Sir Stephen Fry, the celebrated actor, screenwriter, and author, has revealed that he was “preposterously nervous” while competing on the new celebrity edition of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, which kicks off on ITV on January 26.
The 67-year-old will make his debut on the popular quiz show in the celebrity special, where he will join other famous faces including former sprinter-turned-presenter Jeanette Kwakye and broadcaster Richie Anderson, who will also be competing to raise money for their chosen charities.
Reflecting on his experience, Sir Stephen admitted that despite his considerable intellect, he felt intense pressure to perform well. He shared: “They upped the music to get your heartbeat to go a little bit faster. For good or ill, people think of me as some sort of ‘know-all’, so there was pressure on me not to make a spectacular boob of myself.”
The presenter, who is best known for hosting the panel show QI for many years, spoke candidly about how the public perception of him as a “know-it-all” increased his anxiety during the show. However, he was quick to note that no one should feel bad if they don’t know the answer to every question, saying: “It does not make you a better or worse person. All of us have little holes in our tapestry.”
Sir Stephen admitted that his heart was racing as the show progressed, but he felt that he received a “great mixture of questions,” though some proved to be a bit out of his comfort zone. “Some of the questions were a bit alarming because they weren’t in my wheelhouse – sporting questions about cycling, but fortunately I did know the answer to that one,” he explained.
He also recalled a particularly tricky moment early on in the show: “There was a very early question about Pharrell Williams, and I knew nothing about it. The audience knew, so they must have thought I was a complete dunce when it came to pop music, which I kind of am.” Despite this, Sir Stephen made light of the situation, acknowledging that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. “There’s no shame in it,” he said. “The audience were lovely, very warm, very appreciative, and it was nice to have the feeling they were on your side.”
Sir Stephen competed on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity he has been president of since 2011. His openness about mental health, particularly his own struggles with bipolar disorder, has made him an important figure in mental health awareness. Following his experience on the quiz show, Sir Stephen encouraged others to take part, saying, “It’s not about exposing ignorance and making people feel bad. Nobody is a loser, and it is very rare that somebody gets nothing out of it. Anything is better than nothing when it comes to charity.”
Fry, whose career spans several decades, is also known for his work with his comedy partner Hugh Laurie. The two first met at Cambridge University, where they formed the iconic comic duo Fry and Laurie. Their comedy series, A Bit of Fry & Laurie, and their portrayals of the titular roles in Jeeves and Wooster, earned them widespread acclaim. Fry’s acting career has seen him take on other notable roles, including playing Oscar Wilde in Wilde (1997), which earned him a Golden Globe nomination, and as Lord Melchett in the classic comedy Blackadder.
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Alongside his acting career, Fry has made significant contributions to mental health awareness, having openly discussed his struggles with mental illness and bipolar disorder. In 2006, he fronted the BBC documentary Stephen Fry’s The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive. His efforts were recognised in the recent New Year Honours list when he was awarded a knighthood for his services to mental health awareness, the environment, and charity.
The new series of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? will feature other high-profile celebrities including Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke, Channel 4 news anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy, and former BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin. The series kicks off on Sunday, January 26, at 8pm on ITV.
As Sir Stephen’s debut on the iconic quiz show draws nearer, fans are eager to see how the beloved personality performs and, of course, how much he raises for Mind. His nerves may have been evident, but his unwavering commitment to charity and his openness about his vulnerabilities make him a star that audiences can’t help but root for.
