British comedy icon Sir Lenny Henry has candidly shared how he developed his legendary wit as a protective shield against the racism he faced growing up in 1960s England.
The beloved entertainer, now 65, revealed that humour became his "superpower" during difficult childhood years when he frequently encountered prejudice. "I learned very quickly that if I could make people laugh, they wouldn't hurt me," Henry explained.
From Defence Mechanism to National Treasure
What began as a survival strategy blossomed into an extraordinary career that has seen Henry become one of Britain's most cherished performers. His journey from using comedy as armour to becoming a pioneering Black British entertainer spans over five decades.
"In those days, racism was overt and constant," Henry recalled. "Being funny was my way of disarming people, of making them see me as human." The Dudley-born star's remarkable story highlights both the challenges faced by Black Britons in postwar Britain and the transformative power of humour.
Breaking Barriers in British Entertainment
Henry's experiences fuelled his determination to create opportunities for diverse talent in UK television. As co-founder of Comic Relief and through his production company, he has championed greater representation behind and in front of the camera.
"The landscape has changed," Henry acknowledged, "but there's still work to do." His reflections come as the entertainment industry faces renewed scrutiny over diversity and inclusion.
The comedy veteran's revelations offer a poignant reminder of how childhood adversity can shape extraordinary careers while underscoring the ongoing need for progress in media representation.
