Johnny Vegas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Johnny Vegas
Vegas in 2007
Born	Michael Joseph Pennington (1970-09-05) 5 September 1970 (age 54) St Helens, Lancashire, England
Education	Middlesex University (BA)
Occupation	Actor comedian director writer
Years active	1996–present
Spouse(s)	Kitty Donnelly ​ ​ (m. 2002; div. 2008)​ Maïa Dunphy ​ ​ (m. 2011; sep 2020)​
Children	2

Michael Joseph Pennington (born 5 September 1970), who is famous under his stage name Johnny Vegas, is an English actor, comedian, director, and writer. He is known for his strong Lancashire accent, deep voice, and a funny, over-the-top style of comedy.

Vegas has appeared in many popular TV shows. He played Moz in the dark comedy Ideal and Geoff Maltby, also known as "The Oracle," in the sitcom Benidorm. He also played Eric Agnew in the BBC One sitcom Still Open All Hours. You might also have seen him as a guest on comedy shows like QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

Early Life and Education

Michael Joseph Pennington was born on September 5, 1970, in St Helens, England. He grew up in a Roman Catholic family with two older brothers and an older sister. When he was 11, he went to a special boarding school, St Joseph's College, to study to become a priest. However, he missed his home and returned after about a year.

For college, Vegas went to Middlesex University in London, where he earned a degree in Art and Ceramics. After graduating, he moved back to his hometown. He had several different jobs, including working in a warehouse, selling insurance, and working as a bartender. From 1994 to 1997, he was part of a comedy group called Cluub Zarathustra.

Career in Entertainment

Television and Radio Roles

In 1996, Vegas first appeared on television as a contestant on the game show Win, Lose or Draw. He used his real name, Michael Pennington, but told everyone his stage name was "Johnny Vegas."

He became more famous as a regular team member on the comedy show Shooting Stars. In 2001, he won £10,200 on a special comedians' episode of The Weakest Link.

From 2005 to 2011, he starred as the main character, Moz, in the BBC Three sitcom Ideal. He also played Geoff Maltby, "The Oracle," in the popular ITV sitcom Benidorm from 2007 to 2009, and returned to the role from 2015 to 2017.

Since 2013, Vegas has played Wet Eric Agnew in the BBC sitcom Still Open All Hours. He has also been a guest host on the Channel 4 show Sunday Brunch.

Voice Acting and Children's Shows

Vegas has also done a lot of voice work. In 2012, he played Mr. Croombe in the TV movie of David Walliams's book Mr Stink. He voiced a character named Fat Baz in the animated show Warren United in 2014.

Since 2019, he has been the voice of the main character in the children's animated series The Rubbish World of Dave Spud. In 2023, it was announced that Vegas would direct a new audio series of The Wombles for BBC Radio 4.

Film Appearances

Vegas has acted in several movies. In 2003, he appeared in films like The Virgin of Liverpool and Blackball. In 2004, he was the voice of Uncle Stewart in the English version of the animated movie Terkel in Trouble.

Later, he was the voice of Abu the hamster in The Harry Hill Movie (2013). In 2018, he voiced a character named Asbo in the Aardman Animations movie Early Man.

Other Creative Projects

Besides acting, Vegas is a talented artist, especially with pottery. His ceramic work has been praised by art magazines and has even been included in a collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

He is also a director. In 2014, he directed a music video for the musicians Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott. In the same year, he published his autobiography, which is a book about his own life.

Personal Life

In 2002, Vegas married Catherine "Kitty" Donnelly, and they had one child together. They later divorced. In 2011, he married Irish television presenter Maïa Dunphy, and they also had a child. They separated in 2020.

Vegas still lives in his hometown of St Helens and is very proud of his community. He is known for supporting local events and charities. In 2005, he got to play for his favorite rugby team, St Helens RFC, in a special friendly game.

In July 2014, Edge Hill University gave him an Honorary Doctor of Literature degree to recognize his work in the arts. Vegas is also a supporter of the Labour Party and has praised the NHS.

Filmography

Film

Television

Radio