Ben Elton is an atheist. Elton studied at Stillness Junior School and Godalming Grammar School in Surrey, South Warwickshire College in Stratford-upon-Avon and the University of Manchester. His first television appearance was a stand-up performance on the BBC1 youth and music programme, The "Oxford Road Show". His first TV success, at 23, came as co-writer of the television sitcom, "The Young Ones", in which he occasionally appeared. In 1983/84 he wrote and appeared in Granada Television's sketch show "Alfresco", which was also notable for early appearances by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson and Robbie Coltrane. In 1985, Elton produced his first
American comedy films was released and paved the way for more of the same including "Top Secret!" (1984) and the "Naked Gun" films. Popular comedy stars in the 1980s included Dudley Moore, Tom Hanks, Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, and Dan Aykroyd. Many had come to prominence on the American TV series "Saturday Night Live", including Bill Murray, Steve Martin and Chevy Chase. Eddie Murphy made a success of comedy-action films including "48 Hrs." (1982) and the "Beverly Hills Cop" series (1984–1993). Also popular were the films of John Hughes such as the "National Lampoon's Vacation (film series)" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". He