Slim, the first black British comedian to sell out the London Palladium with a solo show, is embracing his career at 54, expressing gratitude for his achievements while acknowledging that his journey is far from complete, reports BritPanorama.
“I know I’ve done well, but I don’t think I’ve arrived yet,” he states. “I want billboards and film roles. I don’t want to make just British people laugh; I want to be known internationally.”
Despite his aspirations, Slim, whose real name is Danny Gray, expresses reservations about reality television. While he would consider participating in shows like Hunted for exposure, he finds the I’m a Celebrity… jungle unsuitable, joking, “You lose weight when you’re out there, and I don’t have that extra weight to lose. I’d leave in a coffin.”
Frequently referred to as the “godfather of black British comedy,” Slim maintains a humble perspective regarding such titles. “I’m not going to say it’s not nice, but I’ve never been one to title myself,” he explains.
His comedic trajectory began long before he made history at the Comedy Store on Sunset Strip in Hollywood in 2005. Growing up, he embraced his role as the class clown, defying teachers who suggested his humor would not serve him well in adulthood. “I guess my teachers were wrong,” he remarks.
Now revisiting his youth and career for his BBC Radio 4 mini-series Slim’s Guide to Life, he reflects on both cherished memories and the challenges of his early career.
At 21, Slim was invited by comic friend Curtis Walker to perform at the Hackney Empire before a crowd of 1,500. The experience was daunting, as comedians typically start in smaller venues. “Deep down, I needed to know if I was just funny to my family and friends, or if I could be funny to a room full of strangers,” he remembers. “I still remember my set; it was about meeting your girlfriend’s parents for the first time.”
His successful performance triggered a passion for comedy, yet he balanced it with a day job as a bus driver. “From 21 to 36, I worked two jobs, which kept me grounded,” he explains. “My grandad would say: ‘The comedy is nice, but you should still have a proper job.’” He initially viewed comedy as a hobby rather than a career.
Slim became a father at 17, which influenced his decisions. In 2008, he contemplated moving to the United States, but chose to stay in the UK when his youngest child expressed his desire for him to remain. “I thought, in the future, once they get bigger, I’ll continue my dreams, and that’s what I’m doing now,” he notes.
With his six children now grown, he enjoys the freedom of being a grandfather to three young grandchildren, aged 14, four, and two. “When they’re your children, you’ve got to discipline them because you want them to be decent adults. That’s gone out the window with grandkids, because that’s not my role. I get to spoil them,” he says.
As his career flourishes, Slim emphasizes the importance of staying true to himself. “I’m still approachable. I talk to anyone; I’ve always had that. Mom would say, ‘You talk to the breeze, man.’”
He observes that many people wear facades in life, including fellow comedians. “It’s tiring to try to be someone else,” he concludes, reflecting on his own authenticity.
Evaluating his life through the lens of his BBC series, Slim expresses contentment. “I’m not saying I’ve done everything right, but I don’t think I’ve had a nightmare of a life, and I’ve learned from things,” he states. “Genuine mistakes you get over, and time is a great healer for heartaches. I wouldn’t change anything about my life. We move forward, don’t we?”
Slim’s Guide to Life is on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesdays at 11pm, and is also available to catch up in the Stand Up Specials Feed on BBC Sounds.
