Is Lenny Henry gay? Sir Lenny Henry, the multi-talented British actor, comedian, singer, television presenter, and writer has been a household name for decades.
His illustrious career spans stand-up comedy, impressionism, and a plethora of iconic TV programs, making him one of the most influential figures in British entertainment.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lenny Henry is known for co-founding the charity Comic Relief and serving as the chancellor of Birmingham City University.
However, lately, the spotlight has shifted towards his personal life, particularly his sexuality, with questions and speculations about whether he is gay.
In this article, we delve into the rumors and seek to uncover the truth about this aspect of the beloved entertainer’s life.
Is Lenny Henry Gay?
No, Lenny Henry is not gay, despite some misconceptions that have arisen due to his strong support for the LGBTQ community.
In a GQ interview, when questioned about his experiences as the only Black person in many rooms throughout his early career, he shared his perspective on being in the minority.
The 65-year-old reflected on the experiences of being the only one like himself in a room, whether it’s as the only Black person, the only woman, or the only gay person.
He described the introspective moment that arises when you feel the need to stand up for your beliefs and origins. Lenny noted that he’s often found himself explaining and sharing his perspective with people who may not fully grasp it.
In his words, the past five years have marked a positive change, with people gradually becoming more attuned to the issues he and others have been advocating for over the last two decades.
This thoughtful insight showcases his empathy and commitment to social and cultural diversity. Furthermore, Lenny’s choice to keep his personal life private and away from the public eye is another reason behind the speculations about his sexuality.
However, one’s advocacy and privacy choices should not be mistaken for their sexual orientation. In Lenny Henry’s case, his dating history clearly suggests that his sexual orientation is straight.
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Is Lenny Henry Married?
No, Lenny Henry is not married to anyone as of now but he was previously married to his wife Dawn French for 25 years. The couple announced their separation in 2010 with the following statement:
“The separation is entirely amicable and they fully intend to maintain their close friendship. Their priority is to commit to the future joint parenting of their daughter.”
Although they haven’t talked much about their divorce, they have both made some remarks. Lenny claimed in an interview with The Mirror in 2012 that the distance had brought him and his daughter Billie closer.
Four years later, he told the Daily Express that he understood the couple’s decision to end their marriage:
“There’s generally a situation where one partner wants the marriage to finish more than the other. I think maybe one of us did, then the other one did, and then the other did over a period of time, and then, in the end, we thought, ‘Oh, actually maybe we both do’. We knew it wasn’t possible to continue.”
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Dawn made a joke about her panties being behind the split as well. “Maybe I should have worn more interesting pants and I’d still be married to him,” she said in an interview with the Sun in 2014.
Furthermore, according to Dawn, she and Lenny’s “very happy marriage” has changed into a “lasting friendship.” Since 2013, Lenny has been in a committed relationship with Lisa Makin, a theatrical director.