Stephen Fry presented with James Joyce Award

20 March 2025

Actor, broadcaster, comedian and writer Stephen Fry has been honoured by (opens in a new window)UCD’s Literary and Historical (L&H) Society with the James Joyce Award, in recognition of a career that has spanned more than three decades.

Fry rose to fame as part of the comedy duo Fry and Laurie in the 1980s. He went on to star in British comedy series Blackadder and Jeeves and Wooster, as well as holding other TV and film roles.

He presented the game show QI until 2016, and narrated the UK versions of the Harry Potter audiobooks. Fry has also served as president of the mental health charity Mind since 2011.

“The James Joyce Award is given to those who have made a significant contribution to a field of human endeavour,” said Stéphane De Bairéid, auditor of the L&H society, presenting the award.

“I have no doubt in my mind that tonight’s guest has done just that. His wit and intelligence has fascinated audiences the world over.”

“This is an extraordinary honour,” Fry said ahead of accepting the award.

“It so happens that your great alumnus James Joyce is a true hero of mine. He was an extraordinary writer, and one who still, I think, can be described as the greatest prose writer in the English language.”

Fry went on to describe the award as “more meaningful than any other prize I could possibly have”.

Considered among the highest honours that any student body in Ireland can bestow, the James Joyce award is given by the L&H Society to public figures who have achieved outstanding success in their given field.

Recipients have ranged from lauded political figures and skilled actors to sportspeople and writers.

Previous James Joyce awardees include Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, Nobel Laureate poet Seamus Heaney, actor Will Ferrell, and former speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie