Stephen Fry 'extraordinarily grateful for life' after being 'mocked in school'
Speaking at Newport Beach Film Festival just a few months ago, Fry took to the stage and spoke about his past in a rare public appearance.
The star-studded event at Raffles at The OWO celebrated the best and brightest of the UK and Ireland's creative industries.
Final ep #WhatIBelieve out now with none other than Stephen Fry! From the uncomfortable truth of AI to the peril of being 'right' over being 'effective', it's a fascinating 40mins covering his beliefs/values. Here he is discussing the dichotomy of humanity https://t.co/YLHSmOfyse pic.twitter.com/kCDRxgyDMx
— Humanists UK (@Humanists_UK) July 17, 2025
The prestigious Icon Award was presented to Fry in recognition of his remarkable contribution across a varied career spanning more than 25 years.
Speaking on stage, he said: 'I have every reason to be extraordinarily grateful for my life. I grew up as someone who was pretty much hopeless at everything; I couldn't sing, I couldn't catch a ball.
"I was one of those rather unfortunate uncoordinated children who would clap their hands when it came towards them – I was mocked in school for not being able to dance, to play music, to draw, to paint. But I discovered I loved telling stories.'
Reflecting upon his time at Uppingham boys' boarding school in Rutland, he would tell stories after 'lights out', which ignited his passion for performing.
'I would […] play with words and language, and to my enormous surprise this one thing we all share – the ability to speak to each other, the ability to make up stories – is not as grand as being able to run fast, catch, jump, or paint or draw, or play music, because we can all do it.
"It is that very fact that we can all do it that makes it so extraordinarily wonderful; when actors get together, tell stories, become other people and entertain the world.
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'I have learnt everything in the past 45 years since I was let loose [in the world of acting] and I've had nothing but the most extraordinary pleasure working with incredible people, people who are so fascinating and interesting.
"I spend a great deal of time not in the trailer because I love talking to crew people, and craftspeople, and technicians, and fellow actors, gossiping and laughing. It is the greatest privilege in the world.
'[Playwright] Noel Coward had a sign above his desk that said 'work is more fun than fun', and if you are lucky enough to find work is more fun than fun, then really you have drawn first prize in the lottery of life.'
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