitter): "We are telling people now because speculation is unhelpful at best, and dangerous at worst. As we think is obvious, we continue to fully support each other, there is no acrimony, no story and no one else involved."
Weight Loss Journey
Johnny has been open about his slimming journey, revealing that he decided to transform his lifestyle after becoming "wedged in a tunnel" during his honeymoon in Vietnam in 2011. Calling the experience a "wake up call," Johnny subsequently began monitoring his food intake more carefully.
This meant reducing his consumption of his beloved bread and cheese, as he detailed during an appearance on Loose Women in 2019. He said: "I have not done a diet in any way whatsoever. I have cut out things, it's a lifestyle change. Then you can live with it and you don't feel like you are denying yourself anything – apart from cheese!"
Little Shop of Antiques
The debut series of Johnny Vegas' Little Shop of Antiques broadcast last year on freeview channel Quest, following Johnny as he established his own antiques emporium in Cheshire. The programme documented Johnny's adventures sourcing and restoring various antiques and collectables, which were subsequently sold to the public.
His premises can be found at the authentic Dagfields Antique Village near Nantwich in Cheshire, which merits a visit, offering a genuine treasure trove of second-hand outlets and antiques. The previous series proved hugely popular with audiences, and features Johnny offering an eclectic selection of unusual items for sale, chronicling his experiences and encounters with customers visiting his Dagfields premises.
