Page 64 - Powerlist 2019 - Digital Edition

Media, Publishing & Entertainment

Photo: Jack Lawson

Sir Lenny Henry diversity schemes for failing to go far enough to increase

Actor, writer, campaigner BAME representation. He also delivered a keynote speech
at Cannes, launching the idea of offering tax breaks for
diversity. He has called for the licence fee to be ring-
In a career that began in his teens, Sir Lenny has grown fenced to boost diversity and called for ethnic diversity
into one of Britain’s best-known comedians, as well as a to be entrenched into any new Royal Charter to address
writer, philanthropist and award-winning actor. “systemic failure” in representing minorities on screen and
His career began in comedy but he has since worked as behind the camera.
a stage, film and TV actor. The author of several books and Sir Lenny was chosen by Baroness Doreen Lawrence
a former BBC1 Radio DJ, he also has his own production to interview three beneficiaries of the Stephen Lawrence
company Douglas Road. Trust at his memorial in 2018.
Sir Lenny has used his platform to support and establish He has been a Trustee of the National Theatre since
charitable causes, and in 1988 he founded Red Nose Day. February 2016. In the same year he was awarded the Alan
The charity has since raised over £1billion for good causes Clarke Award for outstanding contribution to television at
at home and abroad. the Bafta Awards and made a fellow of the Royal Television
He is an avid supporter of diversity in British television Society. In June 2017, Lenny began his five year year term
and the arts, criticising current broadcast industry as Chancellor of Birmingham City University.

60 Powerlist 2019