Ruby Wax

Ruby Wax. Ruby Wax is an American-born British comedian, actress, television presenter, author, and prominent mental health campaigner. Initially rising to fame in the United Kingdom through her sharp, irreverent interview style on shows like The Full Wax and Ruby Wax Meets..., she later retrained in psychotherapy, becoming a powerful advocate for mental health awareness. Her subsequent work, including bestselling books, a one-woman West End show, and the founding of the Frazzled Cafe charity, has cemented her status as a significant voice in destigmatizing mental illness.

Early life and education

Born Ruby Wachs in Evanston, Illinois, she was raised in a Jewish household, the daughter of refugees who fled Austria following the Anschluss. Her early life was marked by what she has described as a volatile family environment, which later informed her interest in psychology. She initially pursued a degree in psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, before shifting her focus to acting. This led her to move to the United Kingdom, where she honed her craft by studying at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Career

Wax's early career involved stage acting and television roles, including a part in the BBC sitcom Girls on Top alongside Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. Her breakthrough came as a writer and performer on the seminal Channel 4 comedy show Saturday Live, which showcased her unique talent for bold, confrontational comedy. She then fronted her own series for the BBC, most notably the interview program Ruby Wax Meets..., where her direct, often chaotic style produced memorable encounters with global figures like Sarah Ferguson, Imelda Marcos, and O. J. Simpson. She also hosted the travel series Ruby Wax's Miami, further expanding her profile. Beyond television, Wax has written for the stage, including her acclaimed one-woman show Sane New World, which she performed in the West End and on Broadway.

Mental health advocacy

In the 2000s, Wax retrained academically, earning a master's degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy from Oxford University. This academic work, combined with her personal experiences, catalyzed a profound shift in her public role toward mental health advocacy. She authored several bestselling books, including Sane New World: Taming the Mind and A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled, which blend scientific insight with her characteristic humor. A pivotal achievement was founding the charity Frazzled Cafe, a network of peer-support groups meeting in Marks & Spencer stores across the United Kingdom. She has also delivered a widely viewed TED Talk on mental health and been a vocal campaigner with organizations like Mind and the Mental Health Foundation.

Personal life

Wax has been married to television director and producer Ed Bye, known for his work on Red Dwarf, since 1988. The couple have three children and reside in London. She became a naturalized British citizen in 1994. Wax has spoken openly about her own struggles with clinical depression, experiences that fundamentally shaped her second career in mental health and her public advocacy work.

Awards and recognition

For her contributions to mental health awareness and entertainment, Wax was appointed an OBE in the 2015 Birthday Honours. She has also been awarded an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, a rare accolade for a non-medical professional. Her literary work has received critical acclaim, and her advocacy has been recognized by institutions like the University of London and University of Lincoln, which have awarded her honorary doctorates.

Category:1953 births Category:Living people Category:American emigrants to the United Kingdom Category:British comedians Category:English television presenters Category:Mental health activists