As a Lifelong Crisperanto, I managed to forge a relationship with Mr Crisp through late. Night telephone chats and a prolific postal correspondence. This was over twenty years, up until the day he died. The irony is that he passed the night before his first appearance in England since his American Affair began. I knew the nen hosting him in their home and was due to meet with him that day. I had a phone call from my sister ( head of the Mortuary in Manchester Royal Infirmary ) informing me that Mr Crisp had passed away and she was looking after his body . I went to the Mortuary to pay my respects resting a single bright beautiful blooming yellow rose in his hands. He had both peace and dignity. However his body was left unclaimed with no one to arrange Repatriation to his adopted home. So, very late on a moonlit Manchester night, at an undisclosed location. Mr Crisps Body was uncerermoniesly cremated. And the remains were bagged and boxed and sent cargo class to his new and rather Avaricious recently signed Agent. What an absolutely heartbreaking end for a historical and Cultural Icon. For ahame

@dongiller

9 ай бұрын

Wow. Thank you for this.

@augusts1

9 ай бұрын

Fortunate you were able to have at least the phone/letter correspondence with him for so long prior to his death. Sad his demise didn't get more attention.

@jerkchickenblog

9 ай бұрын

thanks for sharing that. he did truly deserve better. the man deserves a huge memorial marker in a ny cemetary somewhere or perhaps even a statue. he's really too big a person to not have one.

@malcolmharris5277

9 ай бұрын

In October 2023, I am 62. I have known of and admired Quentin Crisp for the last 50 years or so. I did not manage to meet nor correspond with him, but did always hold him in high esteem and he remains one of a very small number of people I consider to be my personal heroes. I suspect the very quotidien nature of his demise and cremation may well have amused rather than upset him.

@MsMesem

9 ай бұрын

Still very sad that not ONE person in UK or USA made an effort to adopt him for what would have been his last stage presentation. @@malcolmharris5277

I actually met him in 1994 in Washington Square Park here in NYC. He was wearing a huge hat, and sat down on the next bench from me. He asked for the time, and I recognized his voice immediately. I moved over and introduced myself, and we began a 2 hour conversation right there. I remember during our conversation he complimented me on the leather jacket and jeans I was wearing and said "Fashion is what you're told, but style is what you tell yourself". We talked about Madonna, Gray's Papaya, hip hop, and a plethora of other things. He even told me that "Englishman In New York" by Sting was written about him. He was probably one of the most unique people that I ever met, and it was a pleasure to get that time with him.

@deanellison9206

4 жыл бұрын

What did he say about Madonna hahah?

@dean9235

4 жыл бұрын

That is amazing! So envious x

@berniecasey7592

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@TheJcfclark

4 жыл бұрын

You should have taken him to dinner. By his own admission, (from Wiki) "His openness to strangers extended to accepting dinner invitations from almost anyone. Whilst he expected the host would pay for dinner, Crisp did his best to "sing for his supper" by regaling his host with wonderful stories and yarns, much as he did in his theatrical performances. Dinner with him was said to be one of the best shows in New York."

@dean9235

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheJcfclark can you imagine dinner with him. You would not want the night to end!

Quentin’s outward behaviour and affectations mask an iron will and enormous courage. A great, intelligent man

@OlafProt

10 ай бұрын

Completely who Terence Stamp based Bernadette Bassenger on, I’d say.

@tarabrightstar

9 ай бұрын

Also a sadness and loneliness I always feel, but maybe I'm wrong.

@atis9061

8 ай бұрын

An out queer in his era? He’s a real life general!

“I never came out, I was never in.” Words of wisdom.

@coreycox2345

3 жыл бұрын

It must progress that this is far more common these days than it was then, Ronney Rendon. I am glad.

@bojohnbonham

3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful

@ivyvines6708

2 жыл бұрын

So true Ronney. He was so far ahead of so many in his thinking. ;-) ;-) ;-)

@gir5o1

2 жыл бұрын

Fr, he should have called himself Quentin Quips! 🤣🤣🤣🤣😅 ...ok I'll leave

@georgeelmerdenbrough6906

Жыл бұрын

Some people cannot hide though they try . My daughter was best friends throughout school with a little boy that was so obviously gay and yet completely unaware gayness was a thing . He was very out because he had no conceot of in .

I just lost my job. Struggling with depression. Haven't got out of bed for days. For some reason i found this very inspirational.

@caraame

8 ай бұрын

I hope that you are well now and are up out of bed and back in the swing of things.

@splinterbyrd

7 ай бұрын

Love you ❤

@domformula1

6 ай бұрын

You can find it in the most unusual places. Depression is a cross many of us bear, but please don’t give up, every new day is an opportunity relaunch

@karimbenh7622

5 ай бұрын

Hi Hope you're better now. Don't give up and walk a few miles every morning. ❤

@internationalkathy6569

2 ай бұрын

I hope you are doing better now.

How anyone could not adore this man is beyond me. He’s a total gem.

@matimus100

11 ай бұрын

Nonsense

@leestephenson7042

11 ай бұрын

@@matimus100 go back to playing at Vikings and let the adults talk.

@raymondo6665

11 ай бұрын

Chutney ferret.

@Valkonnen

11 ай бұрын

I'm just sorry that I never had the pleasure of meeting and talking to him when I lived in NYC in the 80's and 90's.

@raymondo6665

11 ай бұрын

@@Valkonnen all were warned not to try and pick up the nickel he had superglued to the floor.

As a Brit I'm very proud of the eccentrics we have produced over the years and Quentin is an absolute diamond. Very charismatic, charming and hilariously funny. 🤣

@kendavid891

11 ай бұрын

Loved the Brits since late 70s shows and music,movies, nothing better

@boredweegie553

11 ай бұрын

​​​​​@@kendavid891 so what Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish TV shows You like then? yeah,, don't say Brits if you only refer to the English! four countries here in case you forgot

@kendavid891

11 ай бұрын

@@boredweegie553 Of course the Scots,I love the Cocteau twins!one of my best friends is Welsh,and who doesn't love Bono,U2😄

@kailasac6532

11 ай бұрын

🤣❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@michaelasmith4489

11 ай бұрын

​@@boredweegie553talk about being triggered for absolutely no reason at all .

Quention Crisp was one of the most human humans that I have ever known of. He turned the disgust and hate that he received into wisdom, into gold. Very few people can do that. I count him as a genius.

@theoriginalbluey

11 ай бұрын

Best comment :) He was just wonderful.

@jaybee4118

9 ай бұрын

It was quite common in British gay men of that era. It was often just seen as “theatrical” but everyone knew. I loved it and quite miss it as I grew up with it, but it came out of a very, very painful place which is upsetting now I’m an adult. But, my brother was gay (he passed away of cancer a few years ago) and I’m bi, so on the backs of Quentin Crisp and others living openly, even though it was incredibly difficult, meant it was easier for my brother and I. I’m so thankful to them. I’m just sad, desperately sad, we seem to be regressing back to the idiotic disgust in society…

@Poetic_Justice1962

9 ай бұрын

@@jaybee4118 Yes, although born much later than Quentin Crisp, for example Ian McKellen still lived through such a time of hiding his sexuality and illegality, which is almost incomprehensible, yet despite all progress that's been made, homophobia, like racism, is still rearing its ugly head.

@brinlowe3446

9 ай бұрын

Well said..he was a genius 😊

This is a man who in the mid-30s walked around London wearing make-up etc when homosexuality was illegal and regarded as a mental illness. I wouldn't want to mess with a man with that courage.

I love that he’s so relaxed, quietly amused at the fact that Letterman is so uneasy, doesn’t quite know what to make of him.

@nartarlyiatremaynne1239

3 жыл бұрын

I concur with your sentiment.

@shandalear3252

3 жыл бұрын

But their interaction is a hoot to see!

@MsMesem

11 ай бұрын

Letterman is not uneasy at all but curious and respectful.

@bingleberryboo8685

11 ай бұрын

​@@MsMesemExactly.

@matimus100

11 ай бұрын

You love really easy we noticed

If there were more human beings like him, the world wold would be much more kinder and tolerant place

@jeraldbaxter3532

Жыл бұрын

It would certainly be much wittier.

@TomorrowWeLive

Жыл бұрын

There would certainly be fewer of us, after a while.

@JamesBrown-ij1px

11 ай бұрын

@@TomorrowWeLive Many homosexuals have children, through a variety of ways.

@AndrewHeller-jn7dx

11 ай бұрын

To: "@paulmaloney2383": Most all of these observations, both within the video; &, also, within the threadings here; do seem strongly true enough; definitely intelligent; certainly clever; and, timeless; yet, nonetheless; the persecutory discriminations; &, clear, definite, grossly extreme excesses, in aggression; assaults; and, various forms of attacks; including, those of a, physically violent nature; and, which also do not exclude, those combatants who possess: delusionary hatreds, against such individuals, as this fellow; is so horrific; extensive; grotesque; hideous; reprehensible, savage; brutal; damaging; callous; sickening; incredulous; insensitive; discompassionate; ->disgusting; violent; &, intensely abhorrent, that not much peace; love; kindness; &, understanding harmony; ever seems even able, to exist; let alone, to co-exist tolerantly, w/: rarer, special persons, in the likes, of people, such as: Mr. Crisp; and, similar individuals!! *would;...used only once; &, ->delete, the errata: "wold"!!!!!. &, *be: ->a, much more: kind; and, tolerant place!!!.

@jakecavendish3470

11 ай бұрын

Unless you are Princess Diana 😂 He absolutely loathed her with venom, it was such a hilarious choice of Nemisis

Music Icon Sting was inspired so much with this gentleman. He actually wrote a song about him called, "Englishman in New York".

“If you don’t have your name in the phone book, you are stuck with your friends!” Love that!!! ❤️

@matimus100

11 ай бұрын

Wasted love

This dude is gangster. “don’t join society, wait for society to catch up and form around you”

@heli-crewhgs5285

3 жыл бұрын

He most certainly was not a gangster!

@christopherparker1823

3 жыл бұрын

@@heli-crewhgs5285 It is a colloquial expression, not a literal description

@siggylloyd3566

2 жыл бұрын

@@heli-crewhgs5285 it's a compliment dumbo :)

@mandyminx967

Ай бұрын

Wise words for rude alphabet crowd.

He was a sort of Oscar Wild of our time.

@Sunshine-zm1fx

11 ай бұрын

He really was.

@TomFarrell-js8sl

4 күн бұрын

Ironically, he wasn't terribly admiring of Wilde.

Very few people have the courage to to be themselves. This wonderful human being was heroic.

I met Quentin back when I lived in the east village in New York. He wore a black onyx large stone ring and a black felt hat with the brim slanted up on one side. We met at a diner and after we spoke briefly he said. " Well it's time for me to crawl home" He was a very interesting man. I was lucky to have met him.

I’m not a gay man but I admire Quentin Crisp immensely. It’s his intelligence, wit and insight that garners my respect for him.

@tula1433

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for letting us know your NOT gay! God forbid anyone thought you were right!

@Tupelo927

Жыл бұрын

I'm not a musician but I enjoy music immensely...

@kailasac6532

Жыл бұрын

It is that he hits a tune in us all and we realize we are all the same, oddballs hiding our shadow sides, he is a part of ourselves and we wish him well and to prosper, and to free ourselves in this process and be happy. ❤

@FilPol-yu1es

Жыл бұрын

@@tula1433 .... That's right! Get offended! Get snarky! Get bitchy!

@jeraldbaxter3532

Жыл бұрын

​@@FilPol-yu1es One really should not blame poor, dear Tula. She (he?) Obviously has the disease, worse than covid, which is running rampant through the modern world, the plague of extreme "offensitivity", which causes people to be so sensitive, that they find offense in any and everything (to paraphrase Quentin Crisp), "even if they have to stay up all night." I blame it on that double edged sword that is the internet; back in my day, one could not always say what one wanted, or reply to others as one might wish; but now, from the perceived safety of our own computer one can par take of that heady drug called "freely speaking one's mind," whereas in the pre connected days, when we had to be in their physical presence to offend someone, thereby risky physical violence. Of course, I am fully aware, to my dismay, that by commenting at all on this that I am just as fallible as as everyone else- despite my efforts, I am still not good at levitation, so I sometimes fail to "rise above it." But thank you for making your comment, as it saved me from doing so, and I am afraid that, had I responded, instead of "rising above it," I might have "dug myself deeper." 😉

Its the year 2021, february, im in Chile, im a regular human, and this blew my mind. I have the feeling that i never witnessed a more eloquent, calmed and kind person than this man. I wish, so much, with my whole heart, that i had him as a friend in this life.

@marcobenneti9664

3 жыл бұрын

@@dkw1 ❤️🌛

@leannesmith5818

3 жыл бұрын

Me too

@justme-hh4vp

3 жыл бұрын

You might find this interesting: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZJiNxqqkfdjZfZs.html

@johndalton3180

11 ай бұрын

Lovely comment.

@deborahmyers5205

6 ай бұрын

My mother did and Loved him so much

That is the fiercest, most determined comb over I have ever seen.

@kriskabin

10 ай бұрын

If that's all you took from these interviews, you have really missed out. Your loss.

@omygod9062

3 ай бұрын

It’s a wig for sure

Almost 40 years later his quips and comebacks are crackling.

this man was years ahead of his time...

@Jamie-js3qw

3 жыл бұрын

assuming it gets better with time

@Professional_444

3 жыл бұрын

🧞‍♀️🛸

@arricammarques1955

3 жыл бұрын

''A mind that dared to speak its name''

@soeffingwhat

3 жыл бұрын

@@22grena Homosexuality cannot be "indoctrainated" into Children. If you are gay then you are gay, if you are straight then you are stragiht. You cannot *become* gay. Do you actually believe homosexuality didn't exists years ago? It did.

@shandalear3252

3 жыл бұрын

@@22grena WTF?

Such a gentle, wise soul with a fabulous wit.

Holy shit! How the hell have I never heard of this guy before? He's amazing!

@lesley9989

3 жыл бұрын

Are you young and not from Britain?

@lesley9989

3 жыл бұрын

Try to watch 'The Naked Civil Servant' with John Hurt

@mournblade1066

3 жыл бұрын

@@lesley9989 No, I'm not from Britain. But I'm 50.

@lesley9989

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry, my comment appears harsh I'm from Yorkshire. Comes across as blunt

@lesley9989

3 жыл бұрын

The film is on KZread. Shows how difficult it was for homosexuals when it was illegal.

What a massive personality...this man was a champion of individualism

@ClaireSmith-ke3eg

Ай бұрын

❤

Quentin was so unique. I went to see him at Richmond Theatre in 1987 in 'An Evening with Quentin Crisp', he said in the future machines would take over our lives.

@joankonkle6972

3 жыл бұрын

I read your comment on the smartphone I look at for hours a day. I guess he was right that machines will take over our lives.

@edub9930

Жыл бұрын

He was a very astute gentleman

@MsMesem

11 ай бұрын

@@edub9930 Gentleman describes him exactly, it cannot be usely used.

@MsMesem

11 ай бұрын

@@edub9930 Gentleman describes him exactly, it cannot be usely used.

"I never came out - I was never in" my heart is bursting from the seams realising what an amazing influential man he was. Quick-witted, funny, full of wisdom and most of all took the first step for millions of us.

@MrChrissy1r

4 жыл бұрын

A brilliant and iconic man, Quentin did more for the gay people of the world, than all the so called L,G.B,T/ Q.D C.D, T,V etc etc etc ,, could ever do! It's thanks to him, that the world of sexual difference in our lives is more recognised, accepted and respected than ever!

@GrantTarredus

3 жыл бұрын

Oh, yes! And while I can use “us” in the sense that I’m gay, I also feel that Crisp’s example of simply being who he was in every other singular way continues to knock over barriers to free expression for ALL. people. What a tower of inspiration he made of his life!

@GrantTarredus

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrChrissy1r Indeed, chris! Early this year some of my old pals from the Savannah College of Art & Design class of 1984 had an informal reunion and about a dozen of us were at dinner when the subject of all these initials and labels and tags and pronouns and dolphins and alphabet soups came up. As I recall about a third of us called themselves straight and the rest of us were all sorts of whatever else (I’m gay), and the beautiful thing was this. Every single one of us found the apparent need we humans have of categorizing ourselves into smaller and smaller demographics mysterious, every one of us found it unfortunate if not tragic, every one of us felt that simple decency and respect calls upon us to honor the desires of any persons or groups wishing to be referred to in any specific manner, and every one of us fell into uproarious, good-natured laughter provoked by the entire silly maze we all seem to have built and trapped ourselves in. It was glorious, chris, and I wish you could been there. @Stuart_Gardner2

@Stephensorrentino

3 жыл бұрын

I spent 10 years with Mr. crisp as his friend and did his last movie with him “Homo Heights” he was amazing.

@shandalear3252

3 жыл бұрын

@@Stephensorrentino he sounds like a hoot, and so charismatic. I saw him in NYC a bit and regret I never spoke to him.

This year marks 20 years of his passing, R.I.p Quentin Crisp. Wonderful wise man. Fearless man, used the telephone like Facebook.

@junemills3591

Жыл бұрын

An amazing man.

@bobwallacejnr6852

11 ай бұрын

he was a puff

@tefllife2024

11 ай бұрын

@@bobwallacejnr6852 you mean poof? Lol.

@jonstone9741

11 ай бұрын

@@bobwallacejnr6852 And you're an ass. Thank you for letting us know.

@ClaireSmith-ke3eg

Ай бұрын

​@@bobwallacejnr6852grow up

What a clever and wise man. I'm also impressed by the enlightened and appreciative audience.

@Stephensorrentino

3 жыл бұрын

He was iconic.

@bzakie2

3 жыл бұрын

Yes everyone but Dave.

@ChrisLawton66

3 жыл бұрын

@@bzakie2 everyone but Dave? Why do you say that? Dave shows nothing but respect here.

@gfox9295

3 жыл бұрын

The first two audiences seemed receptive... the third one was laughing a bit inappropriately at times (even for the era)... maybe they were drunk, maybe the previous guest had been a laugh a minute and they were carried away... dunno.

@lours6993

3 жыл бұрын

@@gfox9295 This is around the date that AIDS was first reported in the media. I bet there aren’t any ‘84, ‘85 interviews.

One of the most HONEST and GUTSY people there ever was.

@tula1433

11 ай бұрын

True bravery and a quick wit! Authenticity at its finest!

He certainly was a character! this man went through hell and back, all because he never hid from who he was! #RIP Quinten Crisp!!

Wow. I sadly have not followed this man in my almost 60 years. I am a new devotee. What a gem.

I met Quentin Crisp a few times .. delightful man. A true original.

@pennyc7064

3 жыл бұрын

Lucky for you! I would have loved to have met him!

@arricammarques1955

3 жыл бұрын

Did you?..

@MsMesem

11 ай бұрын

@@arricammarques1955 I can't imagine with affinity for Quentin living in Toronto!

I saw Mr. Crisp in one of his live shows in the early 80’s and have so many fond memories of the experience. His question/answer period was a big highlight, and after the show several of us accompanied him to a bar nearby and sat with him for about an hour, talking. He was exactly the same, no matter who he was with, or where he was.

"After four years the dirt doesn't get any worse." Priceless. He is so funny.

@pattihawks8514

4 жыл бұрын

Haha. I’ll have to remember and tell our housing staff next inspection.

@bzakie2

3 жыл бұрын

He actually reversed his position on that some years later saying that realised that he was wrong. The dust DOES get worse.

@pianoman551000

3 жыл бұрын

@@bzakie2 I saw the documentary of Quentin filmed many years ago, and I just couldn't get over the FILTH in his apartment. Surprisingly he was a minimalist, owning very little. He did change his ways (started to clean) as he got older with health-related problems.

@gfox9295

3 жыл бұрын

@@bzakie2 Yeah, my reaction to that part was... "well, he must not get much dust and pet hair..." and then ofc later in the clips we find he's never had a pet.

@captainboggles

3 жыл бұрын

unkind friends would say " he had the dirt sent in from Fortnum & Mason's"

he speaks like reciting poetry

@pattihawks8514

4 жыл бұрын

Love listening to his unique Britishness

How profound! This man was a beacon of truth in a time of hiding and shame. So far ahead of his time!

@janebond8342

8 ай бұрын

You're wrong, sir. No gays or lesbians are ashamed in his time or ours now. That is a projection of heterosexuals who think that gays MUST be ashamed because THEY think being gay MUST be shameful if they were gay. Thus the rise of the Gay Pride marches around the world to show that we are NOT ashamed. Did we/Do we hide? Many have and still do. Heteros do not face the risk of losing their jobs, their housing, their families, friends and co-workers for starters - simply for being heterosexual. Gays and lesbians did and still do hide. It's a risk each and every person makes according to their own situation. Straight people have no clue and ought not judge gays and lesbians who decide coming out is too high a cost. Be grateful as heterosexuals that you NEVER will face this and support, not criticize.

Real bravery to be who you are not who others dictate you should be. An Iconic figure.

This guy is GOLD!

@matimus100

11 ай бұрын

Materialistic 💩

I had the pleasure of meeting Quentin Crisp at the Canberra War Memorial when he visited Australia in the mid-1960's. An utterly charming man.

He’s so eloquent, elegant and extraordinary!

I like this guy ."on Andy Warhol....never has one done so little to be known for for so much. CLASSIC !!

@SD-li9g

3 жыл бұрын

Isn't it just.

@re7416

3 жыл бұрын

Talking about shading....

@georgew2014

3 жыл бұрын

I totally agree.

I'd forgotten how there used to be interesting people on late night talk shows.

@dhgemein2

4 жыл бұрын

...who weren't just there to sell a current project or product.

@meansy7753

3 жыл бұрын

You're so right, but only after a few seconds I recalled what a complete prick Letterman is.

@jprz13

3 жыл бұрын

Ohh he was adorable

@OMGWTFLOLSMH

3 жыл бұрын

Now it's mostly vapid entertainment types selling their latest disposable crap. Seven minutes for a few quick soundbites, give them the hook, then trot out the next one. I pretty much gave up on talk shows after Letterman left.

@jhlfsc

3 жыл бұрын

@@hanknusloch465 At the end Dave said "thank you for coming in this evening", but you're right, Dave did say "good morning" at the beginning. My guess would be since the late show has always been taped during the day then aired later that night, Dave just probably forgot to pretend like it was evening. Plus I'd be shocked if that kind of interview would've been aired on morning TV at that time in history.

A great man. I knew someone who knew him in the 1950s who said everyone in the artistic circles he mixed in around Chelsea and Soho found him charming, kind, brilliant and witty.

@elyneburns2224

3 жыл бұрын

London or Manhattan?

@MsMesem

11 ай бұрын

@@elyneburns2224 Do pay attention please, plenty of info on line if you have not.

@matimus100

11 ай бұрын

What's great about him

@bigfacedboy

10 ай бұрын

​@@elyneburns2224two years late, perhaps, but he first visited the US in '77 - he said this during the first interview.

There was softness in Dave’s interviews in the earlier phases of the show that I really appreciate.

@kawasakiwhiptwo5821

3 жыл бұрын

Yes. He got a little more obnoxious as time went on, and then when he got older,he calmed down a little more again...but just a little.

@marymusic8920

3 жыл бұрын

Letterman grew rather mean, in later years...

Very influential to me as a young man and the overall development of my character. I actually had the privilege to speak directly to him over the phone. It was a call-in show and I was the first caller and I asked a stupid question because I was young and stupid and he gave back a very honest truthful answer. I was naive and I think he knew that and he didn't punish me for it. God bless him and his legacy

@unfortunatebeam

5 жыл бұрын

What did you ask him?

@jamesmcinnis208

3 жыл бұрын

"actually"

@markmcintosh7108

3 жыл бұрын

I remember the Channel 4 programme you mentioned. I think this would have been the first time I seen Mr Crisp.

@anthonymcilwain4426

3 жыл бұрын

Met him at a party for UB40 after they played Madison Square Garden - He was utterly charming

@NelsonClick

3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesmcinnis208 It was there for pace. Tempo? Flow? You know; and a 1 and a 2 and a 3.

I have learnt so much listening to Quentin Crisp...be yourself. Simple as that.

I fortunatly had dinner with him and visited his apartment and had lunch with him and attended his performances. He was also at a friend's home once during a party. Sadly on our return flight from London we read the news of his death since he had gone to Manchester during the same time. We attended a beautiful memorial to him at Cooper Union with an acquaintance at the door surprised to see me and learn of my encounters. He was a very interesting person he told me about his family and school. I always am happy to watch these videos.

@Themanwhocameback2

Жыл бұрын

Hey, One Sunday I had lunch and happy hour with Quentin, and dropped him off at his apartment. And I went to the Memorial at Cooper Union, too! He was an inspiration.

I met and had lunch with him in London back in 1989. He was a friend of my friend Maurice Binder. Who created all the title sequences for the earlier James Bond films. Quentin did a quick little drawing for me on a napkin. I still have it. Very creative guy. Imaginative.

The divine Crisp played Letterman on a break sending him up with such exquisite ease. Quentin you were a genius. "I could never have disguised myself as a human being." … RIP.

@tula1433

Жыл бұрын

There is so much thought provoking power in that line alone. I swear it could make the most violent of homophobes pause and think and realize that I’m fact he is another human being. ❤

It was remarkable how Quentin Crisp made America his home in middle age and became a chat show darling and an international star. He was a comic genius in the tradition of Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward. Just brilliant - he had an inauspicious start in suburban Britain where homosexuality - and eccentricity of any kind was stamped on - but he transformed his life into a gorgeous, glorious triumph! If you haven't read any of his books I urge you to grab them - he was a beautiful writer, funny, eye opening, heart breaking and always entertaining. Thanks for this upload!

@jokerz7936

6 жыл бұрын

Glamydolly20 what's even more impressive is he wasn't middle aged he was 73 when he moved to America. When most are planning for the afterlife he started a new one here.

@Stephensorrentino

3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant

@glamdolly30

3 жыл бұрын

@Fi Bannerman I so envy you, I would have loved to see his one man show live. He was incredibly intelligent and witty, but I think it is his courage I most admire. He was himself, fully and unapologetically, at a time when being a gay man was a perilous identity. In his memoirs he wrote about the importance of being true to yourself. He said (and I'm paraphrasing) that you should strive to be the fullest version of your true self you can possibly be - and if your true self is boring, be so boring that when people discuss you, they say "Oh you know him, that really boring man!" I loved his life philosophies and wisdom.

@MsMesem

11 ай бұрын

Britain is the home of eccentrics and camp!

After all those years of abuse he suffered it is lovely to see him basking in the acceptance of the audience.

Quentin was way ahead of his time. He used the phone book to make friends with strangers....now we use Facebook. I didn't quite understand Letterman's question about how Quentin could allow that kind of intrusion into his life. Americans do it all the time...every time they open Facebook or Twitter, they invite strangers into their lives. It's fashionable now.

@lockandloadlikehell

5 жыл бұрын

^^ someone needs to fix their privacy settings

@alisongrace4334

4 жыл бұрын

You’re right!

@Zinwaq

4 жыл бұрын

J kK you didn't understand how Letterman asked a guest on his show from like 40 years ago...how could he stand the intrusion of being called up on the phone and made friends? And you compare that...to Facebook? Which never existed....40 years ago? Are you serious?

@Jamie-js3qw

3 жыл бұрын

@@alisongrace4334 not really. Facebook shows the face

@ChrisLawton66

3 жыл бұрын

Because 40 years ago, we didn't pursue that kind of intrusion.

What an amazing guy, the sort of person you’d feel honoured to know.

I've never seen Letterman lose control of an interview before - Qentin is running the show here.

@OMGWTFLOLSMH

3 жыл бұрын

Letterman lost control more than a few times during the NBC years, but those were the best years by far.

@SD-li9g

3 жыл бұрын

I wonder what he did wrong !!

@rheinhartsilvento2576

3 жыл бұрын

David has actually NO IDEA how to deal with Quentin. And it shows. It's hilarious😁 Completely out of his depth. He looks like such a...well, yokel, next to Quentin. I think Dick Cavett would have been SO much better at making the best of an opportunity to interview Quentin. Pity it never happened, apparently....

@bertsmert6787

3 жыл бұрын

@@rheinhartsilvento2576 I concur 100%!!!

@777jones

3 жыл бұрын

@@rheinhartsilvento2576 really, Dave was incredibly generous and sensitive I the first interview.

How could I have lived 55yrs without hearing of this delightful man. I just happened to watch John Hurt’s portrayal in “An Englishman in New York” This evening on TubiTV.

@slydoll7877

5 жыл бұрын

Oh read his books! What a life!

@flaggerify

5 жыл бұрын

Watch the fist movie. It's a good deal better

@victorha9923

4 жыл бұрын

Same. I watched "The Naked Civil Servant" a few months ago. Fascinating world, and I honestly didn't think the real thing would be even more interesting than the screen portrayal.

His book is really good in case anyone was thinking of reading it.

@deirdre108

3 жыл бұрын

I have a copy of his short book "Manners from Heaven". So funny and witty. I've read it many times--very much recommended if you can find it.

@davidanthonystone5165

2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful wit.

@hyperboreandream

Жыл бұрын

Which do you recommend?

@vlnow

Жыл бұрын

@@hyperboreandream The Naked Civil Servant

@eymerichinquisitore9022

10 ай бұрын

I would recommend a good biography of Alexander the Great.

I remember many years ago I saw a dignified older gentleman like Quentin sitting alone in a cafe eating breakfast. I sat there in aw of how much class he had and to the cruelty he would receive from gay men as much as the straight ones, for not being manly enough. I left, but not before I stopped to compliment him on what a charming person he was. His face lit up with a warm glow, he tipped his hat and graciously thanked me.

@jamesanderson348

3 жыл бұрын

Class..pure class. Something that is sadly lacking these days

I quite literally walked right into him and l couldn't apologise enough plus I did not know who he was. This turned into the most wonderful afternoon tea and talk I have ever had. I wonder what he would make of today's eclectic society?

Is nobody going to mention the absolutely fabulous lavender streaks in his gloriously coiffed hair? He was stylish in his own right.

@freddyspizzaboy6754

3 жыл бұрын

No. Abhorrent man.

@DerekWilliamsMusic

3 жыл бұрын

That comes near the end of the final interview on this video compilation.

@j.c7719

Жыл бұрын

It is interesting to note that he kept his hair long like that because he was actually a transgender woman

@spiltsoymilk

11 ай бұрын

He was a homosexual.

@j.c7719

11 ай бұрын

@@spiltsoymilk He was transgender

He was himself so others could be too. Angel.

@pauljohnston8011

3 жыл бұрын

this cosmic timeline is ever growing...

@pauljurgen-romrig9616

3 жыл бұрын

I couldn’t agree more.

@FlockOfHawks

3 жыл бұрын

we _all_ are ourselves , simply because in the long run we don't have any other option 🙏 and that's o k

@thetarotdetective3363

3 жыл бұрын

He played an angel at the end of the movie Orlando

@thetarotdetective3363

3 жыл бұрын

@AMT He played Queen Elizabeth 1 on Orlando

Guests like this made Dave a legend.

You see Dave gradually warming up to the beloved Quentin. You could tell he didn’t know what to make of him at first.

@pattihawks8514

4 жыл бұрын

David depends on humor and British humor is so differently Delivered It takes him offguard

@Stephensorrentino

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah letterman thought he was just going to be an easy mark to laugh at… And I believe that as Mr. crisp continued let him and understood him better and realized that Quentin was in on it and warmed up to him.

@Consrignrant

3 жыл бұрын

@@Stephensorrentino....... Don't be stupid. Mr. Letterman has been around. He's hardly sheltered.

@Consrignrant

3 жыл бұрын

@AMT........My, my, you sure put me in my place.......... Lol..... Nice try, you imbecile........ They and your "opinions" are worthless.

@Consrignrant

3 жыл бұрын

@AMT..... "Ad hominem"....... How long have you been waiting to use that phrase? I also fully expected a reply. You're an imbecile who's trying to be clever. I suspect you are someone who needs the last word, so, go ahead and have the last word.

I used to see him around Union Square right about this time. He always wore a big hat and a scarf. He was wonderful.

David you are a darling for the way you spoke with Mr Crisp

@glamdolly30

6 жыл бұрын

Quentin Crisp was a gift to any chat show host!

... and he wasn't plugging anything other than himself. Bliss.

He was a true gent very real and very vulnerable all at the same time rip dear man .

Amazing how gentle and generous he turned out to be despite being beat up and threatened.

Sting's "Englishman in NY" was written about him & he features in the video.

He’s lovely! So funny and sweet.

@matimus100

11 ай бұрын

Ok cartoon

He reminds me of my mother in law. She spoke exactly like him and was just as wise.

@sophiyah-3671

3 жыл бұрын

Usually mother in laws are Lucifer incarnate so she sounds just lovely. How great to have known a woman so classy and enigmatic.

I think its pretty bad ass when this dude said "i could never disguise myself as a human being" thats hardcore lol wish people could just let people be who they are and leave em alone. I mean, youre the one who has to live with yourself %100 of the time and whatever makes that endeavor easier and more comfortable, go for it. As long as youre not hurting anyone else who cares

@daveidmarx8296

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds great in theory, but not possible for some people.

@kathleenanne1718

3 жыл бұрын

My mom always said live and let live and practiced it. She tried very hard not to judge others.

@sealteamryx6758

3 жыл бұрын

@@daveidmarx8296 yeah... it's quite a bummer

@sealteamryx6758

3 жыл бұрын

I just re-read my comment because of getting notifications for it... and i just realized that it sounds kind of funny at first like its going to be one of those "im not gay.... but if i was!.." lol anyway, made me chuckle

@tula1433

Жыл бұрын

One day society will come to a time where heterosexual men will no longer preface their likes and dislikes with the phrase “I’m not gay but”. That statement alone sends a message of “please don’t assume or think I’m gay because I’m not! Im a human I swear!”

He spoke almost entirely in quotable sentences, and was funny all the while. Undeniably a British icon. There will only ever be one Quentin Crisp. Live your life like there will only ever be one of you.

Saw his show when he toured Australia, he was brilliant

My mum drew him in I think Harrow Art School in the late 50s and she said he was an amazing model to draw, taking dynamic poses that would last for ages. Interesting to hear his perspective on it!

This is the sort of strange guest that made the old show so much more interesting. I didn't usually watch the boring celebrities on his CBS show.

@mikehudson8884

6 жыл бұрын

Nothing strange about Quentin Crisp but I concur with you on the many other boring guest over the yrs.....

@whatshisname3304

6 жыл бұрын

i have nt ever seen Quentin interviewed what a darling. better than john hurt and more like a lady. but very likeable

@kalevala29

6 жыл бұрын

exactly, totally agree

@Strimbles

6 жыл бұрын

Agreed, Brother Theodore, Harvey Pekar, etc...

@laurawilloughby4000

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikehudson8884 Maybe he meant unusual.

"I never came out; I was never in." I've honestly said that for years about my own sexuality/gender identity, without ever having heard this interview before. Wonderful to know I've been accidentally doing something right! This man is wonderful, endlessly quotable and very brave.

John Hurt played Quentin Crisp to the 'T'. I loved the movie The Civil Servant. He was a very brave man back in them days

A genius still light years ahead of his time- a true raconteur and queer icon-

@matimus100

11 ай бұрын

Yuk

A much missed national treasure.

A true icon, a one off. Wonderful.

I spent my sunday morning wRching this video, amazing memories. Quention Crisp is wonderfully charming and brilliant on so many levels. ❤

Absolutely delightful man. Treated very badly in his younger years, but he had the strength and courage to rally on. Such a wit.

I adore this beautiful man. So charming and sweet. Very witty and such style! ✨✨✨

One of my absolute heroes an amazing pioneer

@pattistilwell7424

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Vincent, how are you doing. I'm Patti from Long Beach California, just looking for new friend and i saw your pic here. Merry Christmas.

@ethos1236

3 жыл бұрын

@@pattistilwell7424 This isn't Plenty of Fish. You're trolling in the wrong waters,

Always remember as a kid watching John hurt portraying Quentin in the naked civil servant and struck with the strength honesty and bravery of the man ,unique . Famous for just being . Now that is talent .

Breaks my heart when he says, “I couldn’t be a HUMAN BEING”

@tula1433

11 ай бұрын

Absolutely! So profound!

@WhoWho569

11 ай бұрын

I absolutely feel the same; and how is that heartbreaking? That’s just how it is.

@bristolgareth1

11 ай бұрын

I think he meant normal like a heterosexual man or woman,, this is what I think he means as been a human being,, he also describe himself as a oddity,, he knows he unique,,

@kriskabin

10 ай бұрын

He said a "real person." By "real" he meant a cis-gendered heterosexual person.

He's a unique and delightful person.

fun to see how by his fourth time on, he's become an audience favorite: the applause as he comes out is louder, more obviously an eruption. and tho i've always been lukewarm on letterman, i admit here he's appropriately solicitous, not mocking crisp's style or statements, and avoids being the punky fraternity wise-ass he often comes on as. doing so, he's easy for this guest to feel comfortable with, and he graciously cedes center stage (and without dropping too far back; he frequently shows he gets it, whatever it is at the moment). so a pleasure to watch; fine ensemble performance.

It’s just amazing to realize that we all share the world with these remarkable souls-true individuals. What a privilege to know that we make the same journey as they do!

Quentin has more courage than any man I have ever met, I wish I had his strength of character .. he is a person who is a person who many a man would not be able to stand up to in every way in this modern age

David Letterman interacts with Quentin Crisp beautifully!

@Moluccan56

11 ай бұрын

Agree.

The world lost a most genuine person. I adore him!💜

What a character. Quentin was charisma personified. He was also a beautiful looking man.

@starduck8014

3 жыл бұрын

he was very beautiful in his youth

@davidrobinson2776

3 жыл бұрын

I saw photographs of him and he reminded me of a young Michael Sheen.

The man was a genius! So witty and charming! I wish I could have known him.

What an unbelievably GREAT GUEST!!!

@matimus100

11 ай бұрын

💩

I remember my older friends talking about the movie Naked Civil Servant in my late teens. Then in my early thirty's moving to Fort Lauderdale and the owner of the house would read his book around the pool early afternoon as we would nurse our hangovers. Then on a trip up north to Toronto Canada just by chance I got to see his show at Buddies in Bad Time theatre. The show was amazing and every entertaining, I believe he even signed my book. Whatever happen to that book as I approach 60. What a great man. A real legend a classic. Cheers from Montreal 🇨🇦

I have to appreciate Letterman for having mister Crisp on his show several times. Quentin was a human being in being what he was, no sick follower of an ideology other than being what we are. Glad he was able to live a long life even with all the hatred he had to endure.

He was so brilliant! I could listen to him for hours!😇

He was also on Carson's show a lot back in the '70s and I found him fascinating and funny and one of my favorite guests. His book The Naked Civil Servant is excellent and there was a good movie made out of it with John Hurt, which was ideal casting. I actually didn't know he had been on Letterman, so thanks for this compilation.

@jamesmcinnis208

3 жыл бұрын

"actually"

@2degucitas

3 жыл бұрын

John Hurt seems a natural choice. I can see the fit.