How Old Is Griff Rhys Jones

Right, let’s tackle the question that’s been secretly keeping you up at night: how old is Griff Rhys Jones? The Welsh comedy legend, the man who made the 80s and 90s feel like one long, hilarious pub crawl? You’re not alone. It’s the kind of trivia that makes life more fun—a playful mystery wrapped in a tweed jacket.

Here’s the punchline: Griff Rhys Jones was born on November 16, 1953. Do the maths—he’s 71! Yes, seventy-one. And he looks like he’s just cartwheeled out of a countryside pub after a round of “just one more.” The man is a walking, talking argument that age is a state of mind—preferably a mischievous one.

Think about it. This is the same bloke who, alongside Mel Smith and Rowan Atkinson, basically invented peak British silliness. He hasn’t aged like a fine wine; he’s aged like a good story—full of wrinkles, interruptions, and the occasional questionable decision. And he’s proud of it.

The secret? He never grew up (and neither should you).

How does a 71-year-old still host adventure shows, sail boats, and bicker with his own enthusiasm on The Book of British Trees? Easy: he treats life like a game. His age isn’t a number; it’s a prop for jokes. “I’m so old,” he once quipped, “I remember when maps were made of paper.” The audience howls, and you realize: worrying about birthdays is the real comedy.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But why should I care how old Griff Rhys Jones is?” Because, dear reader, it’s a permission slip. If a 71-year-old Welshman can still fall off a kayak and laugh about it, then you—yes, you—can absolutely start that weird hobby you’ve been putting off. His age is proof that learning is forever fun.

Trust Chairman meets Griff Rhys Jones - Frankie Howerd OBE Trust

Let’s get specific. He’s been in more TV shows than you’ve had hot dinners: Not the Nine O’Clock News, Alas Smith and Jones, The Charley Chase Movie. He’s also a passionate conservationist and author. He’s a comedian who happens to be 71, not a 71-year-old who happens to be a comedian. That’s the difference between a life lived and a life merely counted.

And here’s the kicker: we can all borrow that energy. Stop obsessing over the number of candles and start counting the number of laughs. Griff Rhys Jones is living proof that you can be a bit creaky, a bit gray, and still make the world feel like one giant, delightful punchline.

Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys Jones · Season 1 - Plex

So the next time someone asks, “How old is Griff Rhys Jones?” don’t just blurt out “71.” Smile, and say: “Old enough to know better, but young enough to do it anyway.” That’s not just a fact—it’s a philosophy. Go on, be a bit more Griff. Pick up a ukulele, start a rickety boat restoration, or simply laugh at yourself. The numbers will take care of themselves.

After all, if a 71-year-old can still make you roar with laughter, what’s stopping you from making your next chapter your most hilarious one? The only true age is the one you decide to have fun with. Now, go find your inner Griff. He’s waiting.