40 Facts About Peter Kay

Early Life and Education

Peter Kay's journey to becoming one of the UK's most beloved comedians began in Farnworth, Lancashire. His early life and education played a significant role in shaping his comedic talent.

1. Birth and Early Life: Peter John Kay was born on July 2, 1973, in Farnworth, Lancashire, to Michael John Kay, an engineer, and Deirdre (née O'Neill), an Irish Catholic from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
2. Education: Kay attended Mount Saint Joseph School and later studied media performance at the University of Salford.
3. Career Beginnings: Before his comedy career took off, Kay worked in various odd jobs, including a toilet roll factory, Netto supermarket, petrol station, cash and carry, and bingo hall.

Breakthrough in Comedy

Peter Kay's comedic talent began to shine through in the mid-90s, leading to his breakthrough in the comedy scene.

4. Comedy Breakthrough: Kay won the North West Comedian of the Year award in 1996, marking the start of his successful comedy career.
5. Early Success: In 1997, he won Channel 4's Britain's Got the Pop Factor… and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice, a parody of several British reality television shows. He played Geraldine McQueen, a transgender dinner lady from Ireland, and released the single "The Winner's Song," which reached number 2 in the UK singles chart.

Phoenix Nights and Television Success

Kay's work on television, particularly with Phoenix Nights, solidified his status as a comedy legend.

6. Phoenix Nights: Kay co-wrote and starred in the BAFTA-winning comedy series Phoenix Nights, playing both the disabled nightclub owner Mr. Potter and the doorman.
7. Stand-Up Comedy Tours: His 2010-2011 stand-up comedy tour was recorded in the Guinness World Records as the most successful ever, selling over 1.2 million tickets.
8. Guinness World Record: In January 2012, Kay’s tour entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful stand-up comedy tour of all time, playing to a total of 1.2 million people.
9. TV Shows and Appearances: Kay has appeared in a variety of TV shows, including Doctor Who, Coronation Street, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, and Cradle to Grave.

Contributions to Charity and Writing

Peter Kay has also made significant contributions to charity and literature, showcasing his versatility beyond comedy.

10. Comic Relief Contributions: In 2005, he masterminded the Comic Relief video to (Is This The Way To) Amarillo, which became the biggest selling song of the year, staying at number one in the charts for seven weeks and raising over £2 million for charity. Two years later, his video to (I'm Gonna Be) 500 Miles also soared to the top of the UK singles chart.
11. Autobiography: His self-penned autobiography, The Sound of Laughter, sold over one million copies in the first three months of release and now ranks as the biggest selling British hardback autobiography of all time.

Personal Life and Influences

Peter Kay's personal life and family background have greatly influenced his comedy and career.

12. Personal Life: Kay is married to Susan Gargan, whom he met in a nightclub in Bolton in 1998. They married in 2001 and have a teenage son, Charlie Michael Kay, named after their fathers.
13. Family Influences: Kay’s mother, Deirdre, is a Roman Catholic of Irish descent, and he was brought up in her faith. His father, Michael, was an engineer who passed away just before Kay’s career took off.
14. Teetotalism: Despite fronting several beer adverts on British TV, Kay is actually teetotal. He became teetotal after his father’s sudden death in April 1999.
15. Childhood Ambition: Kay’s childhood ambition was to be a bin man, reflecting his humble beginnings and the influence of his working-class upbringing.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Peter Kay's career is filled with numerous highlights and achievements that have cemented his place in British comedy history.

16. Education and Qualifications: Kay has a qualification in stand-up comedy, which he obtained as part of his Btec in Media Performance Studies.
17. Edinburgh Festival: In 1998, he took his own hour-long show to the Edinburgh Fringe and was nominated for the Perrier Award.
18. So You Think You're Funny?: Kay won the So You Think You're Funny contest at Edinburgh in 1997, further boosting his career.
19. That Peter Kay Thing: This series, which aired in 2000, featured several characters, including "The Oldest Newspaper Boy in Britain," based on a real-life character named Leonard.
20. Film Career: Kay has appeared in films like Blow Dry (2001), where he played Cyril the Barman, and Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005).

Stand-Up Specials and Tours

Peter Kay's stand-up specials and tours have been immensely popular, drawing large audiences and breaking records.

21. Live at the Top of the Tower: His first live special, Live at the Top of the Tower in 2000, marked a significant milestone in his career, leading to mainstream recognition.
22. Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and Parkinson: Kay appeared on several chat shows, including Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and Parkinson, during this period.
23. Phoenix Nights Production: Production began on Phoenix Nights during this time, cementing his place in British comedy.
24. The Tour That Doesn’t Tour Tour: In November 2009, after an absence of seven years, Kay announced a return to stand-up with four (later extended to 20) dates at the Manchester Arena with a show entitled The Tour That Doesn’t Tour Tour…Now On Tour.

Recent Work and Awards

In recent years, Peter Kay has continued to create successful projects and receive numerous awards for his work.

25. Peter Kay’s Car Share: This BBC sitcom, which aired from 2015 to 2018, was a huge success and won several awards, including the BAFTA TV Award for Best Male Comedy Performance and the BAFTA TV Award for Best Scripted Comedy.
26. Cradle to Grave: Kay starred in another BBC sitcom, Cradle to Grave, based on Danny Baker’s life as a teenager, in October 2015.
27. Doctor Who Appearance: On June 17, 2006, Kay appeared in an episode of Doctor Who titled Love & Monsters.
28. Royal Television Society Awards: Kay has won four Royal Television Society Awards, including one for playing Geraldine McQueen.
29. Rose D'Or Award: He received the prestigious Rose D'Or award at the Montreux Television Festival for his work on Phoenix Nights.
30. BAFTA/LA Award: Kay won a BAFTA/LA Award for his 2009 television special Britain’s Got The Pop Factor.
31. National Television Award: He won the National Television Award for Best Comedy for Peter Kay’s Car Share in 2016.
32. Honorary Doctorate: Kay received an honorary doctorate from the University of Salford in recognition of his contributions to the arts.

Philanthropy and Legacy

Peter Kay's philanthropic efforts and lasting legacy in comedy continue to inspire and entertain audiences.

33. Comic Relief Performances: In 2015, he brought back Phoenix Nights for a series of live performances for Comic Relief. He also toured the UK with Peter Kay’s Dance For Life in aid of Cancer Research in 2016.
34. Stand-Up Comedy DVDs: His Mum Wants A Bungalow tour still holds the record as the biggest-selling British stand-up DVD of all time.
35. Public Recognition: Although his scenes in Blow Dry were filmed in Shoreditch, Greater London, rather than Keighley, West Yorkshire, as he had expected, this exposure helped him gain public recognition.
36. Personal Qualities: Kay is known for his down-to-earth personality and his ability to connect with audiences through his relatable humor and personal anecdotes.
37. Philanthropy: Through his charity work, including the Comic Relief campaigns, Kay has raised significant amounts for various charitable causes.
38. Family Life: Despite his busy schedule, Kay values family life and has spoken about the importance of his family in his life and career.
39. Residence: Kay currently resides in the United Kingdom, maintaining strong ties to his hometown of Bolton, which often features in his stand-up routines.
40. Legacy: Peter Kay’s legacy extends beyond his comedic performances. He has inspired a generation of comedians and continues to be a beloved figure in British entertainment.

Celebrating Peter Kay's Legacy

Peter Kay's journey from a humble background to becoming one of the UK's most beloved comedians is nothing short of inspiring. His stand-up comedy tours, hit TV shows like Phoenix Nights and Peter Kay’s Car Share, and his record-breaking achievements have cemented his place in British entertainment history. Beyond his professional success, Kay's personal life and philanthropy showcase his genuine character and dedication to making a positive impact. His ability to connect with audiences through relatable humor and heartfelt stories has made him a household name. As we celebrate his legacy, it's clear that Peter Kay's influence on comedy and entertainment will continue to be felt for generations to come. Whether through his hilarious performances or his charitable efforts, Kay remains a cherished figure who has brought joy and laughter to millions.