Not everything comes easy. In fact, rarely anything does. But it’s been proven that with dedication and a will to succeed, anything is possible.
Truly.
Comedian, Lee Ridley, also known as Lost Voice Guy, 38, has overcome obstacles that many of us know nothing about.
At just six months old, Ridley was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His brain became infected and he was left in a coma for 2 months. The coma affected his movements and left him unable to speak.
It wasn’t until Ridley was eight years old that he would receive his first communication device.
Since then, Ridley has made the best out of his physical limitations.
Now, Ridley performs with an iPad communication device that allows him to type out his jokes. He also sports comedic shirts that will make you chuckle.
He began performing comedy in 2012. By 2018, he was performing in front of millions on the show, Britain’s Got Talent (BGT). He was judged by the notorious Simon Cowell, who he poked fun of and also made laugh throughout his segments.
Ridley became the first comedian to win on BGT. They had been on the air for 12 seasons already.
What a feat!
During Ridley’s audition, he broke the ice by making an obvious observation and turning it on its head.
“You may be able to tell, I’m a struggling standup comedian who also struggles to stand up.”
While some might have been uncertain on how to take the joke, he put their minds at ease:
“Just so you know, if you don’t laugh at the disabled guy, you are going to hell.”
The audience roars with laughter.
He continued:
“When I found out that I would never be able to talk again, I was speechless.”
The audience erupted with more laughter. Everyone hung on to his every word.
Like most comedians, Ridley found comedic relief in his struggles. But he never set out to bring awareness to his disability. Though he is happy that more people are comfortable in communicating with him, he simply enjoyed being funny.
He told The Guardian:
“… people are engaging with me a lot more than they would have in the past. For the first time, they seem comfortable talking to a disabled person.”
He continued:
“I never started to do standup comedy to change people’s attitudes or anything, it was just because I enjoyed it.”
It’s apparent that he feels comfortable on stage as well as happy.
Ridley returned to the BGT stage one year after he won for a special performance. He made quite the entrance when he rode out on stage in a cart driven by a chauffeur.
He joked that despite the win, he is still the same Lost Voice Guy from before.
“As you can see, I haven’t let it go to my head.”
He likened his new means of transportation to someone very famous and highly regarded. The Pope.
Ridley’s jokes are cheeky and light-hearted. They’re sure to bring a smile to anybody’s face. He learned the old trick of poking fun of oneself. It not only makes light of a difficult situation, but it gives others like him someone to look to as inspiration.
Ridley is an embodiment of the word, though he doesn’t care for it.
He told The Guardian:
“I don’t feel like, or see myself as an inspiration, no.”
He continued:
“But from the feedback I’ve had from other disabled performers and people, I do think my success has given them the confidence to follow their dreams a bit.”
It’s always reassuring to see someone with such influence humbly, even reluctantly, acknowledge their impact on others.
Whether Ridley wants the attention or not, he has it. But to be clear, he’s earned it.
You can watch Ridley’s return performance below!
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