Where is Lee Evans now – retirement announcement, family life and mental struggles

Comedian Lee Evans stunned fans after turning his back on fame and retiring in 2014, but where is the comedic legend now? Let’s take a look at what the comedian has achieved in recent years

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Lee Evans performing on his ‘Monsters’ tour in 2014

Lee Evans has become a household name for his energetic indie shows and hilarious impressions, which quickly make him one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.

The 58-year-old comedian has also enjoyed worldwide success, appearing in the Hollywood films Mousetrap, The Magic Roundabout and There Something About Mary.

However, after his shocking decision to retire in 2014, Lee retired from the limelight and spent time with his family. So, where is he now?

Retirement Notice

Lee, who moved from Bristol to Essex with his family at the age of 11, announced his decision to retire from comedy in November 2014 during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show.

Speaking to host Jonathan, the comic explained that he wants to spend more time with his wife and daughter.

When asked how long the “remarkable comedy force” plans to continue his work, Lee replied: “I am very confused. This is it. Complete. This is the end. I didn’t do anything.”

He also credited his retirement following the death of his manager Addison Creswell, who passed away from a heart attack in 2013.

“All I ever did was work and Addison would always put his arm around me and say, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you. It’s okay,’ Lee said. “My dad always told me, ‘You have to work,’ so I was constantly working and doing comedy tours.

“I think I ignored the girl for too long and I wanted to spend more time with her. I would go to my wife, stay at home and say ‘You’re mine’. “

He joked: “And I know what’s going to happen, in a week’s time, is, ‘Get out!'”

Spend time with family

Lee currently lives a relatively quiet life in Billericay, Essex, with his wife Heather Nudds.

The couple met as teenagers and when they were both 22 years old, they decided to get married. They married on September 22, 1984.

Speaking of the day he saw his wife for the first time, Lee told The Guardian: “Her mother was dying, and I saw her on her way to the hospital.

“And I was talking to a mate on the street, and I said, ‘Who is that?’ And he said, ‘I don’t know.’ She looks distraught.

“And about two weeks later, I ran into her when I went to see this band’s performance – and we got on really well. I made her laugh, I think.”

Lee and Heather welcomed daughter Mollie, born in 1993.

Step back into public life

Despite keeping his form extremely low since retiring, Lee has made a few rare appearances over the years.

In 2017, the comedic legend attended Kenny’s premiere in Liverpool.

He also appeared in a Harold Pinter charity production of Wither Will You Go alongside comedian Jack Whitehall.

The event took place in October 2017, marking Lee’s last appearance on stage.

Meanwhile, last year, Lee was spotted cycling through Essex on his e-bike.

Fighting mental health

While Lee appeared perfectly happy with his retirement plans, he has previously admitted that it feels “very bleak” to not perform.

“Not outside, but at home I do [feel depressed],” he said Sun in 2014.

“I am very deep and depressed. Everyone is like that sometimes, right? I could sit there for ages with my head in my hands. Mostly because I was criticized because then I felt unworthy and put all my energy into it. “

Lee’s last mammoth arena tour, Monsters, spanned 51 days across the UK and Ireland.

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