Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry
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Name:
Stephen Fry
Real name:
Stephen John Fry
Who is:
, , , ,
Birth date:
(67 y.o.)
Place of birth:
London
Height:
6'4 ft ()
Weight:
243 lb (110 kg)
Namesakes:
Birth Sign:
(characteristic)
Chinese zodiac:
Links:

Biography of Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a British gentleman, actor, producer, and writer. He's a literary genius and a beloved national treasure of Great Britain.
On the photo: Stephen Fry
On the photo: Stephen Fry

His Childhood: Stephen Fry Is Almost a Genius

The future symbol of Great Britain was born on August 24, 1957. Family legend has it that Marianne, the writer's mother, went into labor right on the doorstep of their Hampstead home. The birth happened so fast that her husband had barely reached the door. Stepping outside, Alan Fry found his exhausted wife and little Stephen, who was already trying to crawl toward the house. Whether this story is true or not remains unclear, but Stephen Fry would always feel drawn back to his family and childhood home.
Stephen Fry as a child
Stephen Fry as a child
Stephen's family—including his older brother Roger and sister Joanna—belonged to the upper echelons of middle-class society. Alan Fry, a physicist, came from a noble aristocratic family. On his mother's side, Stephen is Jewish, though none of his relatives practiced Judaism. His great-grandparents were killed in the Nazi concentration camp in Riga.

The boy grew up as a special child. He learned to read at the age of 4, and he became interested in literature and history at the age of 6. After school intelligence testing, Stephen was classified as nearly genius-level. At age 6, Stephen broke his nose, and the resulting deviated septum eventually caused breathing difficulties and led to asthma.

His Youth: Stephen Fry As a Problem Child

When Stephen was 8 years old, his family moved to the family estate in Norfolk. Despite his high intelligence, the future writer became a problem child as a teenager. At 14, Stephen was suspended from high school for theft for an entire term. He was later expelled from private school for missing 4 days in a single term—he'd stayed in London watching movies, as he put it. He was also expelled from the next private school.
Stephen Fry in his youth
Stephen Fry in his youth
After completing secondary school, Stephen enrolled at Norwich College but was immediately expelled amid scandal for his misconduct. During this period, the young man fell into deep depression and once attempted suicide, breaking 4 ribs in the process before being resuscitated.

At 17, Stephen got into serious trouble for stealing a credit card from his friend's parents. Leaving a pub, he accidentally grabbed someone else's jacket. When he discovered a wallet in the pocket, he decided not to return it but instead to spend a wild night out. As a wake-up call, Stephen was sentenced to three months in a correctional facility. After his release, he re-enrolled at Norwich College, promising his parents he would never again make them ashamed of his behavior.
Stephen Fry while his studying at University in Cambridge
Stephen Fry while his studying at University in Cambridge
Stephen kept his promise: after graduating from college, he enrolled at the prestigious Queens' College, Cambridge. While studying English literature, he joined the theatrical troupe Footlights, where he met the chairman of the drama society. This student-chairman was Hugh Laurie.

His Acting Career

After becoming friends, Stephen and Hugh started writing scripts for student productions where they also performed, eventually bringing Emma Thompson and Ben Elton into their creative circle.
Young Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie on the stage
Young Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie on the stage
In 1981, Granada Television invited the students to create a show called Alfresco, which would launch each of their careers. Emma and Hugh would become prominent actors, Ben would gain fame as a writer and screenwriter, and Stephen would be recognized as a national treasure of Great Britain—befriending the Prince of Wales, entering the top ten most influential people in the country, with every accolade preceding his name in British celebrity directories.
The scene from the show Alfresco
The scene from the show Alfresco
From 1983 onward, the comedy duo Fry and Laurie appeared in several popular shows, including episodes of the famous TV series Blackadder alongside Rowan Atkinson (with scripts by their friend Ben Elton), while also creating and directing their own sketch show A Bit of Fry & Laurie.
A Bit of Fry & Laurie – A credit
One of Fry and Laurie's most acclaimed works is the TV series exploring the relationship between aristocrat Bertie Wooster and his valet Jeeves, based on P.G. Wodehouse's novels. For several years, this TV series aired successfully in many countries worldwide, establishing Stephen Fry's reputation as a brilliant comedian.
Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie in the TV series Jeeves and Wooster
Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie in the TV series Jeeves and Wooster
But the comedian's personal life wasn't so bright. "When I was filming a comedy show, I'd laugh at the camera while sometimes thinking: I want to f***ing die. I want to f***ing die," Stephen recalled. In 1995, he attempted suicide again following the failure of his play Cellmates, but changed his mind just in time, thinking of how upset his parents would be.
Stephen Fry tried to commit suicide several times
Stephen Fry tried to commit suicide several times
In 1997, director Brian Gilbert invited Stephen to play the lead role in the biographical drama Wilde, in which Jude Law played Bosie. The writer's life story—tragic and majestic, filled with creativity and love, and the suffering he endured—strangely mirrored Stephen Fry's own experience, as he was painfully dealing with a breakup with his beloved at the time. Critics praised Stephen's exceptional acting and his striking physical resemblance to Oscar Wilde. The film won numerous awards, and Stephen's superb portrayal of the writer was hailed as one of the finest performances in British cinema history.
The movie trailer Wilde with Stephen Fry
From 1999 to 2012, the actor appeared in numerous films, and despite not playing lead roles, every movie featuring Stephen invariably became popular.

In 2002, Stephen Fry made his directorial debut with Bright Young Things, based on Evelyn Waugh's novel. The story centers on young socialites - the best and brightest - experiencing personal tragedies against elegant English backdrops in the early 20th century.
In 2002, Stephen Fry made his debut as a director
In 2002, Stephen Fry made his debut as a director
The drama became a box-office hit - and it's easy to see why. Fry directed a stellar cast including Michael Sheen, Emily Mortimer, and James McAvoy. His directorial success didn't stop there. Over the following years, Fry went on to direct Wagner & Me and Cicada Princess.
Stephen Fry on the set of the movie Bright Young Things
Stephen Fry on the set of the movie Bright Young Things
Beyond cinema and television, Stephen also worked as a producer and writer. In 1991, he published his first book The Liar, followed by novels The Hippopotamus and The Stars' Tennis Balls, plus his autobiography (with a title borrowed from the Old Testament).
The interview with Stephen Fry
Moab Is My Washpot serves as both a love letter to his parents and his attempt to understand his struggles with accepting his homosexuality - a source of deep personal pain.

In 2016, Fry launched a new show documenting his travels through Central America. Waterfalls, mountains, and ancient forests come alive through the perspective of one of Britain's most brilliant minds.
Stephen Fry in the TV program Last Chance to See
Stephen Fry in the TV program Last Chance to See
Late 2017 saw the release of sci-fi thriller Prototype featuring Stephen's performance, alongside a film adaptation of The Hippopotamus starring Matthew Modine.

Personal Life of Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry recognized early on that he was different from other men, struggling to come to terms with his attraction to the same sex. Studying at Cambridge, he had a relationship with one of the students. The breakup was so devastating that Stephen decided to avoid close relationships entirely, leaving him alone for years.
Stephen Fry does not keep his sexual orientation back
Stephen Fry does not keep his sexual orientation back
His isolation contributed to his bipolar disorder, which had first shown symptoms during his childhood. The actor managed his condition and rediscovered himself through creative work and the unwavering support of his dear friend Hugh Laurie, whose family became like his own.
At the age of 40, Stephen Fry decided to lose weight, give up smoking and do sports
At the age of 40, Stephen Fry decided to lose weight, give up smoking and do sports
At 40, Stephen lost nearly 90 pounds, started exercising, and quit smoking – ironically becoming the final winner of Britain's notorious Pipe Smoker of the Year award.
Stephen Fry and Elliot Spencer
Stephen Fry and Elliot Spencer
His relationship with Daniel Cohen, built on deep mutual respect, lasted about 15 years before Stephen met young actor Elliot Spencer. The couple married in 2018, receiving congratulations from Prince Charles and Elton John.

According to Zoomboola.com, his net worth is estimated about $40 million.

Stephen Fry Now

The British icon continues his prolific career, writing books and staying politically active. He advocates for atheism and opposes Catholic Church involvement in education and child-rearing.
In 2020, Stephen Fry became the guest star of the season 12 episode of Doctor Who. Fry described filming the series as an unusual experience. Audiences couldn't tell whether his character was a villain or hero. However, in the same year, Fry appeared in another series, "Sex Education" from Netflix, in the role of a TV presenter.
Stephen Fry in 2020
Stephen Fry in 2020
Fry maintains an active but quirky Instagram presence – Britain's beloved actor primarily posts photos of ties rather than selfies.

Stephen Fry: latest news and articles

  • I am glad that he still had happiness in his personal life, that he did not lock himself in the closet but happily lives in marriage.
    2021-05-17 13:06:54
  • I just pray for his English restraint, subtle humor and wise eyes. Stephen Fry, you are great
    2021-04-02 11:44:39
  • Definitely a talented character... Comedian, screenwriter and actor. I found out about him after Jeeves and Worcester and now it`s clear what his fate is
    2021-03-28 15:42:57
  • Recently I watched a film greed with him, a cool actor, except for Vendetta I saw him in few places, well, his role is cool.
    2021-03-28 09:55:50
  • To be honest I remember him only from a film about Sherlock by the great Guy Ritchie.
    2021-03-19 16:31:29
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