Paul Merton Biography

Fast Facts

• Was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for Factual Series for "Paul Merton in China" in 2008
• Won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Entertainment Performance for "Have I Got News for You" in 2003, and has been nominated for several more such awards during his tenure on the series
• Won two British Comedy Awards for Best Comedy Entertainment Personality for "Have I Got News for You" in 1992 and 1999
• Made his screen acting debut on the TV series "The Young Ones" in 1984
• Worked at an employment office for several years before making his stand-up comedy debut in 1982 at the Comedy Store
• Quote: "In comedy it doesn't look like there's an art going on; it should look as if it's easy․․․But it is as difficult as playing the violin; there's a skill to be learned, there's a timing, there's a projection․․․"
• Best known as comedian and television presenter who hosts the game show "Have I Got News for You․"
• Co-wrote and directed the black comedy short film "The Suicidal Dog" in 2000, in which he also made a vocal cameo
• Performed on the BBC Radio 4 improv series "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" in 1987 and made the move to television with the show in 1988, where he was a regular participant