Comedian Jimmy Carr has given a remarkably candid explanation for why he waited until the age of 26 to have sex for the first time. The 53-year-old comic, known for his dark humour and sharp wit, discussed the personal reasons behind his delayed sexual debut during a recent appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast.
The Personal Struggles Behind a Late Start
Carr explained that two significant factors played a major role: his Christian upbringing and what he described as an "overly close" relationship with his mother, who struggled with depression. "I was enmeshed with my mother, and maybe that was, you know, a part of it. I'm sure that's what a psychotherapist would say," he told Theroux. He added that he felt emotionally unavailable during his early twenties and lacked self-confidence, stating, "You don't like who you are, particularly."
The comedian also reflected on societal pressures, contrasting today's landscape with his own experience. "It's that weird thing at the moment where the world is harems and peepholes," he said, suggesting a small percentage of men are sexually successful while others become "hopelessly addicted to porn." He emphasised the importance of openness, arguing that "not everyone develops at the same time."
Challenging Modern Pressures and Offering Reassurance
Carr directly addressed the intense pressure young men face regarding virginity, a topic he believes is vital to discuss. He pointed to the damaging effect of social media comparisons, coining the phrase: "the comparison is the thief of joy. Everyone is having a f*****g amazing time online."
He offered a perspective on male attractiveness, suggesting competence is key and that men often "get attractive around 30" as they master skills. While host Louis Theroux shared that he first had sex at 17 and felt that was late among his peers, Carr stood by his own timeline. His advice to his younger self would not be to change anything, even joking that he would tell himself off for being an "OG incel." He believes altering his past might have prevented him from becoming the happy and successful person he is today.
A Happy and Stable Personal Life Today
Despite his late start, Carr has enjoyed a long-term, stable relationship. He has been with his Canadian partner, Karoline Copping, a former Channel 5 commissioning editor, since 2001. The couple met during one of Carr's auditions but reportedly did not begin their romance until years later.
They now live in North London and welcomed their first child, a son named Rockefeller, in 2019. Carr, who values humour as a cornerstone of relationships, even mused about trying to set up dates among audience members at his shows.
By sharing his story, Jimmy Carr adds a prominent voice to conversations about masculinity, timing, and the unhealthy pressures surrounding sexual milestones.
