Ken was a fantastic raconteur, easily one of the most brilliant minds of his day and sublimely talented. If only he'd believed that deep down. R.I.P Ken.
One of the things that make Britain great is our vast diversity of accents. I love it. We're a great land of eccentrics and humour. Beautiful landscapes.
A very talented English performer. Hilarious, excellent timing and such a range of vocals and faces. The most hysterical is the Asian an English middle class accents. OMG. Freaking hilarious.
He carried the carry on movies along with others like sid james, kenneth connor and Charles hawtrey and Bernard Bresslaw these and Jim Dale which he is still very much alive...these men are legends love them and the best English slapstick movies shown on tv ❤
Such a iconic comedian and wordsmith the day became a sad place when the late Kenneth Williams sadly died may his soul rest in peace such a iconic actor 😊
I adored this mans humour, his voices and his sense of the absolute ridiculous - not forgetting his excellent waspish 'put-downs' . The world of comedy lost an absolute diamond when Kenneth Williams died.
Kenneth Williams was a amazing british actor and pinnacle part of comedy in the 60's, 70's and 80's. If you ever watched the Carry On series, just sheer comical genius, from him from start to finish. You are missed.
Sadder still that he somehow saw his comical talents as shameful...he was bitter that his undoubtedly talented serious acting (eg as the Dauphin) was so overshadowed by what he saw as cheap comedic roles...he seemed to really relish his comedic collaborations, and yet at some deeper level was deeply ashamed of them...according to his diaries this dated back to at least Hancock days, if not further...really sad...
I'm an American and this is the first time I've ever heard of Kenneth Williams. Damn, he was a funny guy, a comedian's comedian. A pity he didn't develop a broader audience
One of my favourite actors. If he had his time again today he would be worshipped. What a character. He is survived by Chris Barrie doing his stunning impersonations.
I was talking to a lad at work about spelling and grammar and he was asking how come the older generations tend to be so much better than youngsters today and I said "Because we grew up listening to Kenneth Williams speaking with such clarity." Whenever I have to ponder on the correct spelling of a word or the correct grammar of a sentence, I just imagine Kenneth speaking it and it's clear how it should be written.
@@cquilty1 Ha! The classic scathing comeback about a non existent time limit on comments lol. Double handy when you haven't the brain power or wits to challenge anyone, love..... x
I've never seen any of the Parky Interviews with KW b4 so I'm very happy to have found em on here tonight..ThnakU very much my friend..thnx 4 taking the time to post em up here..He was a seriously entertaining man, eh?
Henning Wehn (a German comedian in Britain), Jacques Tati, Eddie Izzard an English comedian who also performs in French to French audiences.Norman Wisdom, another great English comedian, who had audiences behind the Iron Curtain rolling in the aisles. Have a look at the top foreign language comedy films that are adored by millions the world over even without subtitles.
The BBC once told its newsreaders and other current affairs broadcasters that they were not to pronounce Suffolk as "Suffuck" as it is properly pronounced. They were told to say "Suffoke". The newsreaders and current affairs broadcasters got together and refused to pronounce Suffolk as "Suffoke" and contined to call "Suffolk" as it should be said i.e "Suffuck". The same applied to "Norfolk". It's "Norfuck" and not "Norfoke".
Isn't he simply marvelous and a pleasure to watch/listen to. Loved by so many and I'm sure many a gay man would have found an attraction. He was troubled by his feeling of inferiority and even if everyone is telling you that you are wonderful, if you don't believe it in yourself ... you aren't. Wish he could have found a place in entertainment again and battled his demons. What a sad loss to us, but a magical gain to where he is now.
Kenneth,is a great loss,a wonderful raconteur and speed of mind.The carry-on films made him an excellent living but at the cost of the many other attributes of a highly humorous talent.
Oh gosh such talented men, Kenneth Williams, Frank muir, Peter Ustinov, Dave Allen. They don’t make or educate them like they used to do even Oliver read and Peter otoole such great raconteurs. There’s not one today that can compete. We have silly little men like James corden not funny,
@vrikey Broader audience! He was well famous and liked in England. Best known for his roles in the "Carry On" films. Spent many years on bbc Radio 4's comedy programme "Just a Minute" and was a star in numerous comedy productions.
I'm not sure whether he really believed it, but Kenneth was actually right, when he said environment influences accents! phys.org/news/2015-01-clime-speech-analysis-human-language.html
He was a very well-read man, and quite the autodidact, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually had read studies on language As a trained stage actor no doubt he’d have had some dialect coaching but only he could turn it into a comedy sketch
@vrikey he was tipped to be big in america,but he said he wasn't interested in working in the states.however recently disclosed police files say he was under suspicion for murdering his father,but they couldnt prove it.But it was enough to prevent him obtaining a visa.
@vrikey Don't worry he did! You'll probably know him from the 'Carry On' series of films, but, take it from me, he was well known in the UK - just Google or Wikipedia him!
@Mobilecheese I agree the Kenneth Williams' Diaries and KW Letters are superb. I dip into both from time to time and always get a good laugh. I always take my copy of the KW Diaries into the toilet to read. No matter how many times one reads the KW Diaries, one always finds something new. They are a great bowels relaxer and one is always guaranteed a good and satisfying shit. I am sure Kenneth would agree.
Kenneth never went to America , I don't think he acted outside of the UK, he did a lot of stage work and appeared in 26 Carry On Films, but he never did any comedy shows on TV, he always turned them down, he lived a very simple life, he often appeared on BBC tv talk shows as he lived a mile from the studios and would usually walk there.
Jack Benny traveled well as did many other great American comedians - too numerous to mention.Jokes can be changed to meet particular circumstances - time, place, audience. The humor of the joke is at the core of the joke and that same joke will get a laugh anywhere.
Not forgetting Charlie Chaplin who was celebrated worldwide as a comedic genius.There are no language barriers as far as comedy and humour are concerned. Humour and comedy are UNIVERSAL. Get over it.
Along with george melly, orson welles, david niven and obviously peter ustinov kenneth williams was one of the best guests ive seen on parkinson, a great talker and an extremely clever man, incredible to believe theyre all long gone.
Actually I don't think he would have gone over that well with mainstream Americans. I think his style was so specifically British that only the sort that like and appreciate British comedy anyway would have 'got' him.
Well in those days and still you can build a pretty good career and make your money, just catering you your home audience. There are plenty of US comedians I have never heard of, not because there bad but because they happily make their living in the US. Plus Jokes don't always travel well. Someone in London won't laugh at the same thing as some one in Washington or in many other countries.
@aristotle358 My apologies, I just think of the success that someone like John Cleese has attained on a global scale, and I could imagine Williams having achieved that as well - fame, fortune and respect with fans the world over. So sad about his tragic health, and any other personal problems that plaged his life - but his memory will live on!
Dear Kenneth! The world grew a bit dimmer and duller the day he left it.
But only a bit.
It didn’t though did it
I love this man! He was so incredibly talented. His voices are incredible. A very funny fellow. Miss you Kenny.
A national treasure if ever there was one. We miss you Kenneth.
I really hope he knew how loved and appreciated he was and continues to be
Unfortunately his diaries show that he didn't. They're not going exactly light reading.
Say what you like. Kenneth Williams is undeniably a genius. He left this world far too soon. What a loss!
Ken was a fantastic raconteur, easily one of the most brilliant minds of his day and sublimely talented. If only he'd believed that deep down. R.I.P Ken.
I nearly fell off my chair watching this video! A sharp as a knife and as quick as a draw.
One of the things that make Britain great is our vast diversity of accents. I love it. We're a great land of eccentrics and humour. Beautiful landscapes.
Kenneth Williams still has me in stitches today :) Nobody I’ve ever seen interviewed does it better
A British version of Robin Williams in a way... He just takes an idea and runs with it. Brilliant!
Not a bad comparison that.
Spontaneous and quick witted, much like the great Peter Cook.
A Genius a wonderful man who I think didn't realise just how loved he was
A very talented English performer. Hilarious, excellent timing and such a range of vocals and faces. The most hysterical is the Asian an English middle class accents. OMG. Freaking hilarious.
I love this man,he was a genius,I could literally listen to him all day
He carried the carry on movies along with others like sid james, kenneth connor and Charles hawtrey and Bernard Bresslaw these and Jim Dale which he is still very much alive...these men are legends love them and the best English slapstick movies shown on tv ❤
Dear me you couldn't get away with this on telly nowadays! A national treasure taken from us too soon.
Although we should be able to. We're all grown ups and can take a joke.
Couldn't get away with what?
Highest paid entertainer in Britain for over a decade.
Pure and utter entertainment and very much missed!
Such a iconic comedian and wordsmith the day became a sad place when the late Kenneth Williams sadly died may his soul rest in peace such a iconic actor 😊
I adored this mans humour, his voices and his sense of the absolute ridiculous - not forgetting his excellent waspish 'put-downs' .
The world of comedy lost an absolute diamond when Kenneth Williams died.
Kenneth Williams was a amazing british actor and pinnacle part of comedy in the 60's, 70's and 80's. If you ever watched the Carry On series, just sheer comical genius, from him from start to finish. You are missed.
Sadder still that he somehow saw his comical talents as shameful...he was bitter that his undoubtedly talented serious acting (eg as the Dauphin) was so overshadowed by what he saw as cheap comedic roles...he seemed to really relish his comedic collaborations, and yet at some deeper level was deeply ashamed of them...according to his diaries this dated back to at least Hancock days, if not further...really sad...
@@cogidubnus1953 Spot on
Let's not forget Hancock's Half Hour. 😊
@@cogidubnus1953 wow!!
What a talent, done it as easy as breathing or putting one foot in front of the other, sublime.
the man was a Genius,loved him.sad day when he passed away.R.I.P. KENNETH
Hilarious! God Bless you Kenneth you're sadly missed
I'm an American and this is the first time I've ever heard of Kenneth Williams. Damn, he was a funny guy, a comedian's comedian. A pity he didn't develop a broader audience
listen to Hancock's half hour where Williams is often a co-star
One of my favourite actors. If he had his time again today he would be worshipped. What a character. He is survived by Chris Barrie doing his stunning impersonations.
Chris is good but have a listen to James Hurn. He's impressive.
Best ever! 😍 to this day myself and my boys enjoy watching Willo the Wisp
he always gave great interviews x
I *love* his middle class ‘pinched orf’ accent;
“That awful frightful, you know that one, you know! Do come in and meet Muriel!”
A generosity of vowels. Brilliant.
I was talking to a lad at work about spelling and grammar and he was asking how come the older generations tend to be so much better than youngsters today and I said "Because we grew up listening to Kenneth Williams speaking with such clarity."
Whenever I have to ponder on the correct spelling of a word or the correct grammar of a sentence, I just imagine Kenneth speaking it and it's clear how it should be written.
Genius comedian & very intelligent.
I’m not decrying Kenneth, but have you heard Peter Ustinov ?
A truly remarkable man!
What value from Kenneth. 1.5 minutes and already in stitches.
+pix046 Burst appendix...???
@@cquilty1 Such wit (!)
@@rnw2739
You're about 4 years too late, but I thank you anyway, dear...:)
@@cquilty1 Ha! The classic scathing comeback about a non existent time limit on comments lol. Double handy when you haven't the brain power or wits to challenge anyone, love.....
x
@@rnw2739
*FOUR* years later...better late than never goes the old adage, but sooooooo kind of you to write. Bless you, princess:) xoxo
simply SUPERB - CLEARLY KENNETH - greatly missed. In the same class as the great Spike Milligan.
Indeed, a very, very talented man indeed :)
I've never seen any of the Parky Interviews with KW b4 so I'm very happy to have found em on here tonight..ThnakU very much my friend..thnx 4 taking the time to post em up here..He was a seriously entertaining man, eh?
He was a genius. Flawed, yes. In some ways appalling. But a truly great man.
Henning Wehn (a German comedian in Britain), Jacques Tati, Eddie Izzard an English comedian who also performs in French to French audiences.Norman Wisdom, another great English comedian, who had audiences behind the Iron Curtain rolling in the aisles. Have a look at the top foreign language comedy films that are adored by millions the world over even without subtitles.
Wow, this is the fastest masterclass I’ve ever seen
Oh, how I love you, Kenneth Williams!
Best raconteur in history; unbelievable!
No. Certainly comparable to Peter Ustinov, David Niven, Stephen Fry, though.
The BBC once told its newsreaders and other current affairs broadcasters that they were not to pronounce Suffolk as "Suffuck" as it is properly pronounced. They were told to say "Suffoke". The newsreaders and current affairs broadcasters got together and refused to pronounce Suffolk as "Suffoke" and contined to call "Suffolk" as it should be said i.e "Suffuck". The same applied to "Norfolk". It's "Norfuck" and not "Norfoke".
"The generous RRRR" The man was gifted
Still making me laugh in 2023
Isn't he simply marvelous and a pleasure to watch/listen to. Loved by so many and I'm sure many a gay man would have found an attraction. He was troubled by his feeling of inferiority and even if everyone is telling you that you are wonderful, if you don't believe it in yourself ... you aren't. Wish he could have found a place in entertainment again and battled his demons. What a sad loss to us, but a magical gain to where he is now.
Kenneth,is a great loss,a wonderful raconteur and speed of mind.The carry-on films made him an excellent living but at the cost of the many other attributes of a highly humorous talent.
God my hero would have loved 2meet him, a very unique happy person but made every 1 Happy 😊 a gentleman rip K
Sadly He wasnt Happy in Reality tho 🤔😔
God.. I still miss him. Kenneth Williams, Frank Muir, Willie Rushton.. *sigh* .. they just don't make 'em like that any more. Witty raconteurs.
Kenneth was such a funny man I could watch him all well I do I watch him on carry on films
I'm thinking of rewatching them from the start to finish again. SO FRICKEN GOOD!!!! BRILLIANT CASTING, DOWN TO TEE.
Oh gosh such talented men, Kenneth Williams, Frank muir, Peter Ustinov, Dave Allen. They don’t make or educate them like they used to do even Oliver read and Peter otoole such great raconteurs. There’s not one today that can compete. We have silly little men like James corden not funny,
Loved him.
He is a household name here in the UK which is more than some people get haha
kenneth williams was brilliant
Brilliant.
I think about "You get the _whole_ thing given to you!" alll the time
Beautiful!! Very true
Yes. Kenneth always loved rolling his generous arse.
Tortured genius .. spellbinding but also oddly constricted. When he went to Tangiers did he take his tie off ?
@vrikey Broader audience! He was well famous and liked in England. Best known for his roles in the "Carry On" films. Spent many years on bbc Radio 4's comedy programme "Just a Minute" and was a star in numerous comedy productions.
I'm not sure whether he really believed it, but Kenneth was actually right, when he said environment influences accents!
phys.org/news/2015-01-clime-speech-analysis-human-language.html
+notsyort A very interesting link...including the other themes.
He was a very well-read man, and quite the autodidact, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually had read studies on language
As a trained stage actor no doubt he’d have had some dialect coaching but only he could turn it into a comedy sketch
Jack Benny is not someone I know of. But I take your point. I will have to look out for him
@vrikey he was tipped to be big in america,but he said he wasn't interested in working in the states.however recently disclosed police files say he was under suspicion for murdering his father,but they couldnt prove it.But it was enough to prevent him obtaining a visa.
He did appear on Joan Rivers, its here on UA-cam.
That Muriel bit killed me
Hilarious. !!!!!
Great man great man
Intelligent - Eccentric - Comedy...Genius
Ooh, get her!!
did he do a line of blow before the show?
Genius
"ooooooo Matron!!!!!!!!!
@blackmichael75 might be something in it, I can imagine how a thick london accent squinting in the sun could become Australian?
I'd love to meet Muriel.
Gosh i miss kenneth williams.
his audience was back when black and white was major most notable the carry on series.
Actually Benny Hill hit the U.S. via syndication. Local stations of any network (or none) would buy and air the show.
Brilliant
@vrikey Don't worry he did! You'll probably know him from the 'Carry On' series of films, but, take it from me, he was well known in the UK - just Google or Wikipedia him!
brilliant
He was a clever man, WIlliams
He is so funny..
What do they call the bald guy at 36 Patrick somebody i care to remember and he stuttered
- Patrick Campbell
I can tell this guy has an insanely high IQ 😂
Dear, Sir, Mr Kenneth Williams. You will always be in my mind and in my heart for your natural and beautiful talents!
What year was this? Where can we see the whole program?
Bent as a corkscrew, of course.
@Mobilecheese I agree the Kenneth Williams' Diaries and KW Letters are superb. I dip into both from time to time and always get a good laugh. I always take my copy of the KW Diaries into the toilet to read. No matter how many times one reads the KW Diaries, one always finds something new. They are a great bowels relaxer and one is always guaranteed a good and satisfying shit. I am sure Kenneth would agree.
Kenneth never went to America , I don't think he acted outside of the UK, he did a lot of stage work and appeared in 26 Carry On Films, but he never did any comedy shows on TV, he always turned them down, he lived a very simple life, he often appeared on BBC tv talk shows as he lived a mile from the studios and would usually walk there.
He did appear in Tony Hancocks series tho 🙂🙂
@@kevinmunday5782 Yes very briefly, only one still exists - The Alpine Holiday
Jack Benny traveled well as did many other great American comedians - too numerous to mention.Jokes can be changed to meet particular circumstances - time, place, audience. The humor of the joke is at the core of the joke and that same joke will get a laugh anywhere.
Yeah if you want lol!
It can be spelled either way.
What do they call the bald guy at 36 Patrick somebody i care to remember and he stuttered
Patrick Campbell
I recognise Frank Muir, but the other guest looks very familiar. Any idea who he is?
Patrick Campbell
@@user-jo2gf4em6b Thank you!
@@user-jo2gf4em6b Thank you - of course.
Not forgetting Charlie Chaplin who was celebrated worldwide as a comedic genius.There are no language barriers as far as comedy and humour are concerned. Humour and comedy are UNIVERSAL. Get over it.
Along with george melly, orson welles, david niven and obviously peter ustinov kenneth williams was one of the best guests ive seen on parkinson, a great talker and an extremely clever man, incredible to believe theyre all long gone.
Actually I don't think he would have gone over that well with mainstream Americans. I think his style was so specifically British that only the sort that like and appreciate British comedy anyway would have 'got' him.
I think he is correct.
Well in those days and still you can build a pretty good career and make your money, just catering you your home audience. There are plenty of US comedians I have never heard of, not because there bad but because they happily make their living in the US. Plus Jokes don't always travel well. Someone in London won't laugh at the same thing as some one in Washington or in many other countries.
A real English man
@aristotle358 My apologies, I just think of the success that someone like John Cleese has attained on a global scale, and I could imagine Williams having achieved that as well - fame, fortune and respect with fans the world over. So sad about his tragic health, and any other personal problems that plaged his life - but his memory will live on!
ooo'matron !
...or Fairy Liquid?