Eddie Izzard
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Edward John Izzard
Common Aliases: Eddie Izzard
Birth and Death Dates
Date of Birth: February 7, 1962
Date of Death: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: British
Professions: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Political Activist
Early Life and Background
Eddie Izzard was born in Aden, Yemen, where her father worked for British Petroleum. Her family moved frequently during her early years, living in Northern Ireland and Wales. Tragedy struck when Eddie was just six years old; her mother passed away from cancer, a loss that profoundly affected her life and work. Izzard attended boarding schools in the UK, where she developed a passion for performing. Her early exposure to different cultures and environments, combined with the challenges of her childhood, shaped her unique comedic voice and perspective.
Major Accomplishments
Eddie Izzard's career took off in the late 1980s and early 1990s with her stand-up comedy, which quickly gained a cult following. Known for her surreal and whimsical style, she has been compared to legendary comedians like Monty Python. Izzard's major breakthrough came with her 1993 show "Live at the Ambassadors," which won her a British Comedy Award. She continued to build on this success with acclaimed performances such as "Definite Article," "Glorious," and "Dress to Kill," the latter of which earned her two Emmy Awards in 2000.
Notable Works or Actions
Beyond stand-up comedy, Eddie Izzard has made significant contributions to film and television. She has appeared in movies such as "Ocean's Twelve," "Ocean's Thirteen," and "Valkyrie," showcasing her versatility as an actor. On television, she starred in the critically acclaimed series "The Riches," further cementing her status as a talented performer. Izzard is also known for her remarkable endurance feats, including running 43 marathons in 51 days for charity, raising over £1.35 million for Sport Relief.
Impact and Legacy
Eddie Izzard's impact extends beyond entertainment. As a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, she has been open about her gender fluidity and has used her platform to promote acceptance and understanding. Her courage in living authentically has inspired many and contributed to broader conversations about gender identity. Izzard's influence is also felt in the political arena; she has been an active supporter of the Labour Party in the UK and has campaigned for various social causes.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Eddie Izzard is widely quoted and remembered for her sharp wit, insightful observations, and ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary. Her comedy often tackles complex topics such as history, religion, and human behavior, making her work both entertaining and thought-provoking. Izzard's quotes resonate with audiences because they reflect her unique perspective on life, shaped by her diverse experiences and personal challenges. Her ability to connect with people through humor and her commitment to social change ensure that her words continue to inspire and entertain.
Quotes by Eddie Izzard
Eddie Izzard's insights on:
Religion and philosophy, philosophy and religion - they're two words which are both... different. In spelling.
I remember when I was being told about Watergate, and I thought, “Oh, America is not what I think America is.” But America is what I think it is. It’s just that it’s two bits of it, and I don’t go with the Republican bit of it. I go more with the Democratic bit.
But stinging nettles: They just love existing, don’t they? They’re bastards. Stinging nettles are the Nazis of the weed world.
Drama is a complete meal, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates. It’s a slow burn thing. It’s got an arc. Comedy is more like coke.
I can go from blokey to girlie in 15 minutes and then I’m out the door. But that’s the fastest I can do it. Becoming a woman takes work.
I felt audiences are happier to take comedy people who play darker people because there’s a link between the psychosis of comedy and the psychosis of being a twisted character.
Despair is the fuel of terrorism, and hope is the fuel of civilization, so we have to put more hope into the world than despair. Hatred and separation and building walls is not the way to progress. Going backward is not the way to go forward.
When I was seven, I said, “I want to act.” When I was 10, I realized that films exist, and I wanted to be in them. Not a comedian, I wanted to be a dramatic actor. Films just seemed such fun, and like such a great thing to do.
Fox hunting, there’s big fox hunting thing, there’s arguments in Britain about fox hunting. And they go around. They obviously hunt foxes because the foxes, they attack chickens. And posh people have an alliance with chickens just like in the First World War.