Stephen Fry is one of the most recognisable faces on television. An intellectual, an actor, a journalist, a gay man, a film-maker, a comedian and a presenter, he is well loved the world over for his warmth, honesty, sense of humour and disarming humility. 

Stephen Fry is perhaps best remembered for his comedy show “A bit of Fry and Laurie”, his involvement with the seminal “Black Adder” series, and more latterly for his role as the learned host in “Q.I”, however for many he is known for his brave struggles with mental health.

Fry speaks of being uncomfortable in his own skin, and not liking the person he was when growing up. An addiction to sugar in his early life was his first clue that he was different to others, and endured a difficult youth in boarding schools. Fry spent a very short time in prison following credit card fraud.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Fry suffered a nervous breakdown in 1995 while appearing in a West End play and subsequently walked out of the production, prompting its early closure. After walking out of the production, Fry went missing for several days while contemplating suicide. He abandoned the idea and left the United Kingdom by ferry, eventually resurfacing in Belgium.

Fry has spoken publicly about his experience with bipolar disorder, which was also depicted in the documentary Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic-Depressive. In the programme, he spoke with other high profile mental health sufferers including Robbie Williams. An active member of the mental charity Stand to Reason, Fry is very generous with his time and energy in the promotion of mental health.