Stephen Fry

Broadcaster, actor, comedian, writer.

Many enjoy the label, but there can be no doubt as to whether Stephen Fry qualifies as a “national treasure”. Achieving fame in the 1980s with comedic partner Hugh Laurie through the popularity of their sketch show A Bit Of Fry And Laurie, he has found success in nearly all popular art forms. Since the 1980s, he has been ever-present on British TV, from starring in one of the most esteemed sitcoms of all time Blackadder, to hosting the wildly popular quiz show QI. Leaping to the silver screen, Stephen secured critically acclaimed roles in such classics as Gosford Park, V For Vendetta and depicting his idol in Wilde, continuing to star in some of the highest-grossing films of the 21^st century (The Hobbit trilogy, Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland). As a writer, he has published acclaimed works in the realm of fiction, memoir, and popular history.

So why did we invite him on?

It's not uncommon for such well-known figures to keep their mouths shut regarding politics – or at least refuse to catch the real hot potatoes. Not true of Stephen Fry. He is an active supporter of the Labour Party and, as an activist, has campaigned for mental health-affiliated causes, HIV/AIDS awareness charities, and LGBTQ+ rights. However, Stephen is no partisan – he is one of the nation’s most avowed free speech advocates, debating on the side of Jordan Peterson in a Munk Debate on political correctness in 2018. Given his unorthodox political stance, we wanted to pick his brains and give him a chance to explore and explain his views.

What did we talk about?

“It's now very common to hear people say, 'I'm rather offended by that.' As if that gives them certain rights. It's actually nothing more... than a whine. 'I find that offensive.' It has no meaning; it has no purpose; it has no reason to be respected as a phrase. 'I am offended by that.' Well, so fucking what."

They may have been reduced to the status of “Internet postcard” in the years since, but since first appearing in The Guardian in 2005, Stephen’s words have only grown more relevant. Indignation is a social currency and sensitivities are paramount. As Britain tightens control on speech, we wanted to see if (or how) his perspective has changed.