Blackadder’s Ben Elton reveals how Stephen Fry responded to his “few-holds-barred” portrayal in new memoir

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It’s clear Ben Elton was a little taken aback by the question, but it was simple enough: “Why does everyone seem to dislike you?”

Perhaps the reason I’m hesitant to ask this question isn’t because I’m interviewing him remotely from Australia, where he currently resides. (Actually, I find him quite likable – honest, humorous, insightful, self-aware, and kind.) The question actually originated from Larry, a close friend and the publisher of Elton’s new autobiography.

Elton recalls sharing his idea with the person, and their immediate response wasn’t excitement about the Blackadder connection. Instead, they asked a blunt question: ‘Why does everyone dislike you?’

Elton approaches every topic – including this one – with a direct and funny style. He jokes, “Not everyone dislikes me, or I wouldn’t have written sixteen novels!” He says this with characteristic modesty, conveniently leaving out his hugely successful musicals, iconic comedy shows, and blockbuster movies – not to mention his work on beloved British sitcoms like The Young Ones, Blackadder, and Upstart Crow.

I realize I sometimes bother people. My awkwardness, my eagerness, and my tendency to get overly excited – like saying, ‘Let’s put on a show!’ – I can see how that might be annoying, particularly in Britain, where people generally prefer modesty. For example, if my friend Stephen is talking about his book, he’ll say, in a self-deprecating way, that it’s terrible and not worth reading, and people really respond well to that kind of humility.

I always think my work is my best yet and encourage people to read it, but it doesn’t always have the desired effect. In the book, I address some people who haven’t been kind to me – and they really were unkind – but I tried to handle it with grace and respect. I feel like I struck the right balance, though I probably sound too proud saying that!

I began considering writing a memoir after my friend Rik Mayall passed away in 2014. Seeing all the tributes after his death made me think – it was lovely, but bittersweet, as he could have really used that support during some difficult times in his life. It put me in a reflective, though somewhat sad, state of mind, and I started to think about writing my life story instead of another novel.

He acknowledges writing the book was challenging. Recalling difficult experiences – including a strained relationship with Rik, his struggles with alcohol, a sudden falling out with Alexei Sayle, IVF treatment, and his psoriasis – was painful, but ultimately a helpful process of self-reflection, as he’s never had therapy before.

The book is a welcome change from typical celebrity memoirs because of its frankness, but it raises the question of how the people written about – both friends and rivals – will react to the honest portrayals. The author discusses Stephen Fry extensively, admitting the depiction isn’t entirely positive. Feeling justified in sharing his perspective, the author chose not to seek Fry’s approval beforehand, emphasizing his affection for him. Similarly, Hugh Laurie is a frequent subject, and while the author praises him, he also acknowledges a darker side. To ensure sensitivity, the author asked Laurie’s wife, Jo, to review the relevant sections before publication.

Stephen sent me a lovely letter where he said he understood I might be curious about how he felt about his contributions to the story. He fully supported my approach and affirmed I had done the right thing by telling it as I did.

He freely mentions famous people – claiming he owes it to his publisher – and it’s just part of his open, energetic personality. Honestly, if you can’t enjoy remembering a day spent with Paul and Linda McCartney, even if it involved them arguing about how to make the perfect veggie burger, what’s the fun in anything? He first connected with them through George Harrison, who once thanked him for providing entertainment in the 80s – a moment he’ll always cherish.

He playfully references a phrase from Alan Partridge’s autobiography, asking if he feels he ultimately “had the last laugh.” While often prompted to celebrate the success of his musical We Will Rock You (despite initial criticism), he doesn’t see it as a final vindication. Instead, he simply says he’s enjoyed a great many laughs along the way.

You can get a copy of Ben Elton’s autobiography, What Have I Done?, published by Pan Macmillan (£25), for £22.50 including postage and packaging at radiotimes.com/shop50.

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2025-11-28 20:14