Are Lenny Henry and Dawn French still friends? This is a question that has been circulating on social media and among comedy fans for years. With their brilliant on-screen chemistry and incredible talent, it’s no surprise that people are curious about whether these two comedic icons are still close. In this article, we’ll explore their relationship and answer the burning question – are Lenny Henry and Dawn French still friends?
For those who may not know, Lenny Henry and Dawn French were one of the most beloved comedy duos of the 1980s and 1990s. They starred in a number of hit TV shows together, including “The Lenny Henry Show” and “French and Saunders.” Their unique blend of wit, humor, and quick banter made them a fan favorite. However, as time went on and their careers evolved, many began to wonder if their friendship had survived the test of time. Let’s explore what we know about their current relationship and whether or not they’re still the dynamic duo we all knew and loved.
So, why the curiosity around whether Lenny Henry and Dawn French are still friends? It’s simple. The chemistry they shared on screen was undeniable, and when they worked together, it was magical. Fans loved watching them bounce off of each other, and their comedic timing was second to none. As time has passed and they’ve gone on to concentrate on their individual careers, many have wondered if their friendship has remained intact. Are they still close? Do they talk? Do they still make each other laugh? We’ll dive into these questions and more to discover the truth about whether Lenny and Dawn are still the comedic BFFs we’ve come to know and love.
The Beginning of Lenny Henry and Dawn French’s Friendship
Lenny Henry and Dawn French are two of the most renowned comedians not just in the UK, but all over the world. They are famous for their individual work, but their friendship is also well-known and highly regarded. The duo’s friendship began in the 1980s when they were both up-and-coming comedians.
According to Lenny Henry, they met at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1978. At the time, he was performing a sketch with another comedian, and Dawn was in the audience. She was impressed by Lenny’s performance and introduced herself to him after the show. They hit it off immediately and have been friends ever since.
Their friendship grew stronger when they both joined the alternative comedy show “The Comic Strip Presents” in 1981. The show was a hit, and it helped launch the careers of many comedians, including Jennifer Saunders and Rik Mayall. Lenny and Dawn’s sketches on the show were a fan favorite, and they continued to work together on various projects after the show ended.
- Lenny and Dawn co-wrote and starred in the popular sketch show “Three of a Kind” in 1982, alongside Tracey Ullman.
- They also worked together on the sitcom “The Lenny Henry Show” in the mid-1980s.
- They appeared together in the 1987 film “Eat the Rich.”
Over the years, Lenny and Dawn’s friendship has survived personal and professional upheavals, including Lenny’s divorce from his first wife and Dawn’s split from her comedy partner Jennifer Saunders. They have been there for each other through thick and thin.
Their friendship has also been celebrated publicly. In 2016, Lenny Henry presented Dawn French with the BAFTA Television Awards’ lifetime achievement award. He told reporters that he was thrilled to present the award to his friend and that they had enjoyed many years of friendship and collaboration.
| Year | Project |
|---|---|
| 1982 | Three of a Kind |
| 1984-1988 | The Lenny Henry Show |
| 1987 | Eat the Rich |
| 1996 | Harry Enfield and Chums |
| 2005 | Comic Relief Does Fame Academy |
Today, Lenny Henry and Dawn French are both successful in their own right. They continue to be good friends and support each other’s work. Their friendship is a testament to the power of humor and laughter to bring people together and build lasting bonds.
Comedic Collaborations
One of the reasons why Lenny Henry and Dawn French are beloved by many is because of their unforgettable comedic collaborations. These two have been working together on and off for over three decades, and their dynamic onstage has always been mesmerizing.
- The Comic Strip Presents… – In the early 1980s, Lenny and Dawn were part of a British comedy group called The Comic Strip. They appeared on the group’s television show, The Comic Strip Presents…, in episodes such as “A Fistful of Traveller’s Cheques” and “The Bullshitters: Roll Out the Gunbarrel”. These appearances established them as some of the funniest comedians in the UK.
- French & Saunders – One of the most notable collaborations between Lenny Henry and Dawn French is their sketch comedy show French & Saunders. The show ran for six seasons from 1987 to 2007 and showcased their range as comedians. They parodied popular films and television shows, infusing them with their unique brand of humor. French & Saunders was such a success that they won a BAFTA in 2009 for Outstanding Contribution to Television.
- Radio 4’s The Party Line – Lenny and Dawn continued their partnership on Radio 4’s The Party Line in the mid-1990s. The show featured improvised sketches and conversations with audience members who called in. Fans of Lenny and Dawn were delighted to see them work together again and create more laughs.
It’s clear that Lenny Henry and Dawn French’s comedic collaborations have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Their repertoire of work is a testament to their talent and creativity, and their friendship has only grown stronger with each project they’ve done together.
Other Collaborations
While Lenny and Dawn are most known for their comedic collaborations onscreen and onstage, they’ve also worked together in other capacities.
One example is their joint advocacy for Red Nose Day, a biennial charity event that raises money for various causes through the sale of red foam noses. Lenny and Dawn have been supporters of the event since its inception in 1985, and they’ve even co-hosted the event several times.
| Year | Charity | Amount Raised |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Comic Relief | £74.3 million |
| 2013 | Comic Relief | £75.1 million |
| 2015 | Comic Relief | £99.4 million |
Through their various collaborations, Lenny and Dawn have shown that they are not just talented comedians but also individuals committed to helping those in need. They are proof that humor and philanthropy can go hand in hand.
Successes and Challenges
Lenny Henry and Dawn French are regarded as two of the most successful entertainers in the UK today. Both have enjoyed long, illustrious careers in comedy, television, film, and theatre, and have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. They are also known for their close friendship, which has lasted for over four decades and has been the subject of much speculation and admiration.
Despite their many successes, Lenny and Dawn have also faced several challenges throughout their careers. For example, they have both been open about their experiences with racism, sexism, and body shaming in the industry. Additionally, they have had to navigate the pressures of fame, including media scrutiny, public expectations, and the demands of their work.
- Successes:
- Lenny and Dawn first became known to audiences in the 1980s, when they starred in the hit BBC sketch show, The Lenny Henry Show. The show not only launched their careers but also created iconic characters such as Theophilus P. Wildebeeste, Delbert Wilkins, and The Queen.
- In 1987 they created their own comedy series, French & Saunders, which became an instant success and ran for over a decade. The show showcased their unique comedic talents, their chemistry as a duo, and their ability to parody popular culture and political issues.
- Both Lenny and Dawn have also enjoyed successful solo careers, with Lenny branching out into acting, writing, and broadcasting and Dawn becoming an accomplished actress, writer, and presenter.
Despite these successes, they have also faced several challenges:
- In 2017, Lenny Henry spoke out about the lack of diversity in British television and called for more opportunities for black, Asian, and minority ethnic actors, writers, and directors. He also revealed that he had been subjected to racist abuse throughout his career.
- Dawn French has spoken openly about her struggles with her weight and how the media has criticized her appearance. She has also faced sexism in the industry and has said that she was often overlooked for roles because of her size and gender.
- Both stars have also had to juggle the demands of fame and their personal lives. For example, Lenny’s high-profile divorce from his wife of 25 years, comedian Dawn French, was widely reported in the media and put a strain on their friendship. Despite this, they have remained close and have continued to work together on several projects.
The Future for Lenny and Dawn
Despite the challenges they have faced, Lenny Henry and Dawn French remain at the top of their game and show no signs of slowing down. They have both said that they are committed to pushing for greater diversity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry, and are using their voices to create change. They also continue to work on new projects together, including a forthcoming series for the BBC, Delicious.
| Successes | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Launch of careers on The Lenny Henry Show | Racism, including abuse throughout career for Lenny |
| Success of French & Saunders | Sexism, including being overlooked for roles for Dawn |
| Successful solo careers in acting, writing and broadcasting | Public scrutiny, media intrusion, and personal struggles |
Overall, Lenny Henry and Dawn French have much to be proud of in their long and successful careers. They have overcome many challenges, including racism, sexism, and body shaming, and have used their platform to create change and inspire others. As they enter the next chapter of their careers, it is clear that their friendship and their commitment to their craft will continue to be a driving force in the industry.
Public Scandals and Speculations
Throughout their careers, Lenny Henry and Dawn French have been subject to various public scandals and speculations. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Marriage dissolution: In 2010, after 25 years of marriage, Lenny Henry and Dawn French announced that they were separating. This news came as a shock to their fans who had always thought of them as one of the strongest couples in the entertainment industry. Their decision to end their marriage was a mutual agreement, and they made it clear that they would remain friends.
- Racial controversy: Lenny Henry has been a vocal advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry. In 2014, he called out the lack of representation of people of color at the BAFTA awards. He also criticized the lack of diversity in British TV shows and called on networks to do better. Some people accused him of being a racist and accused him of promoting diversity at the expense of white people. However, he remained unapologetic about his stance and continued to fight for diversity in the industry.
- Weight loss speculation: Over the years, Dawn French has been subject to speculation about her weight loss. In 2018, she revealed that she had lost around 100 pounds but did not disclose the reason behind her weight loss. Some people speculated that she had undergone weight loss surgery, but she denied these rumors. She attributed her weight loss to a healthy diet and lifestyle changes.
Despite these scandals and speculations, Lenny Henry and Dawn French have remained close friends. They have continued to support each other’s careers and have worked together on various projects, including the hit TV show, The Vicar of Dibley.
| Scandal/Speculation | Action taken by Lenny Henry and Dawn French |
|---|---|
| Marriage dissolution | They announced their separation but made it clear that they would remain friends. |
| Racial controversy | Lenny Henry remained unapologetic about his stance and continued to fight for diversity in the industry. |
| Weight loss speculation | Dawn French denied rumors about weight loss surgery and attributed her weight loss to a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. |
It’s clear that Lenny Henry and Dawn French have faced their fair share of scandals and speculations over the years. However, their friendship has remained a constant in their lives. They continue to support each other and work together, proving that even in the face of adversity, true friendship can withstand the test of time.
Lenny Henry’s Personal Life
Lenny Henry, one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, has been in the public eye for over four decades. He first rose to fame in the late 1970s, with his impressions of well-known figures such as Frank Bruno and Muhammad Ali. He has since gone on to become a respected actor, writer, and broadcaster.
In his personal life, Henry has been married twice. His first marriage, to fellow comedian Dawn French, lasted for twenty-five years before the couple separated in 2010. Despite their divorce, the two have remained close friends and have continued to work together on various projects.
- In 1991, Henry and French founded the production company, Crucial Films.
- They also appeared in the hit BBC comedy series, The Lenny Henry Show, together.
- Henry has credited French with helping him to cope with the racism he experienced as a black performer in the entertainment industry.
Henry’s second marriage, to theatre producer Lisa Makin, ended in 2018 after eight years. The couple did not have any children together. However, Henry has a daughter, Billie, from his relationship with former partner Fiona Shaw.
Aside from his personal life, Henry has used his celebrity status to raise awareness of important issues. He has been a longtime supporter of Comic Relief, the charity event he co-founded with Richard Curtis in 1985. The event has raised millions of pounds for various causes in the UK and Africa.
| Birthdate | August 29, 1958 |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Dudley, West Midlands, England |
| Spouses | Dawn French (1984-2010), Lisa Makin (2011-2018) |
| Children | 1 (Billie) |
| Notable achievements | Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) |
Despite the ups and downs of his personal life, Lenny Henry remains a respected and beloved figure in the world of British entertainment. His legacy as a trailblazer for black performers cannot be overstated, and his work with Comic Relief has helped to change the lives of countless people in need.
Dawn French’s Personal Life
Dawn French is a well-known British actress and comedian who has been in the limelight for over three decades. She is best known for her roles in the hit comedy series “French and Saunders” and “The Vicar of Dibley.” However, her personal life has also garnered a lot of attention from the media and her fans.
- Marriage and Divorce: Dawn French was married to comedian Lenny Henry for 25 years before they divorced in 2010. The couple has a daughter together named Billie. Following her divorce, Dawn went on to marry Mark Bignell, who is the CEO of the Eden Project. They tied the knot in 2013 and have been married ever since.
- Weight Loss Journey: Dawn French has been very open about her struggles with weight and has been on a weight loss journey for a few years now. She has lost a significant amount of weight and has spoken about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Charity Work: Dawn French is also known for her philanthropic work and supports various charitable causes. She is a patron of the Chiltern MS Centre, a charity that provides support to people with multiple sclerosis. She has also supported Comic Relief, a charity that raises money for disadvantaged people in the UK and Africa.
The Dawn French and Lenny Henry Connection
Dawn French and Lenny Henry were one of the most popular celebrity couples in the UK during the 80s and 90s. They met on the stand-up comedy circuit and went on to marry in 1984. The couple worked together on various TV shows, including “French and Saunders” and “The Lenny Henry Show.” However, following their divorce, there were rumors that the two were not on good terms.
In a 2017 interview with The Mirror, Dawn French addressed these rumors, saying that although she and Lenny Henry were no longer together, they still maintained a friendship. She said that they have a daughter together and will always have a connection because of that. Additionally, Lenny Henry has also spoken out about the importance of maintaining a good relationship with Dawn for the sake of their daughter.
Dawn French’s Notable Achievements
Over the course of her career, Dawn French has achieved many notable accomplishments. She has won numerous awards for her acting and comedy, including a BAFTA TV Award for Best Entertainment Performance and a British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actress. In addition to her acting skills, Dawn is also a talented writer and has authored several books.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| BAFTA TV Award for Best Entertainment Performance | 2009 |
| British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actress | 1996 |
| International Emmy Award for Best Popular Arts Programme | 1993 |
Dawn French has also been recognized for her contributions to the arts and was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2018 for her services to the entertainment industry and charity.
Recent Interactions and Future Collaborations
As two of Britain’s most beloved comedians, Lenny Henry and Dawn French have been a comedic duo since the early 1980s. Despite the duo’s long-standing history, fans are curious to know if the two are still friends and if they plan on working together in the future.
According to recent interviews and social media interactions, it seems that Lenny Henry and Dawn French are still friends and remain supportive of each other’s careers. In 2019, Henry tweeted his support for French’s book tour, calling her “one of the funniest people you’ll ever meet.”
- In 2020, French spoke publicly about her admiration for Henry’s charity work, particularly his work with Comic Relief and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
- Despite the pandemic in 2020, the two were spotted enjoying a socially distanced walk together in Cornwall, according to The Sun.
- Additionally, in 2021, Henry appeared on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and mentioned he had recently spoken to French on the phone.
While there are no confirmed plans for the pair to work together in the future, they have a long history of collaborating on TV shows, including “The Lenny Henry Show” and “French and Saunders.” Fans can only hope that the duo will team up once again for a new project in the future.
It’s clear that Lenny Henry and Dawn French have a strong bond and continue to support each other’s careers. Fans can take comfort in knowing that the comedic duo’s friendship is still going strong after all these years.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Collaboration | French and Saunders – 1987 |
| Their Most Famous Sketch | “The Two Soups” |
| Honours | Both have been knighted: Sir Lenny Henry and Dame Dawn French |
Overall, Lenny Henry and Dawn French’s friendship remains strong, and their comedic chemistry is unparalleled. Despite their busy schedules, fans hope that they’ll team up again for a new project to make audiences laugh once again.
Are Lenny Henry and Dawn French Still Friends?
1. Are Lenny Henry and Dawn French still friends?
Yes, they are still friends.
2. Have Lenny Henry and Dawn French ever had a falling out?
There have been no reports of any falling outs between them.
3. How long have Lenny Henry and Dawn French been friends?
Lenny Henry and Dawn French have been friends for over 40 years.
4. How did Lenny Henry and Dawn French first meet?
They first met at the 1978 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
5. Did Lenny Henry and Dawn French start their comedy careers together?
Yes, they both started their comedy careers together.
6. Have Lenny Henry and Dawn French worked together recently?
They haven’t worked together recently but both have busy careers in television.
7. Do Lenny Henry and Dawn French still keep in contact?
Yes, they still keep in contact and are often seen together at events.
Closing Thoughts
There you have it, Lenny Henry and Dawn French are still friends. They have been friends for over 40 years and there have been no reports of any falling outs between them. They both started their comedy careers together and while they haven’t worked together recently, they are still in contact and often seen together at events. Thanks for reading and make sure to check back soon for more updates.