Johnny Vegas's REAL name revealed as his surprise new career comes to light and the effects of a shock diagnosis

Daily Mail​

14-05-2025

's real name has come to light while he has been busy promoting his unexpected new career.
Johnny, 54, is best-known for being a stand-up comedian but has also embarked on a brand new career as a sculptor and antiques shop owner.
While promoting his new venture, Johnny's little-known real name has come to light as he referenced his birth-given moniker in a new interview.
To fans' surprise, who have long known him only by his stage name, it has emerged that his real name is actually Michael Joseph Pennington.
Speaking to Loaded, he described Johnny as his 'alter ego' and said as Michael, he is more 'timid' by nature, revealing he is exploring more of that side of himself in his art.
'I always said I was his agent, his PR person who cleaned up the mess,' he said of himself versus his on-stage persona.
'So now, I'm starting to see more of Michael and getting back into my art.'
The stand-up legend also spoke finding out he has ADHD has influenced his successful career.
Adults with ADHD may have trouble sticking to tasks, concentrating on work, paying attention to others, and remembering obligations.
Discussing being diagnosed two years ago at the age of 52, Johnny was asked whether he thinks his stage persona would still exist without his ADHD.
He replied: 'I think he would have, he came from a different place, he was more of a defence mechanism,' as he noted the differences between Johnny and Michael.
However, he noted that it has actually helped his art, adding: ' ADHD can be hindering with decision-making, timekeeping, and certain anxieties.
'It works well with art as you're never short of ideas, it's like catching butterflies - which one will I catch next?'
Johnny has long fostered a love for art as he graduated with a BA in Art and Ceramics from Middlesex University, and he has now revisited that interest.
Johnny launched his debut art show in 2023 with his sculpting and ceramic designs and he has now opened an antiques shop, Vintage Vegas, for a new TV show
Johnny launched his debut art show in 2023 with his sculpting and ceramic designs and he has now opened an antiques shop, Vintage Vegas, for a new TV show.
The show, which is titled Johnny Vegas' Little Shop Of Antiques and is set to air in July, will follow Johnny as he adds new pieces to his collection.
It will see him try to make enough profit to turn his new shop into a permanent business and reveal a completely different side of him.
Johnny opened his shop at Dagfields Crafts and Antiques on Saturday, May 10, and Johnny has been promoting his new venture on Instagram.
'Hopefully, see you there, if nothing else, it's as eclectic as it gets,' he teased in a recent video.
Johnny launched his art career after collaborating with sculptor Emma Rodgers and his first ever exhibition was revealed at Jersey's gallery Private and Public in August 2023.
He most recently sold his ceramics as part of a charity auction held at Christie's as part of London Craft Week, where the identity of the artist is not revealed until after.
'I can't share my piece, as it's 'secret ceramics' where 100 artist have donated work made in clay,' he teased on Instagram.
'The artists' identity is revealed after the work is sold. All the pieces are sold at a fixed price.'
WHAT IS ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK.
Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:
Constant fidgeting
Poor concentration
Excessive movement or talking
Acting without thinking
Inability to deal with stress
Little or no sense of danger
Careless mistakes
Mood swings
Forgetfulness
Difficulty organising tasks
Continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
Inability to listen or carry out instructions
Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this.
ADHD's exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person's brain function and structure.
Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk.
ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette's and epilepsy.
There is no cure.
A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier.