40 Facts About Fern Brady

Early Life and Education

Fern Brady's journey began in Scotland, where her unique background and experiences shaped her path.

1. Fern Brady was born in Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland, on May 26, 1986.
2. She grew up in a family with Irish roots, specifically from County Donegal, and was raised within the Catholic Church in Scotland.
3. Brady attended St. Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian, where she was fixated on getting good marks in school. However, she eventually ended up in a teenage mental health unit at age 16 due to her struggles with mental health.
4. After leaving the mental health unit, Brady attended the University of Edinburgh, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic and Islamic History.
5. During her time at the University of Edinburgh, Brady was a journalist and editor for the student newspaper, The Student. This experience led to her earning a scholarship to train as a reporter in England.

Transition to Comedy

Brady's career took a significant turn when she discovered her passion for comedy.

6. While interning at Fest Magazine, a free magazine covering the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Brady was tasked with writing an article about a comedy critic trying stand-up for the first time. This experience ignited her passion for stand-up comedy and led her to pursue a career in it.
7. Fern Brady’s first professional stand-up comedy gig took place in May 2010.
8. Brady achieved early recognition in the comedy world by reaching the finals of the So You Think You’re Funny? competition at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where she secured a joint third place.
9. She also reached the finals of the Piccadilly Comedy Club new act competition in 2012 and the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year in 2013, showcasing her talent and dedication to the craft.

Rise to Fame

Brady's talent and wit quickly earned her spots on notable platforms.

10. Brady’s charisma and wit earned her spots on notable comedy panel shows, including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Seann Walsh’s Late Night Comedy Spectacular, and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order.
11. She has appeared on various radio programs such as The News Quiz and The Now Show, further solidifying her presence in the comedy world.
12. In 2023, Fern Brady released her memoir, Strong Female Character, which covers her journey from journalism to stand-up comedy, including her experiences with autism and mental health.
13. Brady was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2021, which she has actively engaged with in terms of education and advocacy.
14. Since learning about her diagnosis, Brady has been involved in various initiatives to raise awareness about autism in women, highlighting the often-overlooked symptoms and experiences of autistic women.

Podcasting and Media Ventures

Brady's versatility extends beyond stand-up comedy into podcasting and television.

15. In 2020, Brady co-created the podcast Wheel of Misfortune with fellow comedian Alison Spittle, showcasing her versatility beyond stand-up comedy.
16. She co-presented the Dave travelogue British as Folk alongside Darren Harriott and Ivo Graham, exploring regional stereotypes across the UK.
17. Brady joined the 14th series of Taskmaster in 2022, demonstrating her diverse capabilities in entertainment and showcasing her humor on the TV show.

Awards and Recognition

Brady's work has not gone unnoticed, earning her numerous accolades.

18. Fern Brady has received numerous awards and nominations for her work, including winning the non-fiction section of the 2023 Books Are My Bag Readers' Awards and the non-fiction category in the inaugural Nero book awards.
19. Brady identifies as bisexual and has spoken openly about her experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
20. She has candidly discussed her struggles with mental health, including her experiences with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and self-harm, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness.

Personal Experiences

Brady's personal life and experiences have significantly influenced her career and advocacy.

21. To finance her university studies, Brady worked as a stripper, a fact she has also shared in her memoir with brutal honesty and deadpan humor.
22. Growing up within the Catholic Church in Scotland had a significant impact on her perspective and experiences, which she has discussed in her memoir.
23. Brady’s Irish heritage and family roots in County Donegal have influenced her perspective and humor, adding a unique dimension to her comedy.
24. During her time at the University of Edinburgh, Brady was the editor of The Student, a weekly student-produced newspaper.
25. After graduating, she trained to become a journalist but eventually decided to pursue a career in stand-up comedy instead.

Stand-Up Comedy and Shows

Brady's stand-up shows have been a significant part of her career.

26. Her stand-up shows include People Are Idiots (2015), Male Comedienne (2016), and Suffer, Fools! (2017), the last of which was filmed live for the BBC.
27. Brady is a regular on the comedy circuit, known for her brutal and cutting turn of phrase that rips through the noise.
28. She has appeared regularly on topical panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, and The Russell Howard Hour.
29. Known for her sharp wit and humor, Brady has appeared on many radio programs including The News Quiz and The Now Show.

Advocacy and Impact

Brady's advocacy for autism and mental health has made a significant impact.

30. Her experience co-presenting British as Folk helped her become more accepting of herself as an autistic person and provided a positive depiction of neurodiversity.
31. Through her memoir and public appearances, Brady has actively engaged in autism advocacy, highlighting the need for better recognition and understanding of autism in women.
32. The themes of her memoir Strong Female Character include her experiences with autism, mental health struggles, and her journey from journalism to stand-up comedy.
33. Brady emphasizes that many autistic women are misdiagnosed or overlooked because their symptoms are often masked by social expectations and behaviors.

Competitions and Personal Growth

Brady's experiences in comedy competitions and personal growth have shaped her career.

34. Her experience in competitions like So You Think You’re Funny? and Piccadilly Comedy Club new act competition showcases her talent and dedication to the craft of stand-up comedy.
35. Through her journey, Brady has spoken about how being autistic has provided her with an escape route from traditional paths laid out for women, allowing her to forge her own path in life.
36. Known for her brutal honesty and deadpan humor, Brady’s comedy style is both funny and heart-breaking, making her a compelling figure in the comedy world.

Legacy and Influence

Brady's legacy in comedy and advocacy continues to inspire many.

37. Fern Brady has been nominated for several awards, including the Chortle Awards, British Book Awards, and Sky Arts Awards, reflecting her significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
38. The podcast Wheel of Misfortune, which she co-created with Alison Spittle, has been successful in engaging audiences with its unique blend of humor and storytelling.
39. Her experience co-presenting British as Folk not only helped her become more accepting of herself but also provided a positive depiction of neurodiversity, reaching a broader audience.
40. Fern Brady’s legacy in comedy extends beyond her stand-up performances and podcasting career. She has inspired many with her authenticity, humor, and advocacy for autism awareness, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Fern Brady: A Unique Voice in Comedy

Fern Brady's journey from a small town in Scotland to the comedy spotlight is nothing short of inspiring. Her Irish roots, Catholic upbringing, and university education in Arabic and Islamic History have all shaped her unique perspective. Transitioning from journalism to stand-up comedy, Brady's career took off after her first professional gig in 2010. She's since become a regular on comedy panel shows, radio programs, and even co-hosted a travelogue. Diagnosed with autism in 2021, Brady has used her platform to advocate for autism awareness, especially in women. Her memoir, Strong Female Character, delves into her personal struggles and triumphs, offering a raw and honest look at her life. With her brutal honesty and deadpan humor, Fern Brady continues to break barriers and inspire many in the comedy world and beyond.