Lee Evans became a household name for his energetic stand-up shows and hilarious impressions, which quickly made him one of Britain’s most-loved comedians.
The 58-year-old funnyman also gained worldwide success with his appearances in Hollywood movies Mousetrap, The Magic Roundabout and There's Something About Mary.
But, following his shock decision to retire in 2014, Lee stepped back from the spotlight and now devotes his time to family. So, where is he now?
Retirement announcement
Lee, who moved from Bristol to Essex with his family aged 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 wanted to spend more time with his wife and daughter.
When asked how long the “remarkable force of comedy” planned to carry on in his job, Lee responded: “I am frigging knackered. This is it. Finished. This is the end. I am not doing anything.”
He also credited his retirement to the death of manager Addison Creswell, who passed away from a heart attack in 2013.
“All I have ever done is work and Addison always used to put his arm around me and say, ‘Don’t worry, I will look after you. It is okay’,” Lee said. “My dad always said to me, ‘You have got to work’ so I constantly worked and did comedy tours.
“I think I have ignored for far too long my missus, and I want to spend a lot more time with her. I am going to go and see my wife, be home and say ‘I’m yours’.”
He joked: "And I know what'll happen, in a week it'll be, 'Get out!'"
Spending time with his family
Lee now lives a relatively quiet life in Billericay, Essex, with his wife Heather Nudds.
The pair met as teenagers and by the time they were both 22, they decided to tie the knot. They married on 22 September 1984.
Speaking about the day he laid eyes on his wife for the first time, Lee told The Guardian: “Her mum was dying, and I saw her go by on her way to hospital.
"And I was talking to a mate in the street, and I said, 'Who's that?' And he went, 'I dunno.' She looked distraught.
"And about two weeks later, I met her coincidentally when I went to see this band play - and we got on really well. I made her laugh, I think.”
Lee and Heather have since went on welcome daughter Mollie, who was born in 1993.
Stepping back into public life
Despite keeping an extremely low profile since his retirement, Lee has made a few rare appearances over the years.
In 2017, the legendary funnyman attended the premiere of Kenny in Liverpool.
He also appeared in a charity production of Harold Pinter's Wither Would You Go alongside comedian Jack Whitehall.
The event took place in October 2017, which marked Lee’s last on-stage appearance.
Meanwhile, last year, Lee was spotted cycling through Essex on his electric bike.
Battling mental health
Whilst Lee appeared perfectly happy with his plans to retire, he did previously admit to feeling “very gloomy” when not performing.
“Not on the outside, but at home I do [feel depressed],” he told The Sun in 2014.
“I get very deep and depressed. Everyone does sometimes, don’t they? I can sit there for ages with my head in my hands. It’s mostly out of being criticised because then I don’t feel worthy and slope off on my own.”
Lee’s final mammoth arena tour, Monsters, featured 51 dates around the UK and Ireland.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct at 0207 29 33033
