Sir Lenny Henry, the beloved comedian, has opened up about a life-changing moment when he discovered the truth about his biological father – and the revelation hit him “like a truck.” In a candid interview, Lenny, now 67, recalled how he spent much of his childhood unaware of the true identity of his father, growing up thinking Winston was his dad. However, years later, he learned that his real father was Albert Green, a family friend.
Lenny’s mother, Winnie, had a passionate but secretive affair with Albert while she was married to Winston. Born in 1958, Lenny was the product of this affair, and for years, the identity of his father remained a secret within the close-knit Jamaican community. But at the age of 12, everything changed when Albert’s son, Lloyd, revealed the truth to Lenny, saying, “That’s your dad.” Lenny was shocked and disoriented, recalling, “I was starting to shake. It was like somebody flipped me upside down.”
Reflecting on his reaction, Lenny described the emotional turmoil he went through upon learning the truth. “It was a bombshell. I played amongst the ruins, hoping it would all work out in the end. And you know what? It did.”
Lenny’s story begins in Dudley, 1957, when his mother Winnie arrived from Jamaica to work in a hospital. While living in a shared house, she met Albert, who had also come to the UK from Jamaica. Despite their love for each other, the affair was kept secret from their families and the wider community. However, Lenny’s discovery of the truth didn’t come without emotional consequences.
For years, Lenny believed Winston was his father. It wasn’t until his mother, Winnie, encouraged him to help Albert with chores on Fridays that he began to develop a relationship with him. “I’d never met this guy before. I said, ‘Good evening,’ and went in. He made chicken and rice, and it was great,” Lenny recalled, describing the modest start to their relationship.
The truth about Lenny’s parentage came to light when Albert’s son, Lloyd, revealed to Lenny, “That’s your dad.” The shocking discovery left Lenny reeling, and he described feeling completely shaken by the news. Although Albert and Winnie’s affair eventually ended, Lenny would later develop a complicated relationship with both of his fathers.
Lenny’s feelings toward Albert, especially after his death, were complex. While he respected Albert, he admitted that the emotional connection just wasn’t there. He said, “I would just sit there and nod, and then he was gone.” However, Lenny was devastated by the loss of his mother in 1998 after she suffered years of health problems, including diabetes and heart issues.
Looking back on his tumultuous childhood, Lenny now reflects on how the revelation about his biological father reshaped his life and identity. Despite the upheaval, he acknowledged that his journey was ultimately a journey of growth and self-discovery.
The remarkable story of Lenny Henry’s life is filled with ups and downs, and his willingness to share the deeply personal moments of his past has captivated audiences. From discovering the truth about his father to facing the loss of his mother, Lenny’s reflections offer a moving insight into the emotional challenges he has faced.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
