I love the comment at the end: "I want to be known as a good father, as a good grandfather, as a good husband" What a man of character.

Boy I can see the sadness in Vans eyes towards the end and he really was close with Bruce Lee and I can see him almost about to cry at the end saying he wish he was still around. Van you are such a genuine person who stayed loyal to Bruce Lee after all these years and thank you for fighting for Bruce to get things done on the set. You were a true friend to Bruce as he was to you. You are a great actor, and intelligent awesome person. Rest In Peace Van. You are missed and loved by all the fans to this day.

Van was my team leader on the Malibu search and rescue team (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department). We patrolled, trained on mountaineering, and he was a consummate professional. I was sad to hear that he had died in Arizona. Rest In Piece, Captain!

@dbvander

8 ай бұрын

Great anecdote Stephen. RIP Van!

@moh6410

5 ай бұрын

THANKS TO KZread NOW I CAN WATCH GREEN HORNET Van was very handsome in green hornet

@stephenreese5921

5 ай бұрын

@@moh6410 I know that Van was respected by the Deputies in the L.A. Sheriff’s Department. He was a man’s man, not a hollywierd persona pretending to be one. I remember hardened full time Sergeants acquiescing to his leadership. It was pleasure to be in his presence and an honor to receive his direction in the intricacies of law enforcement. I will forever hold him in high regard!

The Green Hornet was the single most underrated program of all time

That was the most clean and crisp interview I've ever heard anybody do about Bruce Lee Van Williams was such a professional a good-looking guy should have been used in Hollywood much more than he was by far very very understandable what a pleasure it was watching this for the first time rest in peace Van Williams

@anthonytaylor7928

7 ай бұрын

He was used in Hollywood a lot he died young

@USMC-cv5sd

6 ай бұрын

​@@anthonytaylor7928 Wasn't he 82 years old ?

@christinedavis7850

4 ай бұрын

What year was this

Rest in peace Van. I always respected this guy. Completely honest and genuine. 🙏🙏🙏

@MrDravenLee

Жыл бұрын

@MOONLIGHT LOVE 🌙💓 And how do you know I wasnt referring to the soul???

@wayne3093

Жыл бұрын

@MOONLIGHT LOVE 🌙💓 twat

There will never be a Green Hornet and Kato like the Van Williams and Bruce Lee team. All the CGI in the world can't create the chemistry those two had in that series.

Privileged to have met Van many years ago at a convention. Absolutely lovely guy, self deprecating and incredibly humble. To this day still stands as one of the nicest actors I ever met at cons and I met a few.

First time I’ve seen this interview. What a wonderful man (RIP) telling great stories of his time with Bruce Lee.

I listened to the Green Hornet on radio religiously as a kid.

Wow! That was the most honest, most genuine, most interesting interview I’ve ever seen. I learned that Van Williams was somebody I would’ve loved to hang with and I learned that Bruce Lee was human just like the rest of us. A super fast and lethal human….but human. So glad I clicked on this video!!

That was a beautiful remembrance of Brace Lee and extremely respectful, too bad they don't have actors like that today.

RIP Van Williams (February 27, 1934 - November 28, 2016), aged 82 And RIP Bruce Lee (November 27, 1940 - July 20, 1973), aged 32 You both will always be remembered as legends.

@turtleboy991

Жыл бұрын

They're together again

@jackspry9736

Жыл бұрын

@@turtleboy991 Indeed they are my friend.

@johnreidy2804

Жыл бұрын

LOL he said "A little bit of arrogance came through" regarding Bruce Lee. He weighed about 135 ponds and at least 100 pounds was arrogance

@chekotewashakey225

Жыл бұрын

rest in peace ❤🧡💛💚💙💜💜🤎🖤

@ransomedavis2208

Жыл бұрын

@@johnreidy2804 didnt realise you knew him personally ? oh whats that ? oh then you didnt Mmmm nuf said.

I loved that show -- RIP Mr. Williams. ---- I still watch it from time to time.

@Hutzjohn

Жыл бұрын

@MOONLIGHT LOVE 🌙💓 😂😂 for someone trying to sound very sophisticated & philosophical that was really DUMB 🤣🤣

Just finished binging on all 26 episodes of "The Green Hornet."

@bruceleewaytotruth3238

Жыл бұрын

Wow, well done

RIP Van and Bruce two true good friends!

@andrewlee8650

Жыл бұрын

Very interestng story appreciated i learned bruce nuchaku and perfected that aŕt since l973 l

Bruce Lee, " Van is the smartest person I have ever seen in my life, he has invested his money so well that he doesn't have to work for the rest of his life" from a TV Guide magazine interview in 1966 promoting the Green Hornet.

Lt. Van Williams loved Ford Broncos. He had several.

I like how they became friends IRL. From what I've read, Williams supported Bruce in his career and, before the Green Hornet was cancelled, tried to get him as much camera time as possible

@captainpharaoh

6 ай бұрын

Van liked Bruce as a friend and respected him as a professional. He was the star of the show, and he pushed to get Bruce more screen time and lines.

Van Williams was a lieutenant in the L.A. Sheriff reserves and was our Search & Rescue (Mountain Rescue) team Captain.

I worked with Van when he was a Sheriff's Reserve in Malibu. When People Magazine did an article on Van, he asked me to come on down for the interview so they could say "The Green Hornet and Kato are back". I said no, "I rather no one new what I did for a living".

Wow I wish there were more footage like this RIP Van Williams

@mybigfartsreallystin

Жыл бұрын

@@moonlitlove And yet... ...how does one *constantly* repeat the same line? XD

I wish they would officially release The Green Hornet on Blu ray and DVD.

This is an amazing account of Bruce. Most people that knew Bruce Lee first hand are almost all gone

Cool heads prevailed. Van Williams and Bruce Lee , one of kind. R.I.P.

Ha ha ! Burt Ward Batman would NOT win a fight against Bruce Lee NOT even in a dream! Never Robin could.win together with Batman,. B Lee would destroy them with OUT even trying!! NO one ever could ever do the same as B Lee' NEVER! Bruce Lee still # 1 name in Martial Arts!! 🔥‼️🔥‼️🔥

What a wonderful interview and makes me appreciate my Blu-ray disk of all The Green Hornet shows I have. Van Williams was a very classy act. This was the best interview on Bruce Lee thank you.

I was quite impressed with the interview. Have much respect for the man. And Bruce Lee as well.

It's interesting that Van was a Hornet fan long before doing the show.

Interesting, never thought of the Green Hornet as a modern-day Lone Ranger. I was in first grade when it came out!!!! Watched it every week!!!!! One of my all-time favorite shows!!!!!!!

What Mr. Williams said at the end of this interview (31:43) sums up how all of us would like to be remembered as a "good father, as a good grandfather, as a good husband,"

Forever apart of my 60s childhood, he was so handsome as "The Green Hornet" couldn't imagine the show without him or Bruce Lee, RIP Van and Bruce, we "Boomers " will never forget...

RIP Van Williams (February 27, 1934 - November 28, 2016), aged 82 - just rediscovered The Green Hornet and loving it. Thank you so very much. 😀

Wow thanks for posting this. I was always a fan of van Williams but I didn't know they were actual friends. Stand up guys it sounds. That's always nice to see.

Rest in peace van Williams legends never die

love how bright he is and how much he remembers about the back story of shows

Awesome interview, so respectful.

That was excellent... Thank you Mr. Williams !!!! You've given me, a look at Bruce, I never knew..😊

Van William was good actor, r.i.p.❤😂🎉😢

Thanks Van Williams for giving the truth about Bruce and telling the truth about Burt Ward, I knew Bruce couldn't stand him!!! Burt Ward lied and said that him and Bruce used to workout together and lived in the same complex!!!! Thanks for clearing that up!!!! Rest Easy brothers!!!!

One of the best interviews I have seen

Great friend to Bruce and both great actors I enjoyed watching the Green Hornet 💜💜

Fantastic//// So much appreciated...Van Williams is a wonderful man....Blessings

Was lucky enough to meet Van at a convention in Florida. Super nice - down to earth guy. He took a photo with me before taking photos for money became a mainstay at those shows.

What a great interview. His talking style at the start put me off somewhat like he wanted to embellish himself when compared with Bruce, as many who have met him do after he is no longer around to defend himself, but by the end of it i can tell Van Williams only was telling the truth and had only good things to say and even Bruce had his weaknesses and was new to the directing game at that point. Interesting stuff. Thanks for uploading this. It's great to hear about Bruce when he was still green..

@tracyfox466

7 ай бұрын

You know I felt exactly the same way watching this!😏 In the beginning of the interview I got this narcissistic vibe from him as he went on and on about himself and his accomplishments, and then once he finally started talking about Bruce I felt like he came off like he felt superior to Bruce in some way because his wording was somewhat devaluing and belittling. He did say some good things about him towards the end of the interview, but I think he prided himself more as Bruce’s mentor rather than his friend colleague and equal. Usually when you’re asked to be interviewed about someone you worked with and knowing they have passed away than generally it would be complimentary to talk more about that person’s positive traits and the good experiences you had together rather than things that might show them in a negative light. I do think part of it could have been Van Williams generation and mind set due to Bruce being younger and maybe a little less experienced. However, I think we all know who the real super star of that show really was as he was the only reason I watched that show as a kid. Bruce Lee also far exceeded Van in popularity and work when it came to future acting projects.😉👍🏻❤️😍 R.I.P. Bruce!🙏🏻❤️ You were one of a kind and there will never be another like you!❤️😍🥰

great interview with a great guy

@bruceleewaytotruth3238

3 жыл бұрын

thanks for your comment

Quentin Tarantino needs to see this interview. This clears up the BS he said about Bruce Lee.

@TheFiestyhick

Жыл бұрын

How so? Tarantino said Bruce wasn't liked by stunt men because he was rough with Hollywood stuntmen, Van confirms that. He also says Bruce was stubborn at times and kind of show off ish. To be clear, I didn't like the way Tarantino portrayed Bruce. I think it sucked. Just not sure what you are saying because I didn't see how this debunks the Tarantino stuff.

@johncarroll772

10 ай бұрын

Tarantino said Bruce hated stuntmen which was not true. He just didn't know how to film fight scenes at that time and it frustrated him. Plenty of photos Bruce and Bennie Dobbins sparring together a few years later.

A man without ego who could recognize and praise his co-worker's talent.

Thank you so much for your posting. It was my honor listen to this great man who is talking about great Bruce Lee. They were men in the Men. There are Always!

@bruceleewaytotruth3238

2 жыл бұрын

Great comment. It brings out great memories of Bruce Lee and Van Williams. Like you said, both nice men.

Van Williams knows his stuff and history! I loved it when Van said -" jobs that cops cannot do !" The Green Hornet " was the modern version with the great Bruce Lee! They just did know how great he would be in the future! Bruce Lee was born in San Francisco California . He was Chinese American mixed with German.. he was discovered at Ed Parker 's tournament when B Lee' did a demonstration that NO one could do better ever! Thanks Van Williams for sharing! Enjoyed!

@epluribusburnum3082

Жыл бұрын

He was Chinese American mixed with German JEWISH. JEWISH. JEWISH. Where his looks came from

@teedtad2534

Жыл бұрын

@@epluribusburnum3082 BLee was Cantonese Chinese mixed with German,. However, BOTH his parents were Chinese from Hong Kong... NOT sure where you get he was mixed with Jewish. What source did you get that?! His grandparents were NOT exactly Chinese. 🏆♾️🏆♾️🙏

@westyraviz

Жыл бұрын

Why did Bruce’s mother and younger brother speak fluent English but Bruce spoke with an accent? Does anyone have the answer to this. Check out the interview his mom and brother did with Geraldo (I think). Interesting.

@teedtad2534

Жыл бұрын

@@westyraviz I was very surprised B Lee 's mom spoke perfect English and his brother Robert, his sister speaks well too! I think Bruce Lee had more Chinese friends than American... He would speak more Cantonese .. because of this he couldn't get rid of his accent.. he had more Chinese company than American... However,. B Lee had excellent writing skills in English!! He was nar far from getting a college degree in philosophy... This I was told.. thanks for your question!! 💡☘️💡☘️💡

@rem1762

Жыл бұрын

@@epluribusburnum3082 Jewish isn't a race.

Thank you for the childhood memories. RIP Van Williams.

Friendships like that are hard to find. 2/19/23

You're right Van, I just watched the show. It was pretty good!!

GREAT interview, I found his way of speaking so compelling! I had a crush on both the Green Hornet and Kato when I was a kid, and this interview showed me that Mr. Williams had a lot of class. So glad this popped up for me to view. It was truly a treasure to find !!!

I had never seen the green hornet until recently.van williams is an all american handsome guy and great actor.great interview.

@bruceleewaytotruth3238

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

@westyraviz

Жыл бұрын

The Greet Hornet is actually the Green Goblin’s (of SpiderMan fame) father.

Can Williams was an American Treasure 🙏🏻🇺🇸🕯️

if all MEN would aspire to be a good "Father" and a Good "Husband" Van this world would be so much better...........I am sure you accomplished your goals my man

If Bruce had lived, imagine what Brandon would have become. Training with dad all those years instead of grieving and acting out, then finally training with Bruce's disciples. In the few films Brandon did he was top shelf, but he could have been spectacular. Not sure if that would have saved him from his eventual though.

Good man Met him at the beach with my dad when I was a boy He mentioned Jeffrey Hunter, who we also lost too soon 🙏🏽

Love both him and Bruce they were Great together!!

thanks for posting this ... always liked Van Williams.

@bruceleewaytotruth3238

2 жыл бұрын

Your welcome

Thanks! What a cool, down to earth guy. Great stories.

I really like the Green Hornet I wish It could’ve lasted a second season.

I believe Van was the one that convinced Bruce to fight Robin (Burt Ward) to a draw. It was all acting, but Bruce never wanted to show weakness. Even acting.

A sincere interview

I recall when the first show hit the tv screen. Yes, I loved Batman....but this was very different. I loved it.

A more heartfelt reminiscing,....no there isn't. Towards the end you could feel the love and respect, Van has for those around him that truly mattered.

Arguably the best looking leading man in the Warner Bros. stable of stars.

What a lovely guy

What a fantastic interview with Van Williams! Thanks for sharing this interview. Van Willams what a professional and good friend to Bruce Lee

Van Zandt Jarvis "Van" Williams was a true gentleman and classy guy! He was perfect as Britt Reid/The Green Hornet. My brother Anthony, Cousin Julio and I were fanatics of The Green Hornet Television Show! We bought Green Hornet gum cards and stickers. My Cousin Julio learned to kick by watching Bruce Lee as Kato! The show aired on Friday nights and on Saturday morning, Julio would ask me to pull down a tree branch, ever so high, and he would kick the branch. He became so good that one day my younger brother Ray witnessed Julio kick a goon in the temple knocking him out because he was talking to his girlfriend while he stepped away for a few minutes!

Fascinating. What an amazing interview

Van Williams Family no doubt is Very Proud of him !He was always a gentleman! How many gentleman do you see now in Hollywood Kurt Russell and Val

Awesome interview, glad I found it

Really a great interview. Hopefully there up there in heaven playing Green hornet snd Cato and talking about old times.

Thanks for uploading this. In my life I just totally missed Bruce, Van and the Green Hornet show. It's taken people like you, who've uploaded all these great videos, to catch me up on it all.

This was such a good interview. Thank you.

This is a treasure. Thanks for sharing it.

Fantastic interview with the late Van Williams....If this was not recorded....I would not have believed it. Great story behind the scenes. Keep rockin!

Wow I learned something Thank-You Mr. Williams RIP it's said seeing a lot of my favorite actors pass away. I guess all I can say is may God bless you all 😃

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE ~ VAN ZANDT JARVIS "VAN" WILLIAMS AND ~ LEE "BRUCE LEE" JUN~FAN

That was a refreshing change to hear the stories of Bruce , you can just imagine being in his company, it would have been fascinating

Great interview

@caesarvalentin6332

6 ай бұрын

Great monologue

I've seen Van Williams' name on many Trivial Pursuit cards.

Excellent job 👍👌

Wow - Bruce was great even with the shuriken

Van Williams sounds like a man who never lost himself in Hollywood’s celluloid make believe world. A well grounded country boy who understands life and it’s right priorities family. He would have impressed me more if he had known Jesus: God in human form and the eternal purpose of our existence. But from a human perspective being a good son, husband, father and grandfather is far more important than fame, money or professional achievements. I appreciate him and have respect for Kato’s side kick, the Green Hornet; that’s the way us kids looked at it.

@ianwilliams5866

7 ай бұрын

How do you know that he didn’t know Jesus. Not everyone makes a song and dance about it

Awesome interview! Bruce I feel learned so much more from his mistakes along the way!

Really sad the show didn't run longer

@jubalcalif9100

Жыл бұрын

I'm surprised that it lasted only one season on the air. But even Batman (as huge hit as it was) only lasted two seasons.

@gerrydooley951

Жыл бұрын

@@jubalcalif9100 It really didn't last a full season, just 26 episodes. A full season for a half-hour show back then was about 32 episodes.

Great interview with Van Williams. I don't know about others but my favorite part of the Green Hormet episodes was waiting for the moment when Kato would kick some bad guy's ass.

I liked that "The Green Hornet" didn't have the silliness that dominated the "Batman" TV series. I'm sorry that it I've never found it on disc.

@johnandersonjjr

Жыл бұрын

I liked both of those shows and the Batman show was the perfect TV show in every category ,,casting,sound,music and especially the comedy inserted into the scripts.Fantastic in fact.

I was an eye-witness in Oakland when Bruce Lee first announced Jeet Kune Do to his students. He was quite excited about it, as was his friend, Jimmy Lee. That was in 1965 before he went to Hollywood to stay, and likely before he ever met Van Williams. Feeling sad, I wish I could let Van Williams know about that now, since he was curious about that in this interview.

@mjt11860

Жыл бұрын

How did you witness this, were you a student? Exciting times.

@supralogical

Жыл бұрын

@@mjt11860 Yes, I was a student of his in Oakland.

@mjt11860

Жыл бұрын

@@supralogical that's incredible, to b there at the introduction to jkd. i have an acquaintance who's ex-military who claims that he saw super 8 footage of lee fighting & beating a bunch of guys. he told me that i would have to have certain skills in order to access that footage. r u aware of anything like that?

@supralogical

Жыл бұрын

​@@mjt11860 Yes, a group of us were just standing out in the driveway when Bruce and Jimmy Lee came out of the house all smiles and walked into the midst of us, and Bruce started talking excitedly about Jeet Kune Do. The funny thing to me now is that I had no clue what he was talking about, and I thought, "What's wrong with just saying Gung Fu?" That's so funny. A great book about Bruce Lee's early life in the U.S. before going to Hollywood is Striking Distance, Bruce Lee and the Dawn of Martial Arts in America, by Charles Russo. Just the best. What luck for America to have a son like Bruce Lee. My experience with Bruce Lee is discussed in a lengthy interview I did with Paul Bax in Original Jeet Kune Do Quarterly - Issue 11, which one can get at Blurb. (I'm not aware of any footage that your friend is talking about.)

@alanh7247

Жыл бұрын

How do you think Bruce would have fared in the UFC?

Totally enthralled with your interview with Sifu Alex Richter.. I’m getting quite a grip on Bruce Lee’s life & legacy.. & May I add, when Richter was looking through his book bag & you called him “Felix the Cat” .. I had such a good belly laugh Chsrles.. I don’t care what they say, between you, me, & Richter… Bruce Lee is the GOAT & is “untouchable” .. Thanks gents for a great program.. Take care .. Jo Callan

Great to hear the story from him. Van is one of Bruce's 12 Disciples, along with ...

great show

God bless you, Van! I pray that you are with the Lord Jesus now... Thanks for the Hornet Adventures! Your solid acting provided the anchor for the series.

He understood perfectly, the racism, the fact that his scenes were so good it look incredible, that they, decided to undermind his work and under pay him.they were total a_ holes to him..these guy didn't mentioned any of that!?

I don't know who you guys are but great comments on a great video. Thanks to all who commented!

Van & Bruce, the greatest Green Hornet team!

My friend knew Van and was told by him that Jack Warner (studio boss) refused to increase his contract pay so Van quit the business.