A former wardrobe department worker has shared a heartwarming account of what Stephen Fry was really like behind the scenes when the cameras stopped rolling. The story, posted on Reddit, reveals that the beloved star is very much the real deal, contradicting the adage that you should never meet your heroes.
Fry, who celebrates his 68th birthday today, initially shot to stardom in the 1980s through comedy collaborations and television appearances including Blackadder and A Bit of Fry and Laurie. While his on-screen charm has long won over audiences, it is his off-screen behaviour that has left those who have worked alongside him with glowing memories.
A Taxi Home in a Time of Need
The person, whose daughter worked in wardrobe across several Stephen Fry productions, shared the touching anecdote. They wrote: "My daughter has worked in wardrobe on several shows of Stephen Fry's. She has said that he is a perfect gentleman, a source of great gossip and an all round mensch."
They added: "Her car broke down at work one evening, he brought her home in his taxi for which I was very grateful as she was young and starting out in the trade."
Fans and Colleagues Praise the Star
Readers were touched by the story, with numerous people praising the TV personality, including others who've had their own encounters with him. One individual remarked: "I was really hoping the top comment would say something like this. National treasure imo."
A second shared: "Backstage people especially the wardrobe staff see artists in the raw if you excuse the pun. Actors and dancers who need an aspirin for a hangover or a shoulder to weep on always seem to gravitate to the wardrobe staff. It's home from home and the kettle is always on. Stephen Fry was always loved by the staff."
Kindness on the Doctor Who Set
A third recalled: "I worked security on Doctor Who for many years. Stephen fry was in Swansea doing a episode, he was the only one of the cast outside shaking hands and spending time with the fans while everyone else was inside hiding from them. Great guy."
A fourth noted: "Had the pleasure of meeting Stephen at a charity do once. He was surprisingly down to earth, and VERY funny."
Fry is now widely recognised for his acting and comedy work, alongside his mental health campaigning and literary contributions. He fronted the BBC comedy panel show QI for 13 years, from its launch in 2003 through to 2016, presenting an impressive 180 episodes during his tenure. He has also featured in Doctor Who, portraying MI6 chief "C" in the 2020 episode "Spyfall".
