Suzy "Eddie" Izzard on Identity and Advocacy
The British comedian and actor Suzy “Eddie” Izzard, aged 63, is known for her Emmy-winning stand-up comedy and marathon running. While she prefers “Suzy” personally, she continues to use “Eddie” professionally—a name she chose herself as an alternative to her birth name, Edward John, which she found less appealing.
Names and Identity
Most transgender individuals avoid using their “dead name,” but Izzard embraces both “Suzy” and “Eddie” due to her gender-fluid identity. She remarks that only being called “Arthur” or “Sabrina” would feel incorrect.
Personal Loss
Izzard endured significant loss early in life, losing her mother at age six, shortly before her brother’s eighth birthday. She reflects on this experience from a broad perspective.
“Well, ‘Eddie’ is also a name that I invented. I’m ‘Edward John’ on my passport, but I thought that sounded … lumpy. ‘Eddie’ is much more fun and cool. Now I have ‘Suzy’, too, which is a name I would’ve liked to have had when I was 10. I’m going to keep them both going because I’m gender-fluid as well [as being trans]. No one can get anything wrong unless they call me ‘Arthur’ or ‘Sabrina’.”
“You experienced profound loss at a very young age, having lost your mum when you were just six. That’s right, and my brother was seven; she didn’t see his eighth birthday. But I try to get very macro on this.”
On Transphobia and Politics
Izzard discusses the continuing challenges of transphobia and remains engaged politically as a candidate for the UK Labour Party. She seeks to make the world a better place despite facing hate.
Weekly Interview Concept
Benjamin Law’s weekly interviews invite public figures to discuss topics determined by rolling a die, encouraging openness on often private matters. This week’s focus was on Izzard's perspectives.
Author’s summary: Suzy “Eddie” Izzard embraces fluid gender identity, confronting personal loss and social challenges while running for political office to promote positive change.