Eddie Izzard
Comedian and actor Eddie Izzard is widely known for his style of stand-up comedy, as well as his many other achievements as an actor. Born in Yemen in 1962 to British parents, he eventually moved to England where his career began to flourish. Throughout his 50 years in the public eye, Eddie Izzard has established himself as a highly successful author, playwright, and comedian, as well as an outspoken advocate for human rights, the LGBT+ community, and the power of art.
Early Career
Izzard made his professional debut at a London comedy club in 1987, and soon grew a reputation for his solo, interactive, surrealist stand-up comedy. He quickly rose to fame with his solo stand-up shows, and earned a prominent spot in the British comedy scene. His first televised special, Unrepeatable, was featured on Channel 4 in 1994. The show was well-received for its attention to every nuance of Izzard's uniquely insightful humour. He has since gone on to star in and write numerous television specials, as well as authored five books and over a dozen plays.
Books
Eddie Izzard has released five books in the past 20 years, each of which explore topics ranging from the history of comedy, to the story of his own career, and even essays regarding human rights and the importance of art. His first book, Dress To Kill, was released in 1998, and focused primarily on his own career and his conflicting emotions towards fame and success. This book soon developed a cult following, and Izzard gained an even larger following in the literary world as he released Showbusiness: A Beginner’s Guide in 2000.
The next three books, Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Jazz Chickens (2013), Force Majeure (2015), and But... Seriously (2018) all focus primarily on personal stories from his life and career. Each of these books is filled with Izzard’s own humour and insight, making them a fascinating read. His latest work, The Belief-O-Matic: Change Your Beliefs and Create New Realities, was released in 2020. The book focuses on how beliefs impact our lives and how to use them to create positive outcomes. It’s a deep and inspiring read, and offers valuable advice for anyone looking to better their life and understanding of themselves.
Acting and Advocacy
Beyond his work in books, Izzard is also a prominent actor, having starred in feature films such as Ocean's Twelve, Ocean's Thirteen, Valkyrie, and Across the Universe. He has also had leading roles in a variety of television series and stage plays including Martin Guerre, The Riches, and The CAT. On the stage, Izzard has performed multiple world-tours and theatre shows, and received two Olivier Awards: one for comedy and one for drama.
Izzard is an outspoken advocate for the LGBT+ community, human rights, and the power of art. He has participated in marches and protests over the years, and was a vocal opponent of Brexit and Donald Trump. He has also undergone a rigorous campaign to show his support for particular issues and causes, using his influence and voice to make a difference.
Conclusion
For more than 50 years, Eddie Izzard has been a prominent figure in the world of comedy and theatre. He has written and starred in countless television specials and stage shows, as well as authored five books and over a dozen plays. Beyond his work as an actor and author, Eddie Izzard is also an advocate for the LGBT+ community, human rights, and the power of art. It’s clear that even after all these years, his influence and commitment to various causes continues to inspire and impress.
