What Have I Done?: My Autobiography - Hardcover

by Ben Elton (Author)

The instant Sunday Times bestseller and critics' pick of the best biographies and memoirs published in 2025

'What Have I Done? snaps, crackles and pops with wit, bravado and glorious Ben-ness. A triumph' - Stephen Fry

'A big life chronicled by truly the Upstart Crow of our generation' - Dawn French

Ben Elton has done everything and worked with everybody. Now, in this frank, forthright, and hugely entertaining book, he tells the whole story.

Discover the truth behind iconic hits like The Young Ones, Blackadder, and We Will Rock You. Relive the pioneering stand-up of Saturday Live that birthed a comedy revolution. From being the BBC's youngest-ever sitcom writer to his most recent, critically acclaimed stand-up tour, Ben reveals unique insights into his groundbreaking work.

He talks honestly about his relationships with brilliant friends, inspiring contemporaries, and occasional foes. His life off-screen has been just as challenging and funny as it has been on, and he unpacks it all with wit, insight, and of course, a 'little bit of politics'.

For decades, Ben's been making people laugh, think, and getting on plenty of wicks - these are the uncensored stories.

'Funny and fascinating, it's a story of triumph and disaster and is the closest you'll get to understanding where great comedy comes from' - David Mitchell

'Bloody marvellous' - Jo Brand

* The instant Sunday Times bestseller, as of the week ending 11/10/2025.

Author Biography

Ben Elton is a multi-award-winning novelist, playwright, television writer, screenwriter and lyricist. He is also a theatre, screen and TV director, a stand-up comedian and a very occasional actor. Born in Catford, south-east London, in 1959, Ben was state-educated and studied drama at Manchester University, where he now holds an honorary doctorate. He began his professional career in 1981. Ben married Australian bass player Sophie in 1994, they have three grown-up children and divide their time between Britain and Australia.

In 2007 Ben Elton was awarded the Special Golden Rose d'Or at The International Television Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland, for his lifetime contribution to the television arts. What Have I Done? is his first memoir.