Stephen Fry Visits His Parents - Who Do You Think You Are?

Stephen is off to visit his Mother and Father to see what information they can share on his Grandfather.
Stephen Fry seems as English as tweed, silver toast racks and the London black cab he can be seen driving around the streets of the capital. However, Stephens ancestry is in fact of Jewish European descent.
The story that pricked Stephen's interest the most when researching his family was that of his beloved maternal grandfather, Martin Newman. Martin's actual name was Neumann. By the time of his death, when Stephen was just eleven years old, his flamboyance had made an indelible mark on his grandson.
Stephen hopes to discover more about Martin's life and what happened to the other branches of the Neumann family?
▶ SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE 🔔 : bit.ly/WDYTYAyt
Check out our podcast 👉 bit.ly/WhoDoPod...
📺 All episodes of Who Do You Think You Are are now available on iPlayer bbc.in/3Wiqs9w
▶ J.K. Rowling | Who Do You Think You Are?: bit.ly/JKRowIing
▶ David Tennant | Who Do You Think You Are?: bit.ly/DavidTenn
▶ Martin Freeman | Who Do You Think You Are?: bit.ly/MartinFre
▶ Graham Norton | Who Do You Think You Are?: bit.ly/GrahamNort
In each episode one of Britain's best-loved celebrities traces their family tree to reveal the surprising, extraordinary and often moving stories of their ancestors.
We publish new videos twice a week with the most memorable moments from the show. Subscribe now and click on the bell 🔔 to get notifications every time we upload a new video!
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER ⇨ / wdytya_uk
CHECK OUT THE WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE WEBSITE ⇨ bit.ly/WdytyaBBC

[@laurapickman9415]

What a joy it would be to spend a day with Stephen Fry.

[@carolburke9153]

i agree laura xx.

[@Frauenhaus]

To go for a walk.

[@beirney82]

He's on my dream dinner party guest list.

[@jessiejames7492]

Why? Never did like him. I adore Hugh Laurie. Multi talented. Funny, brilliant.

[@whoever_81]

A night too maybe 😉

[@wordtothewise9723]

Stephen Fry "I'm often described as 'quintessentially English." *Dressed as Paddington Bear*

[@alexion2001]

Well, I see your point there, but isn't Paddington Bear from Peru, therefore not English?

[@merrymermaid]

Aleksa Pavlović *darkest* peru in fact

[@ninjasurf1733]

Daniel Skinley Paddington was from Peru !

[@SvenS2]

Gold

[@Aoderic]

@@alexion2001 Coincidentally, Stephen Fry went to Peru and saved a Spectacled bear (Paddington's Species).

[@DanishNerdess]

It's astonishing how much Stephen looks like his grandfather in that picture!

[@lifanish]

Looks nothing like his Grandfather .Go off to Specksavers

[@brap82]

Bro maybe you should go to Specsavers because you either can't read or write or have bad eye sight your self because he is the spit of that man in the photo.

[@SevenEllen]

He looks like a clean-shaven Melchitt.

[@divinejacobmathew1503]

The resemblance is uncanny

[@TheMerseySound1]

His closest family say themselves there is a resemblance....

[@SW-wf3gy]

Stephen has an absolutely adorable and witty mother

[@michikomanalang6733]

That's so tragic, what happened; and yet so precious to picture a tiny young Stephen with his doting grandfather and his reaction to being told what happened to his relatives.

[@tahutoa]

Especially because he's so empathetic now. Adorable man, and his grandfather sounds awesome

[@MsDDutch]

"I brought a camera crew, which I usually do. Because it's Tuesday". 😅 relatable. My camera crew turns up on Monday.

[@THE-WAY_THE-TRUTH_THE-LIFE.]

I believe he said because it's Tuesday.

[@MsDDutch]

@@THE-WAY_THE-TRUTH_THE-LIFE. All corrected.

[@msbluejayway]

His grandfather sounds like a marvelous man.

[@derlaurenz]

He could single-handedly save the world for me ... we need more philanthropist like Stephen.

[@antoniamills3000]

What a wonderful picture of him with his grandfather

[@anthowell]

If you've read his autobiographies which talk about his Dad you'll know what a miracle it is that the BBC managed to get a close up of him here, even for a second. Fascinating man.

[@mrearny1039]

any particular reason, or was he just a shy man?

[@anthowell]

@@mrearny1039 I think he's shy yes but SF also talks about him as being very suspicious of fame and the lime light.

[@thetooginator153]

Anthony Howell - Well, I think we can all sympathize with Mr. Fry. His son is VERY famous, so, if I was in Mr. Fry’s place, I would want to maintain my privacy too.

[@anthowell]

@@thetooginator153 Yes indeed.

[@trishave5639]

"He had this infuriating habit of punning in three languages." . . . as one does

[@lightawake]

i would love an example lol

[@martinrivermoore9545]

Why infuriating ? It is a lovely habit and one I practice almost daily..😎

[@1988doka]

Tricia Jones n n

[@trishave5639]

@@martinrivermoore9545 Stephens mother said that at 3:09.

[@trishave5639]

@@1988doka Uh?

[@carolineg1872]

What lovely parents.

[@PercivalC]

Can't decide if Stephen looks more like his father or his grandfather. Just strikingly so much like both!

[@dcbsmt]

The Stephen Fry episode was the best ever simply because it involved Stephen Fry. I love him so much.

[@geoffreywelsby7434]

I just love, love, love. Stephen fry. Such a lovely person..

[@krehetpi]

Hey Stephen, Your Mum is a little sweetheart.

[@rachelring2542]

Just adorable. Always appreciate your parents. Love to see the old photos.

[@labradormcgraw]

We all love Stephen Fry. The term 'National Treasure' doesn't even begin to do him justice.

[@sundromos9456]

International Treasure as well. The number of the besotted here in the States is legion.

[@thepianocornertpc]

He got it wrong with his fanatic atheisme of course. Hence he is not SO intelligent.

[@badgermatrix]

@@thepianocornertpc Are you purposefully being ridiculous?

[@thepianocornertpc]

@@badgermatrix Your insult missed it's target in a spectacular way. Meanwhile Fry remains a pompous stuck up pedant and there is nothing you can do to change that fact. Have a nice day.❤❤💋💋

[@debwarren608]

Heck, Americans love him!

[@Donna-cc1kt]

When a person cares enough about his self he gifts himself with proper language, carriage, manners, education, and kindness. It’s not class that tells, it’s the man himself. We lived humbly but raised to engage with the world, have confidence and make our own way. Rich people are only that, rich, and it will never be enough.

[@granthurlburt4062]

Love this. It makes a better world. The sneering and distaste for well-used language and manners is so weird. These were partly seen to be pretentious and indeed using these can be pretentious or intended to be dismissive but we can get past this

[@pennychurchward1481]

The photo of Stephen and his grandfather is amazing

[@Jack-er1sc]

"You've got my nose!" "No, it's mine!"

[@sexyhomeowner9345]

The first thing I noticed was their noses being the same.

[@sarahbrennan1342]

His parents still alive.. he a lucky man

[@charlesblake2280]

His parents seem lovely!

[@AltarenGalil]

Stephens mother reminds me a lot of Emilia Clarke with her smile her eyebrows and general demeanour

[@freshstartification]

Precisely!

[@cristinag.7420]

Stephen Fry is fascinating ! His modesty and polite way it make you love him and admire his vast bagagge of information!

[@Spiro20004]

I was fortunate enough a few years ago to meet Stephens brother who owns a small engineering company very close to their old family home in booton

[@judyveness7581]

He is a fascinating character

[@foolmoon64]

him being part hungarian makes me so happy

[@zsuzsamold]

Igen😊❤️

[@34hedgehog]

... and his mother sounds exactly like Prunella Scales!

[@bartkiggen8665]

Stephen's mom is fantastic

[@vishwash.r2989]

Stephen looks uncannily like his grandfather..!!

[@thatchoirgirl94]

Wow, Stephen's house looks incredibly cozy! 😍 The perfect place to have night-long conversations or to just endlessly listen to the brilliant mind himself talking about all sorts of interesting stuff.

[@SuperMisterKory]

Is there a full episode of this? Recently fascinated by Fry!

[@alphabetaxenonzzzcat]

Stephen is related to Elizabeth Fry, C. B. Fry and the Fry's chocolate producing family on his father's side as well. Old Quaker family.

[@martinshepherd626]

Frys used to have a chocolate factory in Keynsham just a few miles from Bristol until the 80's and when it was then sold to Cadburys. My Uncle worked there as a section/floor supervisor both for Frys and Cadbury

[@gaborstaudinger2927]

Wow! He looks so much like his Grandfather.

[@benjaminsidneykidd-bentley3966]

Omg it's like looking at a young Stephen Fry!!

[@joshkresnik6402]

It’s refreshing to know that celebrities have the same ambiguity of their families and desire to learn the kind of people they were rather than how famous they were.

[@brianfreeman8290]

His parents must be unbelievably proud !

[@niallsheridan3704]

Lovely thanks Stephen! I have had a habit for some years now regarding photographs. I write all the information about the subject on the backs! Dates, location, names, and the occasion in particular. Wish my ancestors did the same!

[@juliet3827]

Love this, one of the best. So fascinating.

[@genexxer1]

OMG I love Stephen's mother!! "Oh!" "Ah!" "Oh!"

[@rosemaryclarke2348]

Confusing but wonderful.

[@jitaamesuluma9730]

But Stephen you are handsome!!!!!!!!!!

[@victoriagadd6831]

Stephen is a marvellous actor aka the impersonations and accents. You are no Peasant, Stephen. You are a Legend.

[@junbh2]

Many peasants are if you get to know them

[@prathification]

Stephen Fry’s grandad sounds like Slavoj Zizek

[@bokehintheussr5033]

"AND SO ON, AND SO ON...."

[@britturk123]

Nice of his parents who are obviously very private people to let us in for a minute.

[@U2QuoZepplin]

Is it me or is there something of Prunella Scales about his mother?

[@Land_Cruiser_40]

Stephen Fry "I'm often described as 'quintessentially English." Drives a Jaaaaaag. Cheers

[@AVINIDE]

I've read the "Jaaag" bit with Clarkson's voice and I don't know why

[@mariewilliams602]

Stephen Fry you are the best a wonderful. Human being 🥰

[@suegreenmeadow2345]

Heartbreaking

[@bluesmaster9896]

I like Stephen ,I'd wager he does have "tweed" ancestry somewhere along the line though.

[@lorraineforster8164]

This is a sad story obviously but must say I love Stephen’s house.

[@thatchoirgirl94]

Omg, "Pa" looks exactly like Stephen!

[@Instasamps]

Very good sir

[@abigailstone823]

His mother looks like Emilia Clarke + 50 years.

[@owenhunt]

She has a similar countenance

[@kaloren7268]

I really like Stephen Fry

[@MarkLatimerRussell]

This is like back to the future. Why TF does Stephen and his grandfather look like twins?!?!

[@oogabooga2581]

inbreeding

[@bureaucraticdeath]

happens in a lot of families, I've found. My father, his brother, and my grandfather all look like the same man at different stages of aging (with some minor differences brought on by lifestyle habits, etc. of course), to such a remarkable degree that they could work as stunt doubles of each other if they weren't all so far apart age-wise, and on my mother's side, my female cousins, my aunt, and my grandmother are all alike. Facebook keeps muddling them up in its auto-tag system, it's honestly quite funny. Some genes just come through strong, even after skipping a generation or two. Others are more yielding and end up mixing, and you get people who look totally different despite their shared heritage. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@Novetrix]

I happen to have a fairly droopy left eyelid. Upon first look, it's not immediately noticeable, but glasses off and closer inspection shows that it's a bit baggier, and therefore hangs a bit lower. We were unaware of why I had this eyelid, until my grandfather had passed in 2011. He had left Germany as a young child with his youngest brother and grandmother near the start of the Third Reich. We knew he'd left a family behind, but we didn't know he had photos of his family growing up. We found a photograph of his eldest brother in army garb -- as many of the young men were in Germany at the time -- and we all seemed to notice at once that his left eyelid hung down a bit further than the other. We at once took off glasses, began to look at each other -- we were cleaning up my grandfather's house, and were all there together -- but it appeared I was the only living family member present who had this drooping eyelid. Unless we've missed someone distant in the family -- or someone who had it surgically fixed -- my great-uncle Heine and I are the only two who have this drooping lid.

[@ReegusReever]

It almost like they're related.

[@tahutoa]

@@Novetrix That's actually quite an interesting trait to exhibit

[@Peter-ov6xh]

1:07 but what about their grandparents?

[@HORSEYANIME2024]

Part 2 of Stephen fry doing research on his family tree and learning unexpected information about his family

[@tahutoa]

I love that background music with the Rhodes piano and the Organ, does anyone know what that song is?

[@trollop_7]

Try Riders On The Storm / Break On Through ( To The Other Side ) by someone who wanted to pay royalties for neither.

[@Alcagaur1]

"Talking about food, and all kinds of very other unEnglish things." I can practically hear them in the utterance.

[@KristerAndersson-nc8zo]

One never knows what soddy secrets your ancestry hides, I found out some years ago that one of my ancestors was a slavetrader.

[@KristerAndersson-nc8zo]

you misunderstand me I do not care.

[@Eli_Stevenson]

Is it just me who thinks his granddad look both like Stephen and Freddie mercury at the same time.

[@Brennan_Dale3169]

Trifecta!

[@derektrotter4287]

Definitely from good stock bent as a 6 bob note😂

[@Xelor69]

Damn that got sad real quick.

[@keatsgipsy9991]

How interesting!

[@jaynecooney9549]

I hum all the time and my family tell me to be quits ha ha

[@SayanHaqueOfficial]

wow

[@fionagregory9147]

His mum looks a bit like the Queen.

[@bm7760]

As fond as I am of Stephen Fry I'm always distracted by thoughts about what it must've been like to grow-up wealthy. Would he have realised it? Where does such wealth come from? What doors did it open or opportunities did it facilitate given that he didn't need to work 8-5 in a factory somewhere every day? What circles did he move in? What is it like to not have to worry about getting-by until the next pay cheque? I do like you, Stephen, but I think I'd have a more comfortable lunch with Alexi Sayle. :-)

[@derektrotter4287]

That bowl cut is ridiculous 😂

[@Alex_Plante]

It's funny, I always thought he was Irish.

[@chesterdonnelly1212]

Stephen Fry is proof that you don’t need to have English ancestors to be very English.

[@W42PZ]

Bury St. Edmunds

[@jamesmorgan403]

Martin was Hungarian first and jewish second.

[@James47298]

And from Norfolk lol

[@9wowable]

yeah, Hungarian jews (even though his were from Nagysurany, now in Slovakia) were the most integrated and secular in Europe, and staunchly nationalistic. (Especially during ww1) It’s a national tragedy what the fascists did and blamed them for before WW2. Even the Hungarian regent and the PM tried to protect them from fascist deportation. But when a German army comes rolling in and takes away your government, there’s nout you can do. :/

[@jazura2]

@@9wowable It was almost certainly Auschwitz where the family were murdered because that is where they were sent in 1944.

[@jimbowden768]

Why was my previous comment Deleted ??????? .......

[@margaretmcgarry7796]

Was it rude

[@jimbowden768]

@@margaretmcgarry7796 NO !

[@oliverholmes-gunning5372]

His dad looks like Ian Fleming

[@ringwe]

Wear your seatbelts, people!

[@sophiee.h]

1 March 2006

[@valor101arise]

😂❤😂ancestors made of tweed ❤😂❤😂

[@teclasicbaldi]

0:18 why is that thick the monitor?!

[@jebdunkins6796]

Computer monitors were that thick in 2006.

[@Mrs.TJTaylor]

I like to think off him as a person arising from the whole wold. That way I can claim a nearer association.

[@davidwood9991]

Still haven't got my credit card back!

[@carolking6355]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@francaperotti5934]

Nothing wrong with being decent from pesents.

[@jazura2]

Of course there is nothing wrong but in Britain which is still so obsessed by class it it has a negative connotation.

[@junbh2]

I don't think he minds that at all.

[@britturk123]

It makes his genes even more miraculous I feel.

[@thebackup2121]

Didn't buck the argument for 'quintessential' by doing the British thing of standing in the kitchen by the copper pans, looking mildly annoyed while thinking about what they were going to do next, chewing on a thin sliver of cheese

[@Io-Io-Io]

Me thinks you have lots of Space... I'm dwelling in a 10m2 room.

[@grs6262]

Mr. And Mrs. FRY?

[@danielmarshall4587]

As English as a cup of tea...

[@Lighting_Desk]

He comes across as extra posh and privileged in this one.

[@AL-fl4jk]

The long chin gene runs strong in this family haha

[@sarahphillips2992]

What is wrong with being a "ruddy peasant "?

[@phily8093]

That's so English. Ignore the very English side and focus on the side not native to it, however distant, and focus on that, even though you are so, so English - never acknowledge it, or appreciate how wonderful the history and culture, past and present that being English is.

[@alifarley8766]

It wasn’t always like this...

[@brianellinger6622]

The man being robbed

[@Oldman808]

I encounter immigrants that won’t learn English.

[@edwardgoebbernays6572]

A part of UK culture and a man cultivated. Perfect, maybe he can teach a bit of intelligence to Israelians... Sorry about that but really this country is too dangerous now

[@rw3899]

Can't say the UK is moving in a direction that is necessarily advantageous to them. I thank the gods above that I grew up on the other side of the Channel...

[@adolfvonpanzer9521]

Never miss a chance to have a dig at the Germans zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@gerardferry3958]

quintessentially Saville in disguise

[@patricaputt343]

What a snob....with his 'refined blood' and 'intellectually and aristocratic superiority'. how devastating it might be to find out that an ancestor might be a 'ruddy peasant'.

[@junbh2]

That was clearly a joke. It's obvious he would be perfectly happy with some peasant relatives.