I used to work for a tour operator located round the corner from Williams' flat. He used to book with us and though I never spoke to him directly, he would entertain everyone in the shop while he was there. He had his demons but he made so many people incredibly happy. We don't seem to appreciate characters these days, everything is bland and uniform, but I'm glad he and I were alive and in the same area at the same time. Thank you, Kenneth.

@gaskellr44

Жыл бұрын

It's occurred to me that these days, I believe ppl in the limelight have it too easy in some ways or think that it's too easy and then just play the game to make it, hence we lack the true originals who know how hard it was and had to strive to make it happen. Williams was a perfect example of someone who strived through his own torture and made it happen and lived for it without having an ostentatious living abode.

@camusfacel1591

Жыл бұрын

Do you mean Marchmont Street?

@mjh5437

11 ай бұрын

@@camusfacel1591 Kensington High Street probably.

@GarryShepherdDreamGazePostPunk

11 ай бұрын

Love this💙

@Margaret-hs3zb

9 ай бұрын

Yeah bland. A really good word to describe today's entertainer's. What a character he was. When he read stories they were brilliant and carry on. One of a kind❤

You could listen to him for a decade and still want more. A true talent.

@llamudos9809

Жыл бұрын

​@@andypsa5131 He never actually admitted to being ever gay. He was fascinating character. "Williams often said that he was asexual and celibate, and his diaries appear to substantiate his claims - at least from his early forties onwards. He lived alone all his adult life and had few close companions apart from his mother, and no significant romantic relationships." He was more in love with himself and the idea of sex with a man or woman repulsed him. Its a mistake to think he was gay. Unlike Charles Hawtrey who was openly gay and had many lovers a week.

@llamudos9809

Жыл бұрын

@@andypsa5131 I alway believed he was but apparently not. In the documentary and his diaries that he wrote all his life showed nothing. He was in love only with himself. Like i said he was a complex character. The idea of sex repulsed him. Not saying he was not an odd ball but he was not gay.

@rossbrumby1957

Жыл бұрын

So true, I'm 55, grew up laughing along with the Carry On Gang, The 3 Stooges, The Goodies, Aunty Jack, On The Buses etc, and for all of those- more is better to this day, could never get too much.

@martinjones5965

11 ай бұрын

I don't give a toss about his sexuality - he was entertainment brilliance personified.

@llamudos9809

11 ай бұрын

@@martinjones5965 He was a very astute man and could hold an audience captive with his amazing wit for hours. Agreed his sexuality does not matters. He was addicted to himself and had little time for peoples opinions. He was apparently very self obsessed.

I can't imagine a chat show today that would let someone speak this long! What a fantastic storyteller and how great that he is given the opportunity to let loose....

@Nobody_896

Жыл бұрын

Well parky was the best ever at giving the stars a chance to shine ,Michael Parkinson is still living and is in his 87th year like Attenborough and a handful of others he is a true international treasure

@studiosoftmorecambe6879

Жыл бұрын

Largely down to the fact that modern presenters don't know when to shut up.

@alanclark7830

Жыл бұрын

With Parkinson it was all about the Guest whereas today it is all about the Host - I think that is what makes Parkinson stand out so much

@Nobody_896

Жыл бұрын

@@alanclark7830 I know what you mean Conan Obrian must be the worst of them

@dingopisscreek

Жыл бұрын

Yes, Parky just let them talk. The guests he had on mostly were wonderfully entertaining (Meg Ryan being an exception). Kenneth could/would ramble on for ages. Thoughly entertaining

When you realize you've been watching for 30 minutes of sheer genius .

@Garrysullivanjones

Жыл бұрын

I was smoking weed and this snidely whiplash dude kept going on . His voices were adding to my buzz. Funny

This man inserted syllables where they had never before existed and made us all wonder why we hadn't thought of pronouncing words like that. What an absolute delight.

Kenneth Williams never fails to make me chuckle. We’ll never see his like nor that innocent but cheeky comedy style ever again…..

What a talent Kenneth Williams was. On talk shows & interviews I could listen to this guy for hours with his elegant & witty stories. Very few like him around these days. Great articulator.

It's fantastic how Parky barely says a word and Kenneth just does the whole interview on his own.

@stephenrice4554

10 ай бұрын

That was Parky's great strength , knowing just how to keep it free and flowing and if you notice , keeping an eye on the other guests . Great bloke .

@danielguy1963

10 ай бұрын

​@@stephenrice4554Absolutely.

I grew up in the late 70’s /early 80’s when Jackanory and the Carry On films were staples on TV. Watching Kenneth Williams in 2024 I’m still bowled over by how good a reconteur he was. I could listen to him for hours and indeed thanks to KZread I have done. It’s not an exaggeration to say he was a true original.

A raconteur. Eloquent, loquacious, self-effacing, intelligent and knowing about the injustices of the world. Beautiful.

I could listen to Kenneth Williams all day and never get bored

@Tidybitz

Жыл бұрын

He was unique.

Kenneth Williams still warms the hearts of us who had the pleasure watching this unique and beautiful talented man when alive and to this day what he left behind puts a smile on our faces. I hope the new generation can appreciate his special talent and his personal and hidden pain that he made light of for the next 100 years. He should never be forgotten and always be a bench mark for similar actors who strive to overcome their demons.

@jimmyclerkin5114

Жыл бұрын

È3

@catalinacurio

Жыл бұрын

He absolutely loved the attention, if no one acknowledged him in a restaurant, he’d loudly hum and hah till they did. A truly talented star. 😊

@adamwhite3347

Жыл бұрын

A true original, much loved, and I miss him.

@seanmaher7733

Жыл бұрын

Just A Minute. I've come all the way from Great Portland Street

@marjorielamb4714

Жыл бұрын

@@seanmaher7733 😂

Absolutely wonderful. Watching this in 2022 and its still really funny. What a British treasure he was and may he now Rest In Peace. Thank you Kenneth ❤

How wonderful was that, I'd travel to be in that man's company, such an entertainer and every story heavily tinged with truthful accounts. So glad I grew up listening to and watching him 👍

I had the great pleasure of meeting him at the Royal Festival Hall in London December 1985 at a book signing for his new book 'Just Williams' £8.95. I found him fantastic just for a couple of minutes and an occasion I will never forget. he was very nice, kind and civil and extremely witty. I am sure that we all miss him and of course Michael Parkinson who has just left us. I really loved Kenneth William's favourite anecdote about Mae West who was given explanation about all-in wrestling, the half nelson, the full nelson etc and started to get bored and retorted 'Honey, if it's all in why wrestle'. Very clever I thought. Sincere Regards Peter Starr North London UK

What an absolute brilliant entertainer with impeccable timing and beautiful gestures . Kenneth Williams will never be replaced as he was simply unique . I am 63 and regularly watch carry on movies again and again …they were simply brilliant and so britishingly marvellous

@marjorielamb4714

Жыл бұрын

So true Jim... Wherever he is, I bet he still brings the house down! 😂🤣

@JIMuser-vh3Zxx

Жыл бұрын

@@marjorielamb4714 totally Marjorie

@fergussaint-john2535

11 ай бұрын

I hear you! The CO movies still get a regular outing on my laptop and I'm 55

When this man is on a roll there is no stopping him and why would you want to... he just gets better and better. Incredible.

His impersonations are no lees accurate and broad than those of Robin Williams. Absolute world class mimic.

I LOVE this man! No-one comes close to how wonderful he was. Beautiful!

What a pearl of an interview! Never seen this before - some cracking anecdotes 🙂🙂

What a voice and vernacular! Unforgettable! ❤

@shaunigothictv1003

8 ай бұрын

Nowadays most whites kids in London speak English with a hybrid Jamaican dialect which is very different from the anglo saxon dialect of English which was spoken by Kenneth Williams. In the early 2000's, young white kids on council estates in London became JAMAICANISED. This is when they starting speaking with English with a hybrid Jamaican dialect. For example, Essex county is the only place in Britain where the cockney dialect/and or accent is still spoken.

All this energy and enthusiasm he puts onto telling you a story is amazing 👏

One of the memorable voices of my childhood thanks to Willow the Wisp! Great man, what a storyteller!

@splinterbyrd

6 ай бұрын

In his diary KW says he can't understand why Willo The Wisp was so popular. I wish I could have said to him; it's because it's YOU!!!

Kenneth a brilliant mind and a legend ...story tell par excellence....R.I.P

As an American, I only know Kenneth Williams from the Carry On films which I find hilarious. It's a shame that he's not more well known here, he was an extraordinary talent to be sure.

@davids8449

Жыл бұрын

We will all try to forgive you for being an American as it cannot be an easy task

@slapmyfunkybass

8 ай бұрын

This is the first time I’ve heard an American who knows the carry on films

@nkt1

7 ай бұрын

@@slapmyfunkybassThey were known in the US at the time. Charles Hawtrey was especially popular with American audiences.

@slapmyfunkybass

7 ай бұрын

@@nkt1 You sure? Heard they got Phil Silvers in for “follow that camel” to appeal to American audiences but it didn’t work. Are Americans really going to get that kind of British humour?

The phenomenal Kenneth Williams really must have been an interviewers dream. Ask him one question, sit back and he'll talk fluently, amusingly and effortlessly for as long as you need him too. Genius 👌

@lindacraig7486

7 ай бұрын

Wind him up and let him go!

I've always loved the way his accent weaves between RP and cockney

@al201103

Жыл бұрын

It is absolutely one of the most remarkable voices I have ever heard. Love it!!

@DistantCousin

Жыл бұрын

Same! It's delightful!

@newcamnoddy

Жыл бұрын

He had such a great memory of events..never pausing..with great wit and respect....and such a career from Carry on to Shakespeare and working with Orson Welles ! And his insights of what really happens behind the scenes is hilarious! Would have loved just to have dinner with him for an evening with friends..priceless!!

@paolamura3497

Жыл бұрын

Yes!

My God I could listen to this man talk forever. So posh, deep and classy

They don't make em like this anymore, what an absolute talent.

Most excellent upload. Parkinson didn't ask many questions because Kenneth Williams was the master of anecdotes, double entendre and innuendo. Russell Harty, another great interviewer during the same period, referred to Williams as 'sublime'.

@Seminal_Ideas

Жыл бұрын

He was certainly one of a kind. A character of his time. God rest him.

Absolutely loved Kenneth Williams, what a sense of humor and intellect. He was a genius💖

This man was brilliant! So quick witted and immensely entertaining. We miss you Kenneth. RIP. A legend to say the least. We have to remember Parky though 'as he is affectionately known'. Always at the top of his game doing interviews. Brilliant!

Kenneth Williams what a legend.such a loss.wonderful actor and true entertainer.nobody can replace him..

For many reasons: Only something special makes me laugh Kenneth Williams, was and still is something very special ❤

Kenneth Williams, Peter Ustinov and Stephen Fry, all three great raconteurs, each one with his own style

@thadtuiol1717

Жыл бұрын

Can't stand Fry - the liberal smug is too much.

@sheerluckholmes7720

Жыл бұрын

@@thadtuiol1717 😂 🎯

@handsoffmycactus2958

7 ай бұрын

Stephen Fry doesn’t deserve to be placed amongst those greats. The bloke is not a good man.

I loved him when I was a kid and occasionally watch an old Carry On just to see him. Never saw him interviewed until watching this. Listening to him speak naturally it strikes me what a formidable intellect he had. I had to look him up to see what kind of education he had and was very surprised he had no tertiary education at all, which makes how articulate he is even more exceptional.

What a treat for the audience, to sit there listening to Kenneth while studying the stunning Marti Caine

I could listen to Kenneth Williams all day and all night and all day again

Kenneth Williams' voice was once used(likely imitated by Keith Scott) for a TV ad for *"Bloo"* toilet cleaner - a very appropriate placement.

I could listen to this man all day his play on words and how he alters his voice to suit his stories is just brilliant,

A big shout also for Parkinson. Still by far the best “chat show” host. The quality of the conversation from his guests is largely a result of Parkinson

Very missed - there's never been anyone quite like K.W. before or since. R.I.P.

Oh how lovely, a time when things were so much easier, so much better.

I was laughing so much I started crying …! What fantastic comic talent .

@lindacraig7486

7 ай бұрын

Me too. I was in convulsions!

@rtaj247

7 ай бұрын

@@lindacraig7486 such a funny man

Kenneth Williams and Quentin Crisp were two people i could listen to all night long and never get bored ,both had the same captivating manner about them .

@shaunigothictv1003

8 ай бұрын

Nowadays most whites kids in London speak English with a hybrid Jamaican dialect which is very different from the anglo saxon dialect of English which was spoken by Kenneth Williams. In the early 2000's, young white kids on council estates in London became JAMAICANISED. This is when they starting speaking with English with a hybrid Jamaican dialect. For example, Essex county is the only place in Britain where the cockney dialect/and or accent is still spoken.

What i loved about Parkinson was that he never interfered with the guests once they got going. This is typical example of allowing the very great late K.Williams do his stuff. Not like these days when most hosts are allways butting in!

What a beautiful funny talented man crying with laughter as soon as he talks 🤣🤣🤣 Kenneth Williams you are sorely missed 💜

Priceless! What a genius.

An ex boyfriend of mine, a member of the Salvation Army took me, as a visitor to the UK headquarters of the Salvation Army in London...It was not a quarter of a mile away from Kenneth's final apartment, where he died...It was a supreme honour to see the humble, yet last place that such a legend as Kenneth suffered his mortal demise. Requiescat in Pace, Kenneth: You were loved ❤

If ever I’m down this is one man that makes me smile. I loved Kenneth he was a treasure, I would love to Have met him and no doubt be told to Eff orf by him but I would forgive him anything. We miss you mr. Williams so much in these dreary times.

@carolcasey5441

9 ай бұрын

Beautiful soul ❤

All credit to Parkinson he allows his guests to shine and brings out the best in them every time.

This is such a gift, thank you so much for uploading. He's peerless!

@marjorielamb4714

Жыл бұрын

💕

I've seen a lot of interviews with KW, but I think these was one of his best. The theatre anecdotes were hilarious. :-D

What a beautiful storyteller he was. And the sounds of his voice!

@Garrysullivanjones

Жыл бұрын

I’m trying to compare him To maybe bobcat goldthwaite. All over the place voices . His own personal movie playing in his head

The Words paint his memories on a canvas for our gazing pleasure.

What a mind, what a man. Kenneth Williams we salute you and your courage.

A thousand thankyous for this interview! I can't get enough of Kenneth x

Comic genius. What a pity his personal life was so sad. I hope he realised how loved and admired he was.

This was recorded 41 years ago when KW was much younger than I am now ( in my 70s) there will never be another KW the broke the mold.

There are only 2 people i really admired for their wit and immediate replays with humor or double meanings.One is Kenneth Williams and the second is Robin Williams.Both the best of the best and the top of the tops.Never be another 2 like them.Pure geniuses.

Always guaranteed lots of laughs with Kenneth when you saw a carry on film

Intelligent and the recollection of his life was amazing! A gem!

We ❤ Kenneth Williams. What a treasure.

He was wonderful and a great story teller. So articulate and witty. Irreplaceable

Absolutely superb! Thanks for posting. EVERY comedian and actor should study this in drama school!

What a treasure he was. So many , mostly gone now. Uk Comedy will never be the same

@thadtuiol1717

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad they're gone - they lived at a time when there was more freedom in the UK and you could be yourself. If they lived nowadays they'd be cancelled, harassed by the authorities and SJWs and kept out of showbiz. They had the best years, if they could see the UK today they'd be horrified.

If there was a person for whom the English language was made for, it would be Kenneth Williams. He could wax lyrical on any subject and was the undisputed king of 'Just a Minute'.

@shaunigothictv1003

8 ай бұрын

Nowadays most whites kids in London speak English with a hybrid Jamaican dialect which is very different from the anglo saxon dialect of English which was spoken by Kenneth Williams. In the early 2000's, young white kids on council estates in London became JAMAICANISED. This is when they starting speaking with English with a hybrid Jamaican dialect. For example, Essex county is the only place in Britain where the cockney dialect/and or accent is still spoken.

WHAT A GEM OF A MAN SIMPLY THE BEST I COULD LISTEN TO HIM ALL DAY BUT HIS LIFE WAS TINGED WITH SADNESS WHAT A LEGEND THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYONE QUITE LIKE HIM AGAIN R I P KENNETH 🙏🌹

Loved Round The Horne and Ramblin Syd. I've always been a big fan Kenneth Williams and was thrilled to see a blue plaque showing he lived in a flat close to Madame Tussauds in London.

I'm laughing again...! And I watched this just a few days ago. I'm laughing again. Love you Kenneth. You gave your innocence... to all of us.

Think it was Parkinson said you didn't have to ask Kenneth Williams much 'he just opened the closet and jumped right out'! Wonderful orator and raconteur.

Brilliant. Aside from Kenneth Williams’s overwhelming talent it’s important to remember how brilliant Parkinsonnwas at bringing the best out of his guests. When it comes to interviewing, less is more.

@formerlybernard6460

10 ай бұрын

True. Someone needs to tell that jizz sock Fallon.

His use of language and comic timing are impeccable.

You could spend hours and hours just listening to him talking.

Kenneth Williams was naturally funny. He was quite the raconteur. Stars would sit around him on nights out, listening to stories like these. They must have been great times.

For my money, KW was the last of the true English eccentrics. What a storyteller he was! I hope he realised how much he was loved by the general public - the last entry he made in his diary was so sad. RIP.

Kenneth was from a generation of hard working classy men and women who took their craft seriously. They were not about fame and fortune but about fine talent and high standards of performance.

I listened to Just A Minute radio show at work in the 80s. Kenneth was so funny at times I could't work as I was nearly ROFL. Wonderful entertainer. ❤

Kenneth Williams and Stephen Fry ..I could listen to them all day

@janeokeeffe5297

Жыл бұрын

Me too

@thadtuiol1717

Жыл бұрын

Nah, not Fry, the Lefty liberal smug is too much to bear.

When i was growing up i used to watch the carry on films ,kenneth Williams, Barbara Windsor, sid James and all the others in that comedy band ,i used to laugh until i cried ! ,the comedy in those days was much better than the comedy of today . Thankyou mr Williams, may you rest in eternal peace.

Unique talent, a true entertainer, irreplaceable ❤

A chat show host's dream guest. I didn't know Parky had done a chat show in Australia also, but was pleased to see this appear in my youtube. Kenneth never fails to amuse, love it.

I am lucky to be old enough ( but not old ) to be alive and remember this human being while he made the world happy. Willow the wisp anyone ?

Wonderful stuff such a down to earth story teller . I didn't see the Western Judge voice coming. Full of surprises and fun . So comfortable in his skin. Refresh 😁😁😁

Love how he speaks precise, and concise. How we need people like this in society. Love wordsmiths like this, as they know how to entertain by words. By the way, he was not joking about the red-hot needle up the nose to culturize. My brother went through the same as he suffered from nose bleeds.

@shaunigothictv1003

8 ай бұрын

Nowadays most whites kids in London speak English with a hybrid Jamaican dialect which is very different from the anglo saxon dialect of English which was spoken by Kenneth Williams. In the early 2000's, young white kids on council estates in London became JAMAICANISED. This is when they starting speaking with English with a hybrid Jamaican dialect. For example, Essex county is the only place in Britain where the cockney dialect/and or accent is still spoken.

This is a new one for YT - most of us haven’t seen this one before. Thank you.

Just brilliant entertaining stories and impressions from Kenneth. Brought me much mirth, he is just the tonic for a grey day.! Thank you for upload. Bless you.

Parkinson's easiest show, you just pop a question to Kenneth Williams, and let the monologues begin. What charisma Kenneth had.

Damm! I have watched so many interviews, but they never get old. He is a quicker ( and imho a better) story teller than ustinov.

@stephenguppy7882

Жыл бұрын

Oh, SO much better than Ustinov, who was boring, drawn out and self-absorbed.

@stconstable

Жыл бұрын

Was devastated when he died.

@stephenguppy7882

Жыл бұрын

@@stconstable Yes, me too. And all my nasty mother could say was 'Well, he was a homosexual'. He was a one-off, truly unique.

@Sam-gw5pl

Жыл бұрын

@@stconstable I vaguely remember it. I vaguely remember Charles Hawtrey’s death too.

@stconstable

Жыл бұрын

@@stephenguppy7882 funny it my was my late mother who rang to tell me.

I remember listening to him on the BBC Worldservice in a show called ‘Just a minute’ . A true waterfall of brilliant words every time.

Brilliant off the Bat . A bit of a pun as in don't clip chicken wire if you don't know why it's there . I love the way he tells the story. I also love how he mocks the Posh then goes back to being and talking about his down to earth reality . He has a Incredible memory and is extremely intelligent Human being .

Imagine ken and orson on a chat show together, would be pure gold!

@allenwilliams1306

Жыл бұрын

“Piss off”!

I have watched this now for the past 3 days - you just don't get better than Kenneth Williams (Rik Mayall was/is up there) but you just want to give him a hug.

Legendary talent, been no one like him since

@mrjagriff

9 ай бұрын

A few like him but just not funny ,Robin Williams / Jim Carey ,for instance

That is really funny. His ability to do accents is extraordinary. I'd love to hear his natural cockney voice and see footage of him on stage doing other stuff than just carryon.

Holy mega Wow! Loved this!

Kenneth is much missed. I grew up with Kenneth appearing on television, cinema and radio. Wonderful he didn't need to be interviewed. Just put him on stage and shut up. Parkinson was excellent at that unlike many interviewers today.

I live in England and there was always a Carry-on film on the tv. I bought the box set and I've watched it a million times and I always laugh. Frying tonight😂

@7ebr830

Жыл бұрын

Hail, Caesar! Hail - sleet, snow, rain! Ooh, I hate the weather in this blasted country! 🤣

@darrenhirst9900

Жыл бұрын

@@7ebr830 Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me. I love them all 😂

@7ebr830

Жыл бұрын

@@darrenhirst9900 Me too. 😊

Absolutely wonderful!

Kenneth Williams was Truly one of the greatest entertainers in british history, a totally unreplaceable comedian.A guy that would even make God laugh