Who is Lenny Rush? The teen BAFTA winner redefining disability on British TV
Lenny Rush: BAFTA-winning teen actor inspiring the UK. Image Credit: Antonio Olmos/The Guardian
Lenny Rush has become one of Britain’s most beloved young stars, a BAFTA-winning actor, a history-making BBC Children in Need presenter, and a powerful voice for disability representation on screen. At just 16, he has achieved what many actors strive for over a lifetime, all while navigating a rare medical condition that shaped the earliest days of his life.
As the BBC prepares to air another charity-filled edition of Children in Need, many viewers are asking: Who exactly is Lenny Rush, and how did he rise to national fame?
Early Life: Born With a Rare Condition and Fighting From Day One
Lenny Rush was born with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC), a rare form of dwarfism that affects bone growth. His condition meant the first four months of his life were spent in the hospital, undergoing treatment and monitoring.
Over the years, Lenny has had several surgeries, including leg operations, a cleft palate repair, and spinal surgery. He has openly discussed how his condition affects mobility, hearing, endurance, and coordination, but says it has never stopped him from chasing his dreams.
He credits his doctor at Great Ormond Street Hospital with “changing his life,” and his family for giving him the emotional strength to thrive.
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How Lenny Rush Became a Breakout TV Star
Lenny’s television journey began at just seven years old when he appeared in the CBeebies documentary Our Family, thanks to his mum Lisa, who wanted to highlight everyday life in a diverse household.
From there, Lenny trained at weekend acting classes and secured roles in:
- Apple Tree House
- The Dumping Ground
- Doctor Who (as UNIT advisor Morris Gibbons)
But his nationwide breakthrough came in 2023 when he won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Male Comedy Performance for playing Ollie in Am I Being Unreasonable?, becoming one of the youngest winners in history.
The series was praised for depicting his disability without stereotypes, something Lenny described as “refreshing.”
Making History: Children in Need’s First Child Presenter
Lenny made headlines in 2023 when he became Children in Need’s first-ever child presenter. He returned in 2024 and 2025, joining TV favourites Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, and Big Zuu.
His confidence, humour, and natural on-camera presence have made him a standout figure in the annual appeal, admired by viewers across the country.
Life Behind the Cameras: Family, School and Support
Despite his enormous success, Lenny still lives a grounded life in Essex with his family. His father, Steve, runs a kitchen design business, while his mother, Lisa, a former dental nurse, stepped away from work to support Lenny’s medical needs and acting career.
Lenny juggles filming with school work, often switching between intense studio schedules and classroom life. He admits it can be challenging, but says preparation and tutoring help him stay on track academically.
He also shares a close bond with actor Warwick Davis, who has the same condition. Lenny attends Davis’s Little People UK conventions, calling them a place of belonging and joy.
A Role Model Bringing Hope to Children Everywhere
Lenny takes pride in being seen as a role model for young people with disabilities. Speaking to the BBC, he said:
“For someone to see another person with the same thing as them on the telly, I think it gives them hope that it will be all right.”
He continues to champion more diversity in acting and believes more performers with dwarfism deserve to be visible on screen.
FAQ
1. Who is Lenny Rush?
Lenny Rush is a 16-year-old British actor known for his BAFTA-winning role in Am I Being Unreasonable? and for being the first-ever child presenter for BBC Children in Need.
2. What condition does Lenny Rush have?
He has spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC), a rare type of dwarfism that affects bone growth and can impact mobility, vision, hearing, and endurance.
3. How did Lenny Rush become famous?
Lenny gained national recognition with his acclaimed comedy performance in Am I Being Unreasonable? and later through his groundbreaking work as a Children in Need presenter.
4. How old is Lenny Rush?
Lenny Rush is 16 years old.
5. What TV shows has Lenny Rush been in?
He has appeared in Apple Tree House, The Dumping Ground, Doctor Who, Our Family, and Am I Being Unreasonable?
6. Is Lenny Rush still in school?
Yes. Lenny balances his acting career with regular schooling, supported by tutoring during filming.
7. Who are Lenny Rush’s parents?
His parents are Steve and Lisa Rush. His mum paused her career to care for Lenny and support his acting journey.
8. Is Lenny Rush a disability advocate?
Yes. Lenny speaks openly about disability representation and credits his visibility with giving hope to young people who share similar conditions.
9. What award did Lenny Rush win?
He won the 2023 BAFTA Award for Best Male Comedy Performance.
10. What is Lenny Rush’s role in Children in Need?
Lenny is a presenter for the programme and made history as the first child host in the show’s decades-long history.