Lenny Henry jokes that when black actors 'stop being black they become Will Smith'

The comedian also criticised the lack of ethnic diversity at the BBC and the broader film industry

Sir Lenny also rebuked the lack of diversity at this year’s Oscars, joking that the only brown person nominated for an Oscar was the bear in the film The Revenant (Getty Images)

Sir Lenny Henry has quipped that Will Smith has stopped "being black" due to his success.

The 57-year-old stand-up comedian said that when a film does well at the box office, its actors stop being black and instead become Smith.

“If a movie makes more than a hundred dollars, some black people stop being black – they become Will Smith,” he told Sunday People.

Sir Lenny also lambasted the lack of ethnic diversity in the film industry and the BBC. He labelled the broadcaster an “oppressive institution” with a “very, very white” culture.

“I worked at the BBC for 35 years before I had a meeting with anyone who looks like me,” he said. “The only people like me were cleaning the corridors and that is not right”.

“You walk into the Beeb and it is very, very white,” he continued. “That is not anybody’s fault. You can be in an oppressive institution and not be an oppressor. All the diversity work that has been going on is appreciated - but until - behind the camera is sorted out you are not going to see much change.”

Sir Lenny also rebuked the dearth of diversity at this year’s Oscars, joking that the only brown person nominated for an academy award was the bear in the film The Revenant.

The actor recieved an Alan Clarke award, a special Bafta award, at this year’s ceremony in honour of his contribution to the entertainment industry. He called for increasing inclusivity in the media in his acceptance speech.