Kenneth Williams Interview 1974 Part 1 - Hilarious

An Interview with Kenneth Williams in 1974 with Russell Harty, where he was on his best form ever - a truly amazing and very funny performance.
Sadly, ten years later he was interviewed on various chat shows and he had visibly aged by illness and depression.

[@hoviswilliams1548]

What a great ambassador for the English sense of humour. A true legend.

[@paulspydar]

After reading his diary , I really see him in a different light, He really did seem to be a lovely man but was so unhappy, If he only knew how many people really did appreciate him . I for one miss him ,RIP Kenny no more pain.

[@davejordan7272]

Oh my word these type of folk don’t come along very often, Mr Kenneth Williams I could listen to this man all day, his play on words, his ability to alter his voice to get maximum affect to the story he’s telling is just brilliant, here you see a GENIUS at work, god rest his soul ,

[@Baileycake92]

Such an amazing voice. Half london cockney and half british upper middle class. Such a unique voice, I hope he cherished it.

[@davidlondon9696]

June Brown has exactly that same mix.

[@wallybingbang7359]

And Welsh 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@sydbarret8416]

Made a career out of it!! This is not a negative reply, He was a very funny man who unfortunately was born 40 years too early. If he was around today he would be an international superstar. He is in reality Stephen Frys big brother, engaging with a brilliant use of language and skill to hold an audience....

[@donaloflynn]

@@wallybingbang7359 I know his parents were Welsh, but I don't detect any hint of a Welsh accent in Kenneth's voice. Do you?

[@sydbarret8416]

@@nettils5555 Yes I do understand your opinion. I wasn't suggesting he was an equal to Fry as there isn't many around that are as intellectually witty or intelligent. I get your point, KW was most definitely of an age that suits his style, kinda camp but not overtly camp, say like a Larry Grayson. I suppose the nearest "comedian" around today that I can think of that's similar in delivery to KW is possibly Tom Allen?

[@blackprimeminister]

Totally unhinged genius. I don't really have words to describe this unforgettable man.

[@sirandrelefaedelinoge]

Oh, stop it!

[@blackprimeminister]

@@sirandrelefaedelinoge 😆

[@danfrost3043]

He was a total one-off, there's been no-one like him since. A true original.

[@oldfatbastad6053]

Bona 😁

[@StillAliveAndKicking_]

@@oldfatbastad6053 😂

[@BantonOrg]

Dan, I am instantly mindful of the song (forgive me) "No more f*cks to give" of which of course, he had none. I remember him from carry on and willow in the wisp as a child. Very funny.

[@MarkHarrison733]

He was an unfunny stereotype.

[@shaunigothictv1003]

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

[@meirwise1107]

Could listen to him go on for hours. RIP Kenneth.

[@jerrybrickley2115]

Do you include the time after you fall asleep?

[@christineperkins4451]

Me too, love him ❤️

[@johndillinger8424]

The World needs more people like Kenneth Williams 🙂

[@robertm7071]

Just look at the original Carry On team. Every member of the cast was utterly unique and were people of character. What happened after that generation? We now have a collection of utter nonentities who love to talk about themselves but have NOTHING to say. Kenneth Williams’ last words in his diary were, “What’s the bloody point?” Well, there was every point Kenneth because you brought joy to our lives and we are deeply grateful to you. God bless you.

[@davidwhyberd7612]

I love Ken and his wonderful anecdotes and gift for different voices. I could listen to him for hours. My late uncle knew him professionally and met him in Oxford Street the day before he died. He said that Ken was soon to have an operation and was terrified. He was quite ill by then and the prospect of it must have been the cause of his death by an overdose. He could not stand anyone touching him, and it was the imminent invasion of his body that caused him to take his own life. He was in pain as well. My uncle also knew Tony Hancock who also took his own life. Two wonderfully funny men who died before their time and two of my comedy heros. I still feel so sad that they made millions laugh but had unhappy private lives.

[@ianbentley7276]

yes me too, perfectly illustrated in his diaries I read some years ago.

[@JohnThornley]

Absolutely priceless. A unique master of his art. Sorely missed you are Kenneth.

[@juliethompson1786]

What a legend. The wit! The voice! Kenneth Williams is first on my Fantasy Dinner Party Guest List!

[@thebatman4279]

I'm extremely grateful that this man was once part of this planet. The Carry On films never get boring and he plays a huge part in that.

[@michaelbootes4822]

I love listening to his episodes of “Just a Minute” he almost never won but he ranted, raved, tantrumed and played to the audience spectacularly

[@mariang3946]

The absolutely best raconteur....ever. You were a one off Kenneth. ....and sorely missed.

[@ChrizRockster]

His command of English is amazing. One of the worlds all-time greats!

[@Menaka1979]

No one will ever be like you or act like you. You still make me laugh no matter how many times I've seen your work xx seeing your face brings a smile x you and sid James xx

[@tramlad2]

Kenneth was a language genius, his way with words was legendary, an amazing but sadly troubled man, he was so much better than just the Carry On Films, he was so funny, and a brilliant story teller. Sadly missed

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Love how he has about 3 voices and accents all rolled into one

[@mckavitt]

He was inimitable, whether caustic or cool. Brilliant. Magical. If you saw him once, you never forgot him. Thanks so much. And i miss him very much.

[@BruceyWoosey]

He should have been Sir Kenneth Williams. A national treasure.

[@johnking5174]

Kenneth was a conservative with a small "c" as he described himself, so during the 1980s I don't think Thatcher would recommend him for an honour. I don't think he even got an OBE or CBE.

[@jrgboy]

Not even the lowest - MBE..

[@davidwhyberd7612]

@@johnking5174 He should have. I think a CBE for services to entertainment would have been lovely.

[@evanstj5]

Absolutely right.

[@TokyoStreetReport]

I read that he wasn't considered for knighthood because Scotland Yard investigated him after the mysterious death of his father, who died after drinking poison.

[@sallywright8065]

He was just wonderful, I could listen to him all day.

[@bournemouthisshit]

This is the bloody BEST Williams interview!

[@TheSnowmanBKK]

Agree - he obviously loved Russell Harty.

[@ransomedavis2208]

What an incredibly funny man, just so naturally hilarious. like he didnt even try and how he spoke was so unique. sadly hes now upstairs with so many other greats. we miss you im sure he could of carried a movie all by himself without the rest of the carry on team. we miss you Kenneth, your one of a kind RIP you legend.

[@MrDREWASIDE]

I could listen to Kenneth Williams read out the phone book or a shopping list. His vocal range is like the alps for the ears.

[@ljdmanxfella5793]

Very well put Drew. Excellent comment.

[@phlarrdboi]

Alps for the ears is a effing good line

[@shaunigothictv1003]

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

[@ljdmanxfella5793]

*Thank you so much. These kind of clips are what make KZbin so worthwhile in my opinion. Incredible audio and video quality by the way. As you indicate, this was Kenneth at his finest; relaxed, amongst friends, and the freedom to really **_'chat'_** as opposed to just talking.* *I know Parkinson and Wogan were always considered the two **_chat show Kings_** of their day in British TV, but hats off to Russell Harty for this one. It's a perfect example of how genuinely entertaining it can be, when you get the chemistry just right, i.e. the right host with the right guest, and luckily for us on this occasion, at the right time in their respective lives and careers. Again, thank you.* 👍🏼

[@1969Wilus]

We should all aspire to be more Kenneth Williams.

[@ljdmanxfella5793]

I agree entirely. There's an enormous gap in society today, due to such people no longer being around. And we all miss out as a result. Quite sad really.

[@Margaret-hs3zb]

Hes my favourite. That voice. Makes me laugh so much. When he reads stories its brilliant. Love you Kenneth ❤

[@baconology3065]

i love this guy, he is a kindred spirit. he was born in the wrong time, the world tortured him and never let him love.

[@blrr5blrr]

Ohhh isn't he breathtakingly wonderful !!!!

[@scratchers7916]

+Poppins123 Yes he truly is. I've watched decades of interviewers and interviewees and Williams is by MILES the very best. A raconteur, a wit, just fantastic in every regard.

[@fingerprint5511]

He was amazing, just amazing bless his soul !

[@medievalist]

Quite touching hearing him talk about his family and religion.

[@angelaandersons7918]

The sublime Mr Kenneth Williams x I adore your quick wit, double entendre, innuendos and just how you hone your craft with a innate talent.. God bless you, huge eternal gratitude xxxx

[@Knappa22]

Sheer brilliance. I don’t know why but I totally lost it when he was on about “We were bunged in with the Methodists”. So funny.

[@pinkriffic]

Aw man, it's like his own brand of acidic elegance that can never ever be replicated that makes he so inexplicably awesome.

[@Palsrible]

An amazing amazing human being. Never to be seen again.

[@CliveDavisOoYFNUNEXmmFUE10M]

Always a pleasure to be entertained by dear Ken

[@garethgameson9932]

Kenneth was a comedy genius. A British icon. Thanks for making so many people laugh Kenneth. Rip

[@pablofrank2466]

Infamy, Infamy, they've all got it in for me!

[@lorrainebennett7528]

A wonderful, witty man with a beautiful voice!

[@jrgboy]

I saw him a couple of times on the tube in the 60/70's, I never spoke to him just smiled acknowledgement..

[@LizzieP9]

Im so proud to say I'm related to him.

[@davidwhyberd7612]

And so you should be. My uncle, who knew him professionally, met him in Oxford Street the day before he died. There will never again be such a wonderful comedy actor, mimic and raconteur. Peter Ustinov and Stephen Fry are marvelous raconteurs, but Kenneth will always be my my favourite. I look at his interviews and the marvelous radio comedy. I still feel very sad that he died too soon. Russell was a marvelous host and he died at only 53.

[@philldavies7940]

Russell Harty ?

[@daniellejohnson4788]

How are you related to him?

[@sineadkendrick5557]

How facinating I just saw this. Was he an uncle?

[@LizzieP9]

@@daniellejohnson4788 From what I understand he was a cousin on my grandmas side

[@RobinHood-hk5dk]

Kenneth was years ahead of his time in 1974 when he protested against politically correct people who are easily offended over nothing. He was very clever, insightful and a national treasure.

[@Syklonus]

Hate to break it to you mate, but "Politically correct" is just another term for censorship, and that's been happening for centuries.

[@Ruda-n4h]

He had a sense of comic timing unequalled by anybody in Britain except probably Tony Hancock. Needless to say, Williams and Hancock loathed each other.

[@stevenwade7466]

Should of at least been given a cbe . The tossers who seem to get awards these days are crap . Most of them anyway . I could listen to Kenneth all day long .

[@stevenwade7466]

@@Syklonus True but they seem to be hammering it home recently. Ahhhh the Joy's of the mass media .

[@mnbv990]

spot on.

[@stevemisog]

The one, the only Kenneth Williams. Never again will we see his like.

[@gordondutton7486]

steve d

[@claudiahafling5288]

Have you seen Alan Carr?

[@willstacey5847]

Carr - camp but talentless.

[@clairduffy60]

reminds me of Steve Allen (lbc). on occasion..

[@thebatman4279]

@@claudiahafling5288 No way did you just compare Kenneth to that irritant 🙄

[@richardwaldron1684]

What a joy to watch, just an incredible unique effortless talent.

[@nickworley1000]

I could listen to Kenneth forever RIP

[@EdWood2006]

This is probably the best 15 minutes of TV I have ever watched.

[@gerrynicol3951]

Listen to Elaine Strich on parkinson she was brilliant.

[@janeslater8004]

His use of english language is sublime. We dont produce people like this any more

[@bentattersfield7987]

Young people just don't seem very imaginative these days. They choose the easy path of following other people, rather than working on their own characters....at least in Britain, seemingly.

[@richardsharpe2966]

A very talant man who is well missed by everyone

[@IdleAl]

I once saw kenny in a pub in London (the Slug & Lettuce near his home on Coliseum Terrace) and asked him for an autograph. he looked up, sneered slightly & said "fuck off". Brilliant.

[@elizabethshepherd7651]

I saw him in Edgware Road once in the late 70s. My friend was egging me on to go and say hello. I chickened out. Later, I heard that he hated people approaching him in the street, so I was glad I dodged that bullet, but having read your post, I'd love to be able to say that Kenneth Williams sneered a 'fuck off' at me. LOL

[@okaminess]

🤩😉😉😉Excellent!

[@DrMGoesWild]

And lest we overlook, as Kenneth says, the brilliance of Russell Harty who had that rare and natural ability to put the interviewee at ease to bring forth the gems. Harty makes it look easy it is not, it's too easy to get yourself in the way of the interview (as most interviewers do), Harty never does that, but neither is he dull, he is part of the thing, but delightfully, and occasionally cheekily, unobtrusive! Dr M

[@stationofdreams1241]

Truly wonderful stuff. Williams was a total comic genius.

[@ianbentley7276]

I could listen to him all day. Effortlessly hilarious, and highly intelligent too. See his debate with Union man Jimmy Reid.

[@lifesgreat9951]

You could listen to him 'all day'? Really? He was a tragic boring old queen that didn't even have the balls to admit he was gay. Plus, he was a total cretin.

[@ianbentley7276]

@@lifesgreat9951 that's why you're on here watching him of course.

[@lifesgreat9951]

I stumbled across it just.

[@ianbentley7276]

@@lifesgreat9951 mmm

[@jasonday9286]

@@lifesgreat9951 - he may have been some of those things and he had his demons as we all do, but boring he was not. As for not admitting being gay, that's what happened to some who lived in an era when being openly gay could have landed you a spell in prison or a good beating at the hands of your 'fellow' man.

[@PaulHunter-ih1ye]

Comic Genius par excellence and a National Treasure. One could listen to Kenneth speak for ever and a day. R.I.P Kenneth and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the righteous humour.

[@hulakan]

I remember, from my childhood viewing of Carry On films, this man for his magnificent nostrils.

[@JimTLonW6]

This man was sooo funny but didn't seem to be able to live with himself, a great loss. It's getting to be many years ago now, but his stuff still makes me laugh out loud.

[@BarbieLiu]

Great actor! 👏 Loved him on the carry on series.😆 Played a brilliantly hilarious character in each films. 👏

[@jerryeinstandig7996]

his signature line: OH, Matron !!!!

[@ianbentley7276]

Possibly the funniest and most entertaining guest ever interviewed. Peter Ustinov would run him very close.

[@patto10]

Absolute genius, so much sadness behind the performing facade.

[@sullyboy1974]

What a genius, so so talented. National treasure

[@elizebethjames]

ah, such a beautiful man, wish we didn't have to lose these masters of language. so sweet

[@jshaers96]

For anyone who didn't get Kenneth's allusion to 'trade', it was a bit of a double entendre referring to 'rough 'trade' , in other words a gay, lower-class pick-up. I bet Harty appreciated it.

[@rgs6236]

SredniVashtar We know lo 😊

[@aliservan7188]

I read his diaries. Heart breaking. Lovely man and always makes me laugh. What ever happened to well educated and erudite comedians (apart from Fry and Laurie, obviously)

[@mattjreid]

David Mitchell?

[@FrankieParadiso4evah]

And more recently, David Mitchell and Robert Webb!

[@jessiejames7492]

Dame Edna! brilliant!

[@mscott3918]

The public taste has become more basic?

[@patrick7775]

The are about as funny as a tooth ache .

[@martinkelly6168]

Oh Kenny you were so humorous - and still sadly missed.

[@BelatedCommiseration]

I love Kenneth Williams, but the more I listen to him its not quite so much what he says but the way he says it. Veering back from cockney to received pronounciation then into camp...obviously all deliberate to emphasise what he is saying in the right comedic places, but the joy of someone like Williams is that timing just becomes second nature and they elaborate away on these wonderful tangents. Shame we have so few raconteurs now, but then theres always stephen fry to keep us going for now.

[@Bhodisatvas]

It is a shame to think such a funny and talented man suffered from crippling depression in his private life.

[@jdkdar0902]

Simply bloody brilliant :-)

[@mousehead2000]

Wow. I actually forgot what a talented person looks and sounds like

[@alfching2499]

Mousehead2000 Well you would forget what Real Talent is if you think Jimmy Carr etc is good,I mentioned him because he’s one of the worst examples,

[@Wahey]

I could listen to Kenneth Williams forever.

[@hejla4524]

Didn't realize at the time, but Russell Harty is an excellent interviewer. He doesn't have a list of questions like Parkinson, but actually listens and feeds off what Kenneth William's answers.

[@SophieBird07]

Where have I been? Just discovered this guy. How great is he? Love him! Got to watch more!

[@CathyKitson]

Williams is such a natural. All Harty has to do is to give him the slightest nudge and let him go. He could carry the show all on his own. "I wasn't giving myself aairrs at all." Creased up.

[@UNOwen1]

Love Mr. Williams. He used the same opening line ('...PVC...' ) on Joan Rivers 80's UK show as well. It seemed that most of Mr. Williams' humor was flying over her head. Delicious.

[@derekhorne8076]

Dear Kenny, along with Tony Hancock - true tortured geniuses. Love and miss them both. RIP and thank you

[@johnking5174]

Russell Harty's show was originally called Russell Harty Plus from 1972-1980. From 1980 he continued his show with the BBC on BBC Two and in 1983 he moved to BBC One. For me 1972-1980 was the best era of his show in my opinion.

[@MissTLI1980]

The ego was round the ankles...LMAO

[@robp2282]

Don’t care what anyone says, Kenneth Williams was a genius comedy actor. England doesn’t produce talent like this anymore. We have to make do with eastenders!

[@aewd1980]

in spite of his on-screen persona during interviews, kenneth williams was quie the opposite in private: troubled, angry, insecure and rather unhappy at times. however, as far as interviews go, this one with russell harty has got to be one of kenneth williams's best. the bit where he reveals how his father hated kenneth's posh talking is so funny!!!!! even the man himself cracks up when during an impression of his dad.

[@ANTONYTHEDRAWINGMAN]

I could watch this man all day and watch it all over again…a true comic genius.

[@johnbanks4761]

"i like new york in june how about you"...gotta remember that. Love watching Kenneth

[@chass1771]

Kenneth Williams-National Treasure!

[@anantphansikar8461]

Though unhappy in ,his personal Life he makes you so happy with his unique unbeatable hilarious activities,I salute him with heartfelt honour

[@sergebutler3925]

Kenneth and Charles Hawtrey were my favourite actors on the Carry On Shows.Their Presence on those shows just made it that more special .The English were always the kings of comedy when i was growing up .

[@buster9963]

What a remarkable human being he was , long live Kenny

[@simonlambourne5165]

So funny, intelligent and a comic genius 🤣

[@BillyJango]

My father always used to say to me "you need to get a trade", constantly. It was the best advice he ever gave me to be honest.

[@EBSJones4]

I still miss Russell Harty, too. Such a gentle man.

[@sumthingwickedly]

I watched the carryon films when I was young then bought them on dvd he's a fantastic man and what a talk show guests

[@stevehotspur]

His line about trade had those in the know having hysterics!

[@leebennett2387]

I had a crush on him when I was so young that didn't even know what a homosexual was yet! . . I kind of grew out of him as I got older but was very sad to hear about his private turmoil, he brought so much fun to so many people including me . . bless him.

[@25thNovember1970]

Excellent upload. Thank you so much for posting.

[@hastingsgal]

So clever and talented. This is truly hilarious.

[@colindasilva2442]

Just perfect adore him and his use of language

[@RLviddy]

Love this. And he's right about the interviewer--he seems very easy to talk to and easy to open up to.

[@Kitiwake]

Lovely, lively character.

[@MrDiddumz]

What a natural talent

[@johnking5174]

Kenneth talked here about LWT's previous studios. LWT from 1968-1972 were based at the old ATV Studios in Wembley in London before moving to their new London Studios on the southbank in 1972. Russell Harty's LWT chat show began in 1972, so I assume he moved into the new complex by the end of 1972.

[@plutonicfireball1559]

Adore this beautiful soul

[@icdas7158]

Amazing man loved to have met him

[@Alan_Mac]

Our Ken. What a great bloke. Thanks for uploading this.

[@brendaflower7790]

Julian and Sandy would always make me cry with laughter on Round the Horne on the radio.

[@evanstj5]

Fabulous, extraordinary, wonderful, hilarious.