The Boy In This Picture Is Fearless, And I Love That

Being a comedian was in Lenny Henry’s blood – and it was appearing on New Faces in 1975 that launched his stellar career

- Jenny Stallard

What I love about this picture is I’ve got cheeks, an optimistic look on my face – and big hair! Standing on the stage in the New Faces talent competition, this young lad looks fearless to me, and I love that. I don’t think he realizes how much hard work is ahead though!

My manager thought it was a good idea for me to dress like a club comedian. I think there were Vikings on horseback on the shirt and while I chose it all, it’s not stuff I’d have worn.

To my family, I’m Len. Lenworth was the name my mum gave me and then never called me again. So it was almost like Lenny was my superhero identity and this photograph is me, being Lenny, in public for the first time. I felt like this was something I could do forever.