Comedian Lenny Henry is one of Britain's most recognisable entertainers.
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Sir Lenny Henry has said he is “very proud” to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London.
The 69 year-old comedian was awarded the ceremonial role for his contributions to the entertainment industry and charity work.
The role of the “Freedom of the City” dates back to the 13th century. Other figures from the entertainment industry to be made “Freemen” include Sir Michael Caine, Ed Sheeran and Stephen Fry.
Sir Lenny was born in the West Midlands, and is recognisable for his stand-up comedy, starring in “The Lenny Henry Show”.
In 1985, Henry co-founded the charity Comic Relief. The charity has subsequently raised over £1 billion for various causes.
King Charles III, left, shakes hands with actor Lenny Henry, right, during a reception to mark the centenary of the Film and TV charity at Buckingham Palace in London, England, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (Aaron Chown/Pool Photo via AP)
Henry is also recognised as the most prominent Black comic of his era.
“I am very proud that the Freedom recognises my work on Comic Relief, which has raised over £1bn and had a positive impact on so many people’s lives,”
Sir Lenny Henry
The popular entertainer also acknowledged his African heritage, and said that “the idea of being made a free man resonates within me like a bass string that’s been thrummed”.
Lord Mayor Alastair King said that “there are few entertainers around today who are as popular and instantly recognisable as Sir Lenny”.
This accolade follows Sir Lenny Henry receiving an honorary doctorate from Royal Holloway University. He was also Chancellor of Birmingham University.
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HeadlineComedian Lenny Henry given the Freedom of the City of London
Short HeadlineLenny Henry given Freedom of London by Lord Mayor
StandfirstThe comedian has been given the ceremonial role after a 50 year-long career
Sir Lenny Henry has said he is “very proud” to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London.
The 69 year-old comedian was awarded the ceremonial role for his contributions to the entertainment industry and charity work.
The role of the “Freedom of the City” dates back to the 13th century. Other figures from the entertainment industry to be made “Freemen” include Sir Michael Caine, Ed Sheeran and Stephen Fry.
Sir Lenny was born in the West Midlands, and is recognisable for his stand-up comedy, starring in “The Lenny Henry Show”.
In 1985, Henry co-founded the charity Comic Relief. The charity has subsequently raised over £1 billion for various causes.
King Charles III, left, shakes hands with actor Lenny Henry, right, during a reception to mark the centenary of the Film and TV charity at Buckingham Palace in London, England, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (Aaron Chown/Pool Photo via AP)
Henry is also recognised as the most prominent Black comic of his era.
“I am very proud that the Freedom recognises my work on Comic Relief, which has raised over £1bn and had a positive impact on so many people’s lives,”
Sir Lenny Henry
The popular entertainer also acknowledged his African heritage, and said that “the idea of being made a free man resonates within me like a bass string that’s been thrummed”.
Lord Mayor Alastair King said that “there are few entertainers around today who are as popular and instantly recognisable as Sir Lenny”.
This accolade follows Sir Lenny Henry receiving an honorary doctorate from Royal Holloway University. He was also Chancellor of Birmingham University.
