30 Facts About Ruby Wax

Early Life and Education

Ruby Wax, a name synonymous with comedy and mental health advocacy, has a fascinating background. Let's dive into her early years and educational journey.

1. Ruby Wax was born on April 19, 1953, in Evanston, Illinois, USA. Her birth name is Ruby Wachs.
2. Her parents were Austrian Jews who fled the Nazis, settling in the United States.
3. Wax attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied psychology and theater.
4. She later moved to the UK to study at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow.

Career Beginnings

Wax's career took off in the UK, where she became a household name. Here are some key moments from her early career.

5. Ruby Wax started her career as an actress with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
6. She transitioned to comedy, joining the cast of the British sketch show "Not the Nine O'Clock News."
7. Wax became a writer and performer on the popular show "Girls on Top," alongside Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.
8. She gained fame for her role as the host of the talk show "The Full Wax," which aired in the 1990s.

Television and Film

Wax's work in television and film has left a lasting impact. Let's explore some of her notable projects.

9. Ruby Wax appeared in the film "Shock Treatment," the sequel to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
10. She hosted the BBC series "Ruby Wax Meets…," where she interviewed celebrities like Madonna and Imelda Marcos.
11. Wax starred in the sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous" as the character Bettina.
12. She voiced the character Dr. Daphne in the animated series "The Wild Thornberrys."

Mental Health Advocacy

Wax's personal experiences with mental health have fueled her advocacy work. Here are some highlights of her efforts.

13. Ruby Wax has been open about her struggles with depression and bipolar disorder.
14. She earned a Master's degree in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy from the University of Oxford.
15. Wax authored the book "Sane New World," which explores mental health and mindfulness.
16. She founded the mental health charity Frazzled Cafe, providing support for those feeling overwhelmed by life.

Awards and Recognition

Wax's contributions to entertainment and mental health have not gone unnoticed. Let's look at some of her accolades.

17. Ruby Wax was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2015 for her services to mental health.
18. She received the Mind Champion of the Year award in 2010 for her mental health advocacy.
19. Wax was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of East London in 2016.
20. She was named one of the BBC's 100 Women in 2013, recognizing her impact on society.

Personal Life

Wax's personal life is as intriguing as her professional one. Here are some interesting facts about her life off-screen.

21. Ruby Wax married television producer Ed Bye in 1988.
22. The couple has three children: Max, Madeleine, and Marina.
23. Wax became a British citizen in 2016, after living in the UK for over 40 years.
24. She practices mindfulness and meditation regularly to manage her mental health.

Recent Projects

Wax continues to work on new projects, keeping her fans engaged. Let's see what she's been up to lately.

25. Ruby Wax released her book "How to Be Human: The Manual" in 2018, co-written with a neuroscientist and a monk.
26. She toured the UK with her one-woman show "Frazzled," focusing on mental health and mindfulness.
27. Wax launched a podcast called "No Brainer," discussing mental health topics with experts and celebrities.
28. She appeared in the documentary "Ruby Wax: Mad Confessions," exploring the stigma around mental illness.

Fun Facts

Here are some quirky and lesser-known facts about Ruby Wax that you might find surprising.

29. Ruby Wax once worked as a waitress at the Playboy Club in London before her comedy career took off.
30. She has a passion for gardening and often shares tips and photos of her garden on social media.

Ruby Wax: A Life Full of Surprises

Ruby Wax's life is a tapestry of comedy, advocacy, and resilience. From her early days on stage to becoming a mental health champion, she's shown an incredible ability to reinvent herself. Her wit and wisdom have touched many lives, making her a beloved figure in both the entertainment and mental health communities.

Her journey underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the power of humor in overcoming life's challenges. Ruby's candidness about her struggles has inspired countless individuals to seek help and speak openly about their own experiences.

Whether you're a fan of her comedy, her books, or her advocacy work, there's no denying Ruby Wax's impact. Her story is a reminder that it's never too late to change, grow, and make a difference. Keep an eye on Ruby; she's always got something new up her sleeve.