Born:
September 24, 1962
in
Petts Wood, Kent
Best Known For:
His hugely popular stand-up act.
Early-life:
Born James Andrew Innes Dee on September 24, 1962, in Petts Wood, Kent, but his family moved to Winchester when he was young. His father was a printer and his mother the daughter of two actors. He went to a public prep school, then to a comprehensive. After his A-levels he planned to attend drama college, but his mum persuaded him to get a job, so he became a waiter. He also dabbled with the idea of becoming a priest, but later managed a pizza restaurant before trying stand-up comedy.
Career:
Dee's first public act was an open-mic gig in 1986 at the Comedy Store. He was then encouraged to write additional material and go on tour. Since the 1990s he has performed sell-out acts at many high-profile venues. After scooping the British Comedy Award for Best Stage Newcomer in 1991, Dee was offered his own TV show, which brought him to a wider audience. He's continued to do stand-up, fronting such successes as Live at the Apollo and Happy Hour and has branched out into acting, first in comedy drama The Grimleys and latterly to critical acclaim in BBC comedy Lead Balloon, which he also wrote. Other projects include Shooting Stars and I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue.
Quote:
"Unlike European mustards that bring out the subtle flavours of food, English mustard makes your nose bleed."
Trivia:
He was part of a team of celebrities who, in 2013, helped raise £1million for Comic Relief by canoeing down dangerous rapids on the Zambezi River.