Lenny Rush is a multi-award-winning British actor best known for his breakout role as Ollie in the BBC comedy-drama Am I Being Unreasonable? and his portrayal of Morris in the sitcom Dodger. Born on March 18, 2009, in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, Rush has rapidly become one of the most respected young talents in the television industry, notably winning a BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance in 2023. Beyond his acting prowess, he has made history as the first child presenter to co-host the Children in Need appeal and joined the iconic Doctor Who franchise in 2024 as the character Unit. Rush, who has spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (a rare form of dwarfism), is widely celebrated for his impeccable comedic timing and his advocacy for disabled representation in mainstream media.
Early Life and Acting Roots
Lenny Rush was born and raised in Essex, where his passion for performance was nurtured from a very young age. He first gained public attention appearing on the CBeebies documentary series Our Family, which showcased his daily life and charismatic personality to a preschool audience.
Following his early television exposure, Lenny joined the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) in Wickford, where he honed his dramatic and comedic skills. His natural confidence and ability to memorize complex scripts quickly set him apart, leading to his professional stage debut in A Christmas Carol at London’s Old Vic.
Breakout in Am I Being Unreasonable?
The defining moment of Lenny’s career came in 2022 when he was cast as Ollie in Daisy May Cooper’s Am I Being Unreasonable?. His performance was lauded by critics for its emotional depth and sharp wit, often stealing scenes from seasoned comedic veterans.
The role earned him the BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance at the age of 14, making him one of the youngest recipients in the history of the awards. This victory solidified his status as a leading man in the British comedy circuit rather than just a child actor.
Historic Children in Need Role
In 2023, Lenny Rush made broadcasting history by becoming the first child to join the permanent hosting team for the BBC’s Children in Need telethon. Alongside stars like Ade Adepitan and Mel Giedroyc, he presented several hours of live television, demonstrating immense poise and professional “live” capability.
His involvement with the charity has extended beyond the telethon, as he frequently visits projects funded by the organization. This role has allowed him to use his platform to inspire other young people with disabilities to pursue careers in the arts and media.
Joining the Doctor Who Universe
Lenny joined the legendary Doctor Who franchise during Ncuti Gatwa’s first full season as the Doctor in 2024. He played the role of Morris, a scientific prodigy working for UNIT, the international military organization dedicated to defending Earth from extraterrestrial threats.
His character was specifically written to showcase high intelligence and tactical skill, moving away from tropes often associated with younger characters in sci-fi. Fans and critics praised his chemistry with the Doctor and his ability to handle the show’s fast-paced, technical dialogue.
Filming with UNIT
Working on the UNIT sets involved extensive green-screen work and interaction with physical props like the “intelligent” wheelchair his character utilized. Rush noted that the inclusive environment on the Doctor Who set was a highlight of his professional career.
Future in Science Fiction
Following his success in Doctor Who, there has been significant speculation regarding his return to the series in 2026 and beyond. His portrayal has opened doors for more diverse casting in high-concept genre fiction across the UK.
Technical Skills and Comedic Style
Lenny Rush is frequently compared to legendary character actors due to his ability to deliver deadpan humor with a straight face. His technique involves a deep understanding of rhythm and “the beat,” which he attributes to his love of classic British sitcoms.
In addition to comedy, his dramatic range was showcased in The Dumping Ground, where he dealt with more sensitive and serious narrative themes. Directors who have worked with him often comment on his “old soul” and his professional approach to rehearsals and script analysis.
Practical Information for Fans
Representation: Lenny is represented by Curtis Brown, one of the UK’s leading talent agencies.
Social Media: He maintains an active and verified presence on Instagram, where he shares behind-the-scenes content from his sets.
Charity Work: He is a prominent ambassador for several disability charities, focusing on accessibility in the performing arts.
Where to Watch: His major works are currently streaming on BBC iPlayer, Disney+ (for Doctor Who), and Netflix.
2026 Career Outlook
As of 2026, Lenny Rush has successfully transitioned from “child star” to a versatile teen actor with several upcoming film credits. He is reportedly involved in a major international co-production that marks his first significant foray into the North American market.
He continues to balance his education with his filming schedule, often working with on-set tutors to ensure he meets his academic milestones while maintaining his prolific output in the television industry.
FAQs
How old is Lenny Rush in 2026?
Lenny Rush was born in March 2009, making him 16 years old (turning 17) in 2026.
What condition does Lenny Rush have?
Lenny has spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC), a rare genetic disorder that affects bone growth and results in short stature.
What award did Lenny Rush win at the BAFTAs?
He won the BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance in 2023 for his role as Ollie in Am I Being Unreasonable?.
Is Lenny Rush in Doctor Who?
Yes, he joined the cast in 2024 as the character Morris, a young genius working for the UNIT organization.
How tall is Lenny Rush?
As of his most recent public updates, Lenny is approximately 3 feet 4 inches (102 cm) tall, though he has spoken openly about how his height does not define his career or capabilities.
Who are Lenny Rush’s parents?
His parents are Steve and Lisa Rush. They have been instrumental in his career, with his mother often accompanying him on sets during his earlier years.
Where is Lenny Rush from? He is from Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, in the United Kingdom.
Was Lenny Rush on CBeebies?
Yes, he appeared in the documentary series Our Family and also provided voices for various animated projects on the channel.
Did Lenny Rush host Children in Need?
Yes, in 2023 he became the first child presenter to join the main hosting lineup for the BBC Children in Need live appeal.
What role did Lenny Rush play in Dodger?
He played the character Morgan (later known as Morris in some contexts) in the BBC series Dodger, a prequel to Oliver Twist.
Can Lenny Rush drive?
In Doctor Who, his character Morris uses a highly advanced, tech-heavy wheelchair; in real life, Lenny has mentioned his interest in customized vehicles as he reaches driving age in 2026.
What is Lenny Rush’s next project?
As of early 2026, Lenny is rumored to be starring in a new dark comedy series and a voice-acting role for a major feature-length animation.
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