Last updated on the 5 August 2024 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 30 May 1961, Horsham, Sussex, England. 

Harry Enfield is the eldest of four children. His father, Edward Enfield, was a well-known television, radio and newspaper journalist, while his mother, Deirdre Jenkins, was a homemaker. The Enfield family has a notable lineage, being descendants of the 19th-century philanthropist Edward Enfield. Growing up in a family with a strong media presence, Enfield was exposed to the world of entertainment from a young age.

Enfield attended three private schools: Arundale School in Pulborough and Dorset House School and Worth School, both located in West Sussex.

He later attended Collyer’s Sixth Form College before enrolling at the University of York. At York, he was a member of Derwent College and studied politics. During his university years, Harry’s interest in comedy and performance began to take shape, leading him to squat in Hackney and work as a milkman while pursuing his passion for comedy.

Harry Enfield’s career took off when he appeared on Channel 4’s “Saturday Live,” where he introduced several memorable characters created with Paul Whitehouse. Among these were Stavros, a Greek kebab shop owner and Loadsamoney, an obnoxious plasterer who became a cultural phenomenon. His success on “Saturday Live” led to the creation of “Harry Enfield’s Television Programme,” which later evolved into “Harry Enfield and Chums.” These shows featured iconic characters such as Kevin the Teenager, Tim Nice-But-Dim, Smashie and Nicey, and The Scousers.

In addition to his television work, Harry has appeared in several films, including “Kevin & Perry Go Large” (2000), where he reprised his role as Kevin the Teenager and “Churchill: The Hollywood Years” (2004), where he played King George VI. He also starred in “The Bad Education Movie” (2015) and had a recurring role in the television series “Bad Education”. Enfield’s versatility as a comedian and actor has made him a beloved figure in British comedy.

In 2016, he played the role of William Shakespeare’s father in the TV comedy “Upstart Crow”. Since then, he has been portraying Prince Charles in the comedy TV show “The Windsors”.

Harry Enfield married Lucy Lyster in 1997 and the couple have three children together. However, their marriage faced challenges and in 2020, it was reported that Harry had moved out of the family home. The couple announced their separation in August 2020.

Throughout his career, Enfield has left a unique mark on British comedy with his extraordinary characters and satirical humour. His ability to capture the essence of various personas and bring them to life has earned him a special place in the hearts of audiences. As he continues to entertain and inspire, Harry Enfield’s legacy as a comedian and actor remains strong.

Suggested viewing

Harry Enfield and Chums (1994)

Harry Enfield and Chums is a sketch comedy series that aired in the 1990s, showcasing a vibrant cast of comedic characters. From the irritatingly precocious Kevin to the politically incorrect Tory Boy, the show delivered a satirical and often absurd take on British society and culture through a series of quick-fire sketches.

Top cast: Harry Enfield, Kathy Burke, Paul Whitehouse, Louisa Rix, Gary Bleasdale, Stephen Moore, Mark Moraghan, David Barber, Jon Glover, Georgie Glen, Caroline Harker, Ewen Bremner, Julia St John, Martin Clunes.

Harry Enfield’s Television Programme (1990)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3

Harry Enfield’s Television Programme, a cornerstone of British comedy, introduced a pantheon of absurd and relatable characters. With biting satire and impeccable comic timing, the show skewered everything from teenage angst to the foibles of the elderly. A blend of surreal humour and sharp social commentary, it catapulted Enfield and his ensemble into the comedy stratosphere, leaving an enduring legacy of laughter and cultural impact.

Top cast: Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse, Kathy Burke, Jon Glover, Aden Gillett, Joe McGann, Martin Clunes, Nathaniel Parker, Caroline Quentin.

Ruddy Hell! It’s Harry and Paul (2007)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3

Ruddy Hell! It’s Harry and Paul is a sketch comedy series renowned for its irreverent and often politically incorrect humour. The show masterfully blends satire and absurdity, tackling social issues and stereotypes with a sharp wit. Featuring a dynamic duo at the helm, the series delivers a potent mix of crude comedy and intelligent observation.

Top cast: Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse, Sophie Winkleman, Alice Lowe, Catherine Shepherd, Laura Solon, Simon Day, Kevin Eldon, Daniel Kaluuya, Morwenna Banks.

Harry & Paul’s Story of the 2s (2014)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4

Harry & Paul’s Story of the 2s is a comedic romp through the history of BBC Two. With their signature blend of satire and absurdity, the duo parodies iconic shows and personalities from the channel’s past. From its humble beginnings to the present day, the special offers a hilarious and nostalgic look at the network’s impact on British television.

Top cast: Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse, Kevin Eldon, Rhys Thomas, Simon Greenall, Joseph Morpurgo, Catherine Shepherd, Rosie Cavaliero, Justin Edwards, Lucy Montgomery, Elliot Speller-Gillott.

The Windsors (2016)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.2

The Windsors is a satirical comedy series that reimagines the British royal family as a dysfunctional soap opera. With exaggerated personalities and absurd plotlines, the show parodies the public image of the Windsors, exploring their private lives and the pressures of royal life through a comedic lens, often poking fun at their public relations efforts and the media’s obsession with them.

Top cast: Hugh Skinner, Louise Ford, Harry Enfield, Haydn Gwynne, Celeste Dring, Ellie White, Richard Goulding, Kathryn Drysdale, Morgana Robinson, Katy Wix, Matthew Cottle, Tim Wallers, Vicki Pepperdine.

Kevin & Perry Go Large (2000)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 5.7

Two socially awkward teenage boys, obsessed with losing their virginity and finding fame as DJs, convince their parents to accompany them on a holiday to Ibiza. Amidst the island’s vibrant nightlife, they encounter a world-famous DJ, pursue their romantic aspirations and grapple with a series of misadventures, all while trying to maintain their innocence and avoid complete humiliation.

Top cast: Harry Enfield, Kathy Burke, Rhys Ifans, Laura Fraser, James Fleet, Louisa Rix, Tabitha Wady, Paul Whitehouse, Natasha Little.

Harry Enfield @ Wikipedia