Johnny Vegas

Michael Joseph Pennington (born 5 September 1970), better known as Johnny Vegas, is an English comedian, actor, writer, and director. He is known for his thick Lancashire accent, husky voice, chunky appearance, angry comedic rants, and use of surreal humour. Vegas' television roles have included Al in the ITV Digital and PG Tips adverts, Moz in the BBC Three dark comedy Ideal, Geoff Maltby ("The Oracle") in the ITV sitcom Benidorm, and Eric Agnew in the BBC One sitcom Still Open All Hours. He is also a frequent guest on panel shows such as QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Early life Vegas was born Michael Joseph Pennington on 5 September 1970, in the Thatto Heath area of St Helens, Lancashire. He has an older sister and two older brothers, alongside whom he was brought up as Catholic. At the age of 11, he attended the boarding school and seminary St Joseph's College in Up Holland to train for the priesthood, but came back homesick after four terms. Whilst competing on Channel 4's festive special The Greatest Snowman (2021), Vegas revealed that he had to play Santa Claus as his father was stuck at work. Vegas was only 13, so knew most of the kids.