Discover the Troubled Past That Led Sir Stephen Fry to Prison

Sir Stephen Fry, a celebrated television personality, recently reflected on his formative years, recalling a troubled past that included a stint in prison. The discussion occurred as he participated in the new celebrity edition of BBC’s “The Traitors,” alongside 18 other notable figures.

Celebrity Edition of “The Traitors”

The first episode premiered from Ardross Castle in Scotland, featuring stars such as:

• Olympian Tom Daley
• Singer Charlotte Church
• TV presenter Kate Garraway

This celebrity edition consists of nine episodes, offering contestants a chance to win up to £100,000 for charities of their choice. During the premiere, Fry humorously stated, “Let the horror unfold and may the worst person win.” The participants were introduced to the castle grounds as they began interacting before the competition began.

Stephen Fry’s Troubled Past

At 68, Fry candidly shared details about his childhood, admitting to being a “dreadful” child. He revealed that his mother attended the moment he received his knighthood, reflecting, “given what a dreadful child I was.” His admissions included a history of “galloping kleptomania” in his teenage years, leading to a significant turning point in his life.

After failing his A-levels, Fry stole a credit card from a family friend, which resulted in his arrest in Swindon. He was sentenced to three months at Pucklechurch Prison in South Gloucestershire. While incarcerated, he was nicknamed “The Professor” due to his academic background and even took the initiative to teach his cellmate how to read and write.

Life After Prison

Following his release, Fry’s parents encouraged him to find his own path in life. He stated, “We’re not going to push you into any other schools. You must now decide what you want to do.” This prompted him to return to education and retake his A-levels in subjects such as English, French, and the History of Art.

Education and Comedy Career

Fry ultimately fulfilled his aspiration of attending Cambridge University, where he crossed paths with Hugh Laurie, his eventual comedy partner. While at Cambridge, he discovered a passion for performance over academics. He noted, “I realised I was not an intellectual. I was that smaller thing and I couldn’t deny it. I’m an entertainer.”

Fry’s journey illustrates a profound transformation from a troubled youth to a beloved entertainer, capturing the complexities of his past and the successes that followed.