The Dishcast with Andrew Sullivan

Stephen Fry On Depression And Loving Life

5 snips
Jul 12, 2024
Legendary British actor, Stephen Fry, discusses growing up in Norfolk, his mom's Jewish ancestry, embracing Englishness, and his struggles with bipolar depression. He delves into his influences, including Oscar Wilde, Gore Vidal, Auden, and more. The conversation also explores his personal journey, LGBTQ+ culture in literature, Brexit motivations, and reflections on government systems and life evolution.
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ANECDOTE

Family Fleeing Antisemitism

  • Stephen Fry describes his maternal grandparents leaving Central Europe for England due to rising antisemitism after WWI.
  • Many of his extended family later perished in the Holocaust, which shaped his family's history and identity.
ANECDOTE

Mixture Of English And Jewish Roots

  • Fry recounts his father's deep English roots and a great-uncle who wrote about the family's Saxon origins.
  • He presents himself as a cultural mixture of English and Central European heritage.
INSIGHT

Identity Shaped By External Forces

  • Fry says his Jewish identity was cultural rather than religious and shaped by external definitions.
  • He notes that antisemitism historically defines who is considered Jewish more than self-definition does.
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