Inside Lenny Henry’s Life: Meet His Renowned Long-Term Partner

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 17, 2026 4:32 AM ET

Inside Lenny Henry’s Life: Meet His Renowned Long-Term Partner

Lenny Henry, 67, appears on ITV’s The Assembly tonight. The programme gives young autistic, neurodivergent and learning-disabled people space to question public figures.

Career highlights

Henry first rose to fame as a stand-up and impressionist. That success came in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

He became one of the most prominent black British comedians of his generation. His screen work includes the sitcom Chef! and presenting The Magicians.

In 1985, he co-founded Comic Relief with writer Richard Curtis. The charity became a major British institution.

Personal life and past marriage

Henry was married to comedian Dawn French. Their union lasted from 1974 until 2010.

The couple adopted a daughter, Billie. They separated after twenty-five years together.

Relationship with Lisa Makin

Inside Lenny Henry’s life, his renowned long-term partner is casting director Lisa Makin. The pair have been together since 2012.

Makin is a respected casting director and creative producer. She spent around two decades as Head of Casting and Associate Director at the Royal Court Theatre.

Her credits include Danny and the Human Zoo and Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky. She has also worked on Broadway productions such as La Bête.

Henry says they first met when she produced a show in which he played Othello. He recalls many shared cups of tea and a gradual friendship that deepened into romance.

When asked why they have not married, he answered with good humour. He implied Lisa would know the answer better than he would.