A film and TV actor, Lennie James was born in south London on 11 October 1965 to Trinidadian parents. His mother, Phyllis Mary James, died when he was 12. Lennie and his older brother went into a council children's home. When he was 16 he was fostered with a social worker who had two older children, and they remain very close.
Lennie trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama from where he graduated in 1988. He has appeared in over twenty films, including the Guy Ritchie crime caper Snatch (2000), 24 Hour Party People (2002), and Sahara (2005) and wrote the play The Sons of Charlie Paora which was performed at London's Royal Court Theatre. He recently played Luke Gardner in the BBC terrorism drama The State Within, Bishop David Newman on the BBC spy drama Spooks and Robert Hawkins in the CBS post-apocalyptic television drama series Jericho. He played the role of Cedric Munroe in the 2007 film Outlaw. His most recent part was in a 2008 television drama, Fallout, playing the role of a detective alongside another detective solving a teen related murder.
Lennie James is married with three daughters and divides his time between London and Los Angeles. He is the main cook for his family, and has professed a fondness for Caribbean cuisine. His favorite football team is Tottenham Hotspur.
In an interview for The Independent (17 May 2008) by Charlotte Philby he revealed the following about his life:
The home I grew up in... was a bog-standard, turn-of-the-century terraced council house, converted into flats. My mother, brother and I lived upstairs, an Irish man lived downstairs, with a Jamaican family to our left and a Greek family to our right.
When I was a child I wanted to be... Daredevil, the blind superhero. I spent hours walking around my house – in fact, the whole neighbourhood – with my eyes closed, trying to increase my senses.
The moment that changed me for ever... was when my mum died. I was 10, and my brother and I went to live in a children's home. Having shared a home with my mum and brother, I found myself sharing a house with 18 other children.
My greatest inspiration... is my mum. She was a dynamic personality and is my touchstone for everything I do – even now. At all times her voice is there with me.
My real-life villain... is anyone who tries to justify ignorance, particularly those who use religion as an excuse for war, or those who use a fear of the unknown as an attempt to excuse racism.
If I could change one thing about myself... I would be less understanding of other people's faults. I seem to spend a lot of time making excuses for people who screw me, just because it saves on confrontation.
At night I dream of ... being a superhero!
What I see when I look in the mirror... is my brother, which is very, very scary. The older we get, the more alike we look, and I can tell you now: I am not happy about it.
My style icon... is Marvin Gaye.
My favourite item of clothing... is a Gucci suit that was given to me for the premiere of Snatch. Not only does it look pretty damn good, but as it was tailored to my body a few years back, it's an incentive to keep me at my fighting weight. One suit, two purposes: great!
I wish I'd never worn... leg warmers.
It's not fashionable but I like... an old, classic, Levi's denim jean-jacket.
You wouldn't know it but I'm very good at... hairdressing. I have three daughters who are now teenagers, but when they were growing up I did the whole lot: washing, moisturising, plaiting in different styles – bespoke, of course. I can do braids, extensions, cane-row, zig-zags ... shall I go on?
You may not know it but I'm no good at... balancing.
All my money goes on... hair products, ballet lessons, piano classes, cello classes, various items of women's clothing and cosmetics, and none of it for me, might I add. I'm a chequebook and a taxicab.
If I have time to myself... I visit the National Parks in southern California. There's no one ever around, so I walk with my daughters, say stupid things and do stupid impressions.
I drive... a Lexus hybrid in Los Angeles. In London, we have a Renault Megane Scenic for the family, and for me, a Habana Retro scooter – the version with sensible handlebars. I call her The Babe, and miss her deeply.
My house is... in the UK, it's a four-bed detached house in Willesden Green, north-west London, with a lovely garden, big rooms and high ceilings. It's a real family home. In LA, we rent a big wooden house about six minutes' drive from the sea, all open-plan with a sunken front-room and wood-fire.
My most valuable possession is... my laptop.
My favourite building... is the Hoover Building [on the A40 in west London].
Movie heaven... Harvey, followed by Mr Smith Goes to Washington, followed by It's a Wonderful Life, then The Sweet Smell of Success, before a cup of tea. Finally, Toy Story.
A book that changed me... was Beloved, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Toni Morrison.
My favourite work of art... "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding.
The last album I bought/downloaded... was the first Roachford album, because I heard "Cuddly Toy" on the radio last week and remembered going to see them in concert years ago. They're just great, though a little Eighties at times: all drums and big hands.
The person who really makes me laugh... is Richard Pryor, who was not just possibly the funniest man ever born, but a vehicle of truth.
The shop I can't walk past... the Apple Store.
The best invention ever... is football. Sure, there might be more important inventions – I'm not being flippant – but football is not only a fantastic game, it does a lot of good, bringing people together and breaking down barriers.
In 10 years' time, I hope to be... back in London and doing what I have been doing, because I'm lucky enough to be working at my dream job, having failed to find work as a blind superhero.
My greatest regret... is never getting to know my mum as an adult.
My life in seven words... lights up and lights down, taxicab, chequebook.
Last Updated on Saturday, 11 April 2009 12:48
Ken Barnes
Written by Atkins Admin
Wednesday, 18 February 2009 16:19
Ken is an author, inspiring speaker, trainer and an expert in the field of mentoring and life skills training. Ken is also a government advisor on raising the aspirations and attainment of young people. His other titles include entrepreneur, coach and community business leader.
However, the title that gives him the most personal satisfaction is the title of ‘The Hope Dealer’. This title came from a press article that dubbed Ken as a purveyor of hope to many people, young and old that he came into contact with through his daily activities.
Ken is a powerful and inspiring speaker. His passionate style of delivery and in depth subject knowledge infused with humour, is sure to inspire, motivate and challenge you. He is committed to delivering inspirational messages that will always leave you empowered, focused and ready for the next exciting challenge life offers you.
In 2003 he founded his most recent venture ‘c-a-n-i Consultancy’, a multi-disciplined agency that focuses on change management. Since the launch of c-a-n-i, through it various seminars, workshops and life-changing activities, Ken and his team have inspired thousands of adults and young people to reflect and discover the valuable personal assets they possess within themselves.
‘Yesterday’s knowledge is today’s ignorance’ is one of his most used statements, and as such he passionately believes that learning is a continuous and never-ending process.
Ken’s powerful method for change, ‘Transition through Introspection’, empowers individuals to self reflect, recognise and analyse their core strengths and areas of competence.
Through his professional and personal life activities, Ken has inspired thousands of adults and children to reflect and to discover the valuable personal assets they possess within themselves.
Ken has been honoured with a number of accolades and awards for his work which include;
- Being listed as one of the 100 most influential Black people in Britain today. New Nation Newspaper - October 2008. - Men of Merit - Man of Valour - The City of London Police Award.
His passionate style of delivery, in-depth subject knowledge infused with humour is sure to inspire, motivate and challenge you. His commitment to delivering inspirational messages will always leave you empowered, focused and ready for the next exciting challenge that life offers you.
Ken cares about his community and invests his time and resources in a number of good causes. He is either the leader or on the board of a number of charitable and community initiatives internationally, nationally and on a more local basis.
Sophia Bailey (meaning Wisdom Messenger) is an inspirational speaker, intuitive holistic coach, writer and founder of the PPSN (Positive People with Skills Network)
Her organisation the PPSN (Positive People with Skills Network), provides a platform for education, empowerment and the creation of leaders from among local communities worldwide. This network has become the source of inspiration, lead generation and relevant information for thousands of people whom she has met personally since founding the network in 2006.
Sophia’s early childhood was spent in a volatile household, adulthood began as a teen mother, moving through life situations of homelessness, physical abuse, abandonment, bereavement, redundancy, debt and near repossession, Sophia has now become one of the most inspiring speakers of her generation.
She says "You name it, I've been through it, learning the lessons the hard way, but learning them nevertheless..... Now I understand my past was a passage to who I have become, a messenger of life's wisdom. Wisdom is what happens when you let go of the pain and retain the lesson”
Her talks are taken from her own life experiences and divine prophetic messages combined with lessons from people she has had the fortune to learn from in person such as Les Brown, Richard Lawrence, John DeMartini and Roger Hamilton.
Her unique speaking style is one of down to earth rapport and empowering insights that encourage the audience to understand past life patterns and release their inner truth through heartfelt stories they can relate to. She also offers intuitive holistic coaching.
Sophia has appeared on BBC London Radio, Playvybz Radio, Westside Radio, SLR Radio, BEN Television and numerous independent interviews. Her weekly inspirational column ‘Words of Wisdom’ is featured in the Voice national newspaper, as well as a number of online groups and publications.
She is a contributor to the book Multiple Streams of Inspiration Volume 3 (2009), with forword by Les Brown and co-authored with leaders such as Johnny Wimbrey.
Her first book and DVD Words of Wisdom (WOW) Volume 1 - Your personal holistic guide to releasing your inner truth & understanding wisdom, is soon to be released.
Sophia is in her element when sharing with others and has been delighted to speak at a number of key events, invited to share the stage with Rev. Jesse Jackson and provoking some of the following comments:
"As you spoke you spoke with passion the love came out." "This workshop is one of the most empowering things that I have done in 2008 " "your conversation flows so eloquently and it was a joy to listen to" *this workshop surpasses my expectations" “I would definitely book you to come and speak at one of our events”
A film and TV actor, Lennie James was born in south London on 11 October 1965 to Trinidadian parents. His mother, Phyllis Mary James, died when he was 12. Lennie and his older brother went into a council children's home. When he was 16 he was fostered with a social worker who had two older children, and they remain very close.
Ken is an author, inspiring speaker, trainer and an expert in the field of mentoring and life skills training. Ken is also a government advisor on raising the aspirations and attainment of young people. His other titles include entrepreneur, coach and community business leader.
Sophia Bailey (meaning Wisdom Messenger) is an inspirational speaker, intuitive holistic coach, writer and founder of the PPSN (Positive People with Skills Network)