Lenny Henry says he needed therapy after going on The Black and White Minstrel Show

Telegraph

27-07-2025

Sir Lenny Henry has said he needed therapy after appearing on The Black and White Minstrel Show.
The comedian admitted he 'didn't realise' what he was doing when he became the first black performer to appear on the controversial BBC programme.
The prime-time entertainment show, which ran from 1958 to 1978, was known for white singers and actors donning blackface for their acts.
However, Henry, 66, who appeared on the show as a teenager, has revealed the toll it took on his mental health.
Speaking to The Times, he said: 'I was 16 and didn't realise what I was doing.'
Henry, who worked on the show between 1975 and 1979, has previously spoken about regretting his family not intervening to stop him taking part.
'Many lows'
The comic said he has been receiving grief therapy ever since his mother died in 1998, but admitted he needed therapy sooner.
'I have had several times when I needed help,' he added.
'Many lows, even at 16 doing the Minstrel Show. But I'm much better at admitting I need help now.'
Henry continued: 'The last decade has seen more people admit they need help – which is a big deal.
'If you need help, seek it out. Because the alternative is unthinkable. There is a lot available that we don't access, because we think we can beat it on our own, so also: talk to your friends. If a mate comes to you with a problem, listen.'
Henry has previously said he was contractually obliged to take part in the programme which had already come under scrutiny before his appearance on it.
In May 1967, the Campaign Against Racial Discrimination submitted a petition for it to be axed by the corporation.
But it was not until the late 1970s that it was eventually pulled – partly because variety shows' popularity was waning with audiences.