Quentin Crisp Collection on Letterman, 1982-83

[@andivance2247]

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]

Wow. Thank you for this.

[@augusts1]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@mossden]

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

[@OlafProt]

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

[@tarabrightstar]

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

[@atis9061]

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

[@leah1tee367]

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.

[@bulafritz]

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]

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

[@whatshisname3304]

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

[@kalevala29]

exactly, totally agree

[@Strimbles]

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

[@laurawilloughby4000]

@@mikehudson8884 Maybe he meant unusual.

[@cubs6583]

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

[@BookOfFaustus]

Gil Chesterton and he were friends during his boyhood in Surrey. Romping with his school chums in the fens and spinneys, when the twilight bathed the hedgerows like a lambent flame.

[@cashewpistachio1826]

And they bummed each other because they were horny!

[@rolandkunzjr263]

He Is So Cute & Charming.Wish More People Would Be As Half As Quentin.

[@peterhigginsson9875]

I miss the 20th century...

[@Kimllg88]

much better more original

[@Stephensorrentino]

He was my heart ❤️. Being with him for so many years in New York and then at long last doing his last feature film “Homo Heights” was truly a blessing.

[@matimus100]

Congratulations on being in love with another man

[@perrymalcolm3802]

Def agree Dave was puzzled how to proceed. Quentin was obviously a delightful and gently open guest offering a decent conversation! But it got slightly better with

[@kellypilon2422]

Those were the days! Gay men were still considered as curiosities so those of us who lived openly and unapologetically had to cultivate our personalities and become charming raconteurs much like Quentin. And also like Quentin I used Final Net Maximum Hold hairspray too!

[@paulthepainter2366]

I've always loved David and am just stunned I could love him more. what a kind courageous man

[@daudder]

An utterly charming person.

[@ronrendon]

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

[@coreycox2345]

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

[@bojohnbonham]

Beautiful

[@ivyvines6708]

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

[@gir5o1]

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

[@georgeelmerdenbrough6906]

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 .

[@christianjones5891]

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]

What did he say about Madonna hahah?

[@dean9235]

That is amazing! So envious x

[@berniecasey7592]

Thanks for sharing

[@TheJcfclark]

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]

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

[@christopherparker1823]

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

[@heli-crewhgs5285]

He most certainly was not a gangster!

[@christopherparker1823]

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

[@siggylloyd3566]

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

[@mandyminx967]

Wise words for rude alphabet crowd.

[@unfortunatebeam]

You may well wait for an eternity, but it's still a cool thing to try.

[@paulmaloney2383]

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

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

It would certainly be much wittier.

[@TomorrowWeLive]

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

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

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

[@AndrewHeller-jn7dx]

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]

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

[@zedcarr6128]

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]

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

[@boredweegie553]

​​​​​@@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]

@@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]

🤣❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@michaelasmith4489]

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

[@budte]

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.

[@huepix]

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]

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

[@splinterbyrd]

Love you ❤

[@domformula1]

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]

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

[@internationalkathy6569]

I hope you are doing better now.

[@leestephenson7042]

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

[@matimus100]

Nonsense

[@leestephenson7042]

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

[@Valkonnen]

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.

[@carmelcurran7193]

Absolutely. He had the courage to be himself no matter what.

[@j.c7719]

It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile, be yourself, no matter what they say 🎶

[@AlbertoGarcia-wd7sc]

He was a sort of Oscar Wild of our time.

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

He really was.

[@TomFarrell-js8sl]

Ironically, he wasn't terribly admiring of Wilde.

[@tristanuaceithearnaigh7660]

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

[@marcraygun6290]

I agree so much , for all of us scared to be themselves

[@mournblade1066]

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

[@lesley9989]

Are you young and not from Britain?

[@lesley9989]

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

[@mournblade1066]

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

[@lesley9989]

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

[@lesley9989]

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

[@LisaMarie-xp4ym]

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

[@matimus100]

Wasted love

[@TheMartinDuggan]

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

[@Lucretciela]

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

[@jiminhart]

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

[@meansy7753]

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

[@jprz13]

Ohh he was adorable

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

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]

@@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.

[@marcobenneti9664]

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]

@@dkw1 ❤️🌛

[@leannesmith5818]

Me too

[@justme-hh4vp]

You might find this interesting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJW8lXuhgtqmg5o

[@johndalton3180]

Lovely comment.

[@deborahmyers5205]

My mother did and Loved him so much

[@dianesilva1078]

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]

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]

He was a very astute gentleman

[@MsMesem]

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

[@MsMesem]

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

[@fob1xxl]

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

[@tula1433]

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

[@Poetic_Justice1962]

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]

Best comment :) He was just wonderful.

[@jaybee4118]

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]

@@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]

Well said..he was a genius 😊

[@xmasever]

this man was years ahead of his time...

[@Jamie-js3qw]

assuming it gets better with time

[@Professional_444]

🧞‍♀️🛸

[@arricammarques1955]

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

[@soeffingwhat]

@@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]

@@22grena WTF?

[@vikram8411]

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

[@ClaireSmith-ke3eg]

❤

[@MEATYOKERRable]

Almost 40 years later his quips and comebacks are crackling.

[@2degucitas]

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

[@kriskabin]

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

[@omygod9062]

It’s a wig for sure

[@leslie5139]

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.

[@tefllife2024]

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

[@junemills3591]

An amazing man.

[@bobwallacejnr6852]

he was a puff

[@tefllife2024]

@@bobwallacejnr6852 you mean poof? Lol.

[@jonstone9741]

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

[@ClaireSmith-ke3eg]

​@@bobwallacejnr6852grow up

[@littleogeechee223]

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]

I concur with your sentiment.

[@shandalear3252]

But their interaction is a hoot to see!

[@MsMesem]

Letterman is not uneasy at all but curious and respectful.

[@bingleberryboo8685]

​@@MsMesemExactly.

[@matimus100]

You love really easy we noticed

[@David-sc2ir]

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

[@janebond8342]

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.

[@WomanNextDoor]

Such a gentle, wise soul with a fabulous wit.

[@Handiman544]

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]

^^ someone needs to fix their privacy settings

[@alisongrace4334]

You’re right!

[@Zinwaq]

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]

@@alisongrace4334 not really. Facebook shows the face

[@ChrisLawton66]

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

[@sealteamryx6758]

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]

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

[@kathleenanne1718]

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

[@sealteamryx6758]

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

[@sealteamryx6758]

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]

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!”

[@lynfordcasting7461]

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

[@Bricameron]

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]

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

[@Tupelo927]

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

[@kailasac6532]

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]

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

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

​@@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." 😉

[@jessiejames7492]

he speaks like reciting poetry

[@pattihawks8514]

Love listening to his unique Britishness

[@hamburgerhelperflick]

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

[@Stephensorrentino]

He was iconic.

[@bzakie2]

Yes everyone but Dave.

[@ChrisLawton66]

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

[@gfox9295]

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]

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

[@jon780249]

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]

London or Manhattan?

[@MsMesem]

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

[@matimus100]

What's great about him

[@bigfacedboy]

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

[@gregcaspn]

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

[@SD-li9g]

Isn't it just.

[@re7416]

Talking about shading....

[@georgew2014]

I totally agree.

[@tetsuan25]

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]

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

[@doodlebug36]

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.

[@livingintorontorealestate]

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

[@pennyc7064]

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

[@arricammarques1955]

Did you?..

[@MsMesem]

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

[@pnv298]

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

[@pattihawks8514]

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

[@bzakie2]

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

[@pianoman551000]

@@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]

@@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]

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

[@vlnow]

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

[@deirdre108]

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]

Wonderful wit.

[@hyperboreandream]

Which do you recommend?

[@vlnow]

@@hyperboreandream The Naked Civil Servant

[@eymerichinquisitore9022]

I would recommend a good biography of Alexander the Great.

[@wakajumba]

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

[@kl6902]

This guy is GOLD!

[@matimus100]

Materialistic 💩

[@lazlomattachine8334]

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

[@matimus100]

Yuk

[@pup1008]

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

[@thedrunkenramblingsnorthea4201]

"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]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@shandalear3252]

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

[@welshwytch]

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?

[@knitterscheidt]

Quentin and David are an odd pair but somehow quite charming together, is that the talent of Quentin to be just so pleasant? usually the host tries to calm the guest and so they open up but here it seems quite the reverse...

[@vanrozay8871]

well put.

[@BlytheWorld1972]

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

[@CreamedCheesed]

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]

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

[@Stephensorrentino]

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]

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

[@Consrignrant]

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

[@Consrignrant]

@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.

[@stevenwilliams8545]

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

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

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]

"actually"

[@2degucitas]

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

[@russellgrenning1317]

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]

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. ❤

[@aceofcups3493]

He was himself so others could be too. Angel.

[@pauljohnston8011]

this cosmic timeline is ever growing...

[@pauljurgen-romrig9616]

I couldn’t agree more.

[@FlockOfHawks]

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

[@thetarotdetective3363]

He played an angel at the end of the movie Orlando

[@thetarotdetective3363]

@AMT He played Queen Elizabeth 1 on Orlando

[@Chris_34]

A much missed national treasure.

[@glamdolly30]

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]

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]

Brilliant

[@glamdolly30]

@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]

Britain is the home of eccentrics and camp!

[@pookycat1626]

He’s lovely! So funny and sweet.

[@matimus100]

Ok cartoon

[@eezyclsmooth9035]

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

[@norskawarrior1919]

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

[@freddyspizzaboy6754]

No. Abhorrent man.

[@DerekWilliamsMusic]

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

[@j.c7719]

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

[@spiltsoymilk]

He was a homosexual.

[@j.c7719]

@@spiltsoymilk He was transgender

[@jellybean1962]

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

[@shadowfilm7980]

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.

[@mikehudson8884]

Such wit and life experience. AMAZING to watch, he was right on the ball with everything he said here..... at 5:47 to 6:32 ...GENIUS line...

[@j.alangibson4733]

Mike Hudson... absolutely!

[@georgeelmerdenbrough6906]

I wonder if John Inman was channeling Quentin Crisp when playing Mr Humphries ?

[@natashasemrau3670]

What a wonderful spirit! Gee wiz just think this was back in the early 1980's and talking about how kind, friendly the Americans are to him! I never heard of Mr. Crisp untill now! Isn't it great that we took in a man who was so abused in his home country for a trait he couldn't change. Isn't that great for him!!!!

[@acarnold]

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

[@kawasakiwhiptwo5821]

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]

Letterman grew rather mean, in later years...

[@watsonaqua4560]

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

[@arricammarques1955]

Quentin Crisp: ''could never disguise myself as a human being'' LOL

[@gfox9295]

He's from outer space. Confirmed by him himself.

[@user-en7ok8sx7f]

This didnt make me laugh l, but i nearly cried

[@tula1433]

@@gfox9295 pretty sure he meant people treat gays like non humans like “I could never be pretend to be an actual respected human being” is what he meant I believe

[@WhoWho569]

@@tula1433 We all know his story Lucy Lu, and he meant what he said. Crisp didn’t mince around with words, he was totally direct. He meant what he said. Stop looking for extra meaning in things that have none. Quentin was very literal with what he said. It takes emotional intelligence and a certain basic knowledge of existence to understand straight, direct speech at times; when people don’t have it they try to rudely derail what others say into meaningless oblivion. We all understood what he said, and he meant it quite literally. Many of us don’t feel like we are quite from this world. His statement didn’t just encapsulate sexual orientation, if it had than he wouldn’t have been any different from at least half of the population of this planet. He was referring to one just being overall different from the norm in every single possible way; there’s no extra, specific meaning Nancy. It’s rude to try to put words in his mouth. He meant what he said, not a human being; he felt like an alien, period! Crisp was a literal, direct man, who only meant what he verbally said, word by word, nothing else, so stop! ✋

[@samlearmonth818]

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!

[@danielc7773]

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.

[@valeria-militiamessalina5672]

He has something of a victorian lady.

[@karinaandersen2618]

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

[@glamdolly30]

Quentin Crisp was a gift to any chat show host!

[@2Majesties]

Thanks for sharing these uploads. And thanks to David Letterman for being so welcoming and treating Mr.Crisp so warmly and respectfully on his show.

[@Qolus]

Holy crap! THAT'S who Maggie Smith looks like! That's been bugging me for years... In the HBO 1992 doc "The Celluloid Closet," Mr. Crisp explained homophobia (against gay men by straight men in particular) better than anyone else I've heard or read. First off, he said it was about sexism: particularly into the 1990s, a man who was like a woman was hated, but a mannish woman is often loved, as with Marlene Dietrich when she wore a suit. And later he explained the most important piece -- I'm paraphrasing here: We cannot help but imagine what people do together sexually, and then we imagine ourselves doing it, if we identify with the person we're viewing. The homophobic mind cannot stop doing this, and the disgust and hatred builds.

[@Stephensorrentino]

He was an icon

[@stmichl9433]

I always said the same thing about straight male homophobia long before I'd heard of Quentin Crisp. I always knew, as a bullied teenager, that the men bullying and bashing me wanted a piece of it. Touching another male was the only way they had of expressing that perverted intimacy. The same applies today. Many of us were wayshowers long before the gay marriages and prime time tv shows featuring gay characters.

[@tula1433]

I wrote this comment above but this explains things a little more. Men, especially gay men have been taught to hate anything gay or feminine in others, and LOATHE anything feminine in themselves. Straight men also pay the price for this toxic system which states a man can only be a man if he is one way. In other countries there are social spaces set aside for feminine boys. They usually transition into transexuals. (Ladyboys) where as in the USA the “being a gay man is better the being a trans girl” thought applies, it’s not seen like that in other cultures. Why suppress your true feminine nature? Fun fact: What he says around 6:30 about gays trying to pass themselves off as part of the community he’s talking about the new form of “masc” egalitarian homosexuality in which both members must be gay. Prior to the “masculinization” of gays in the 60s which actually stems from the Hitler regime, gays were highly feminine and went with heterosexual men. I’m sure some reading this willl GASP that anyone could think that but this article explains it well. Why suppress your true feminine nature to blend into a world that hates you is what he was saying. This is why gays in this era hated transsexuals or anyone feminine and gay. This started the “gay clone” era where highly feminine gay men would “masc up” to pass as macho. It’s a faux masculinity and I mean no offense. This article explains the history of feminine gays and their heterosexual lovers. We are seeing a shift where the macho gay era is fighting for dominance in a time where gays no longer need to identify as MALE first and gay second which is slowly but surely beginning to present an uptick in naturally feminine HSTS transsexuals returning with a vengeance. No gay man wants another gay man. They can lie about it all they want but gay men want masculinity raw and real, not a faux masculine performance. And after a frustrating few decades younger gays are realizing that they can get the fulfillment they really want and not have to SUPPRESS their innate natural feminine essence anymore, and they can acquire the kinds of men they want. Heterosexual ones. Great article: www.rodfleming.com/girly-boy-beauty/

[@garrisonthad]

Guests like this made Dave a legend.

[@GeorgeDeCarlo]

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]

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.

[@vanrozay8871]

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.

[@jrbrandstrader9297]

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

[@robbieontherails968]

Don, omg, i'm late lol, seven folks already commented. Thank you so much for posting this so quickly after my request. He has been a hero of mine since childhood and I had never seen these before. The amount of cruelty and violence this human being endured while maintaining his dignity, wit and style is amazing and is something I, and many other lgbtq people can identify with. He is a human rights legend imo. Thank you again. I laughed and cried for 40 minutes.

[@dongiller]

My pleasure!

[@taticatnineland]

Don Giller I’d like to thank you also; I saw Quentin on Letterman as a young child, staying up late. I didn’t know who he was, but I absolutely loved him from word one, and he’s stayed with me all these years. I’m deeply appreciative that you’ve posted this, there’s so much that I didn’t ‘get’ as a child. 💕🌹

[@rampartrod]

he was the best queen elizabeth in orlando

[@joankonkle6972]

Oh I had forgotten about that movie Orlando and that he was in it. I never saw it. Maybe it is here on KZbin.

[@bernardblack7870]

I want every single sentence he says on a t-shirt.

[@bernardblack7870]

@James Cricket Jeez James, OKAY. Snarky YT comments are okay though it seems?

[@gfox9295]

@@bernardblack7870 No kidding.

[@lokisfriend]

Never heard of him before but would certainly love to have been friends with him.

[@Stephensorrentino]

I was friends with Mr Crisp for 10 years. He was more interesting than you could imagine. His last feature film, Homo Heights was filmed in 1996. We co stared together.

[@julietigermoon9572]

Saw his show when he toured Australia, he was brilliant

[@jonhohensee3258]

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

[@berniecasey7592]

I find him Adorable

[@pattistilwell7424]

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

[@triluna0]

Wait for society to catch up with you! Good on you man! So ahead of his time, 1982, Obviously! Catch up America!

[@Abe-rz1nm]

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

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

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

[@SD-li9g]

I wonder what he did wrong !!

[@rheinhartsilvento2576]

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]

@@rheinhartsilvento2576 I concur 100%!!!

[@777jones]

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

[@Jason-ml3vs]

He’s so eloquent, elegant and extraordinary!

[@TTony-tu6dm]

Letterman the only one with the balls to put Crisp on