Sir Lenny Henry has opened up about the emotional moment he learned the truth about his biological father, revealing that the revelation “hit him like a truck.”
The 67-year-old comedian, actor, and charity campaigner, who is widely known for his contributions to British television and comedy, spent years thinking his father was a man named Winston. However, he later discovered that his true father was Albert Green, a close family friend.
Speaking candidly to The Mirror, Lenny shared: “I had this bombshell dropped in my life, and I… played amongst the ruins, hoping it would all work out in the end. And you know what? It did.”
Sir Lenny Henry, 67, has shared how he felt the moment he found out about his biological father as he opened up about his childhood
Growing up in Dudley, Lenny was raised by his mother Winnie, a Jamaican-born woman, alongside her husband Winston and their four children. At the age of 10, Lenny’s mother told him to visit “Uncle Albert” on Fridays to help with chores. It was during these visits that Lenny grew close to Albert, who would later reveal the truth about his paternity.
“I had never met Albert before,” Lenny recalled. “I walked in, said ‘Good evening,’ and he made chicken and rice, which was great. From then on, I started going every Friday. I would do things like vacuuming and cleaning windows. He would give me a chocolate bar and a can of Coke as payment – that was the extent of our relationship.”
However, at the age of 12, Lenny’s world changed when Albert’s son, Lloyd, told him the truth. “Lloyd turned to me one day and said, ‘You have no idea why you’re here, do you?’ I replied, ‘No.’ He then said, ‘That’s your dad.'”
Lenny described his feelings at the time: “I started shaking. It was like someone flipped me upside down.”
The revelation came after years of growing up with Winston, who had raised Lenny as his own. Despite the shock, Lenny came to terms with the truth and reflected on his relationship with Albert: “There was respect for him, but the emotional connection wasn’t there.”
Lenny was the product of a passionate and illicit love affair between Albert Green and his Jamaican-born mother Winnie (pictured with Lenny in 1975)
For years, Lenny (pictured aged 16) grew up thinking his real father was a man named Winston before discovering his dad was actually family friend called Albert
Lenny’s story also touches on the complexities of his mother’s past. Born in Jamaica, Winnie moved to England in 1957 with plans to bring her family over once she had settled. She found work as a cook and later met Albert, a Jamaican man who had arrived in England a few years earlier. The two began an affair that led to the birth of Lenny.
Despite their love, Winnie’s relationship with Albert faced significant challenges, particularly when her husband, Winston, returned to the UK and reconciled with her. Winston, who had forgiven his wife for the affair, decided to raise Lenny as his son.
Lenny’s journey of self-discovery has shaped his personal and professional life. He continues to be a beloved figure in British entertainment, using his platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Reflecting on the loss of his mother in 1998, Lenny shared how deeply affected he was by her passing, a loss that was compounded by her years of health struggles. Despite the challenges, Lenny has used his experiences to inspire others, both in his comedy and his advocacy work.
