Eddie Izzard
Eddie Izzard, born Edward John Izzard on 7th February 1962, is a British stand-up comic, actor, and activist. Known as Suzy Izzard too, her unique comedic style involves whimsical monologues and self-referential pantomime.
Izzard’s stand-up shows like Live at the Ambassadors (1993), Definite Article (1996), and Dress to Kill (1998) have entertained audiences. She’s graced TV screens in The Riches (2007–2008) and appeared in films like Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Valkyrie (2008). A versatile voice actor, she lent her voice to projects like The Lego Batman Movie and Green Eggs and Ham.
Beyond entertainment, Izzard’s remarkable feats include running marathons for charity and advocating for European unity. A Labour Party supporter, she’s been active politically, even vying for the National Executive Committee. Her journey is one of laughter, resilience, and activism.
Eddie Izzard – Comedian
Early Beginnings and Comedic Exploration
Eddie Izzard, born Edward John Izzard on 7th February 1962, delved into the world of comedy alongside friend Rob Ballard while at university. Their comedic duo took to the streets, notably in London’s Covent Garden. After parting ways with Ballard, Eddie embarked on a journey as a street performer across Europe and the United States during the early 1980s. This unique experience became the crucible for her comedic voice, developed through solo escape acts and engaging with her audience.
Stepping onto the Comedy Stage
The pivotal year of 1987 saw Eddie’s debut at the Comedy Store in London. The 1990s marked a period of honing her craft, gaining recognition through improvisation, and even establishing her own club, Raging Bull in Soho. Her breakthrough arrived in 1991 when she captivated audiences with her “raised by wolves” routine on the televised Hysteria 3 AIDS benefit.
Comedic Triumphs and Versatility
Eddie’s comedic prowess culminated in the 2000 comedy special “Dress to Kill,” where she clinched two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Individual Performance and Writing. Her linguistic prowess shone as she performed stand-up in languages like French and even ventured into Arabic, German, Russian, and Spanish, breaking linguistic barriers.
A Versatile Acting Career
Stepping onto the stage, Eddie displayed her acting finesse with lead roles in productions like David Mamet’s “The Cryptogram” and Christopher Marlowe’s “Edward II.” Her filmography is equally impressive, with roles ranging from Charlie Chaplin to criminal expert Roman Nagel. The small screen saw her in diverse roles, from the BBC’s “The Day of the Triffids” to Showtime’s “United States of Tara.”
A Charitable Heart and Diverse Interests
Eddie’s passion extended beyond entertainment. In 2009, she completed marathons for charity and advocated for unity. A dedicated supporter of various causes, she presented medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and showcased her autobiography on BBC Radio 4’s “Book of the Week.”
