Kenneth Williams, Jon English, Jack Absalom - Parkinson in Australia Oct 1981

[@thadtuiol1717]

He's been dead 34 years, but I often think about him and still miss him. There aren't many other celebrities I can say that about.

[@petergrove9070]

😅😊

[@johnahh5130]

He was, above all, a very nice guy.

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

I miss him also, I miss Frankie Howard , they were from a different time altogether but they were so individual and so funny

[@CONNELL19511216]

Irreplaceable.

[@edmondscott7444]

Great to see Michael Parkinson allow Kenneth Williams to speak without interrupting him.

[@MoominJude]

His memory was ridiculously sharp, fantastic man, such a huge loss. I remember being very upset when he died, he was a huge favourite in our house.

[@thisissoeasy]

Jack Absalom died here in Broken Hill, NSW, Australia, on 22 March 2019, aged 91 years. An amazing artist!

[@gaggymott9159]

In 2023, Kenneth passed away 35 years ago....His observations, wit, intellectual outlook, impressions, recollections and camp mannerisms are STILL remembered and loved beyond measure. Requiescat in Pace, Kenneth ❤

[@andrewmorton3344]

We don't seem to have these brilliant "sit down" raconteurs like Kenneth Williams, Peter Cook or Peter Ustinov on TV any more. Instead we've just got hundreds of brash "stand ups" doing meticulously prepared "material".

[@rodlancaster5285]

⁰

[@timelordvictorious]

sad but true

[@benphilips9918]

Oh for the gift of laughter. Thank you Ken for all you have given us. May you rest in peace.

[@georgespence5600]

A brilliantly talented man, Kenneth Williams and yet, underneath all the laughter was a lonely tragic man. His wonderful talent was an absolute joy to behold, and the world of acting and showbiz is a much poorer place without him.

[@splinterbyrd]

He could bring joy and laughter to other people, but never to himself

[@bridgetchapman5985]

Thank you for sharing! I love Kenneth! Such a wonderful actor and brilliant entertainer! Fascinating story from the other guest who was brought up in the bush ❤

[@Outspoken.Humanist]

I've seen this interview many times and it never fails to have me in tears of laughter. Some people have tried to paint Williams in a poor light over recent years but he was a wonderful raconteur.

[@firebyrd437]

I agree he was as we all are a complex character, its really sad he ended his life

[@Retrobeemer]

I was always fascinated by Kenneth and even as a child I could listen to him for hours. Now, as a middle aged man, I enjoy his stories even more and am saddened that he ended his life, as did his own father. I think we were spoiled in the 70's and 80's with chat shows like this, where guests could really talk and weren't there just to promote the latest film or whatever.

[@thomaselliott573]

he is insufferably boring

[@firebyrd437]

@@thomaselliott573 those who can't reach the grapes say they are sour

[@thomaselliott573]

@@firebyrd437 .

[@superfurrygaz1]

I'd have loved nothing more than to get up in the morning, get dressed, go round to Kenneth Williams house and sit on his sofa, ask him a starter question then just kick back with a coffee and listen to him digress all day with his lyrical awesomeness. RIP sir.

[@npc3po301]

Me too, even though I know the very idea would be mortifying for him haha, he hated 'visitors'

[@Chucklea9]

Im glad you said get dressed

[@davidevans3227]

did you hear him when he was a regular on a bbc 4 radio programme, 'just a minute..' if you like Kenneth W... ..and haven't come across it, i highly recommend it. 🙂 x

[@superfurrygaz1]

@@Chucklea9 You're not my wife are you? LMAO

[@superfurrygaz1]

@@davidevans3227 I've heard of it but never checked it out, but I will do, thanks mate!

[@jonathansteadman7935]

Kenneth would've been the ideal dinner guest, you wouldn't have to say much and you'd be laughing.

[@splinterbyrd]

Well I gather he could be quite volatile actually. In the end he got increasingly difficult to work with and producers stopped calling back.

[@thomaselliott573]

you would be bored to the tits as you crammed him out the door

[@philipbonner6486]

​@@splinterbyrdAlways one

[@alancrouch7331]

There will never be another like Kenny. So funny, great story teller.

[@rebeccafoster9532]

I'm so happy this has over a thousand views in just under 2 days. I appreciate you uploading this so much !! :)

[@markjones6564]

Kenneth Williams brings back fantastic memories for Me, He was unique & So talented🤗

[@CryptoHeroes576]

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[@nathelondon3719]

Fantastic. The greatest guest of all time. RIP.

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[@saxongreen78]

Kenneth Williams' contributions to _Hancock's Half Hour_ were criminally undervalued...best voices on the show.

[@davecooper94]

You just don't get interviews like this anymore. Parkinson was the very best ! Kenneth Williams was superb and wow ! What a dream foe someone like Parky. This man can tell a story......as himself ! Not looking to promote a self indulged ego with no talent. Unlike the so called stars of today.

[@Divocwax]

Kenneth Williams, his talent, his vocal dexterity, hit wit. Good ol' Parky.

[@Brusselpicker]

Kenneth Williams was a genius, a word used far too often but entirely apt in this case.

[@Knappa22]

Aussies laughed when he said nothing, but stony silence for 'a flash in Japan' (flash in the pan). Odd. Thanks for this wonderful clip - I love it when new footage of Kenneth Williams turns up :) :) I never tire of reiterations of the Dame Edith at the hotel story!

[@bestdisco1979]

They didn’t get it ,,it’s brilliant,so I don’t get them.

[@splinterbyrd]

It's a good one, but for once KW didn't get the timing right; he enunciated it too quickly so they missed it.

[@rogerpattube]

Yes it was a little hard hard to pick up.

[@ianbentley7276]

i think his flash in japan was not said very very clearly, but i caught it.

[@bestdisco1979]

I love Kenneth ,,,absolutely brilliant.

[@Useaname]

Excellent. Dear Kenneth. A raconteur extraordinaire

[@splinterbyrd]

KW is noticeably more relaxed here than in any of his London interviews. He also looks healthier, the Australian sunshine seems to have done him good. One thing that I find surprising in KW's diaries is that the only geographical location which had any impact on him is his own native London. Throughout his life he visited all sorts of exotic locations. He writes about the people he met there and what he did, but never gives any description of climate culture or emotional impact of these extraordinary environments. Eg of his numerous trips to Morocco (several with Joe Orton) he makes this North African kingdom sound like he's nowhere more out of the ordinary than Blackpool.

[@deborahduthie4519]

Jon English was one of Australia’s survivors. He could and did do everything. He was a Pirate in Penzance an Actor on Daily shows, singer, composer of some of the lyrics that are so well known. The consummate Professional Singing, Acting, Dancing, Sex Symbol and Artist, loved by all. Jack Absolom, Marcia Hines, Parky, Kenneth Williams, all Household names was Very much loved

[@paullacey748]

Kenneth was more camp than the scouts jamboree. His sexuality was too obvious but who cares he was a great entertainer and could talk for hours about anything. He was unique

[@Patrick3183]

He wasn’t camp.

[@paullacey748]

@@Patrick3183 Are you sure? His mannerisms made him as gay as a maypole

[@janeelstree4984]

True, it’s a misconception to say he was camp. Just a product of his upbringing/personality.

[@Iloveflowers2024]

​@@Patrick3183look up the definition of camp or Campy and he's it. It isn't a negative or an insult. I love Kenneth Williams.

[@jackgurteeen37]

Oh I miss such characters as Kenneth Williams, what a dinner party guest he must have been. Not many ever say what they earned for this that or the other either. RIP sir and thankyou from a Gen Xr.

[@Fústarman]

Just an incredible comic genius. Unparalleled delivery and timing. The vocal range. The improvisation. Just wished he’d been happier.

[@michellerhodes9910]

So excellent. Kenneth Williams at his best and wonderful to revisit Jon English and to meet Jack Absalom. I was twenty-five in 1981 and it is great to see these interviews with people from that time and to remember the mind-set. Jon English was correct when he said that it was all 'respectability' back then; now everyone wants to be a rock star and most parents wouldn't mind. Michael Parkinson used to do some really meaty, interesting interviews. Great posting.

[@plezurhounds]

Came for Kenneth Williams, (oh Matron), stayed for Jon English... Thanks to all😊

[@johnlarkin-i3z]

Beecham's remark "Flash in Japan", was a play on Malcolm Seargent's nickname "Flash Harry! - Parkinson didn't pick up on this ...

[@paulwoolley4957]

Kenneth Williams -a great and sad loss to the entertainment business God bless him😢🙏

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[@aaropajari7058]

​@@CryptoHeroes576'Oh do bugger off' - Kenneth Williams

[@Coops4343]

Imagine being the next chat show guest on after Kenneth Williams.

[@davidevans3227]

what an interesting talk thankyou for sharing this 🙂

[@robertblakeman9978]

Tremendous talent and a great loss!

[@rexel666]

Still miss him. Always will.

[@christinegalagher9405]

This man is such a wonderful entertainer. Don’t know what he was like in private, I love his speaking tone and talent. 🇦🇺💕

[@mediacityavid]

Classic style of chat show. Very rehearsed, but plenty of interesting stories. With Kenneth as your guest, parky just needs to start him off & away he goes.

[@rm_con]

I’ve always loved his voice

[@jamied8678]

Wow Jack on Parkinson, it's the first time I've seen Jack interviewed

[@gavinsmith9016]

Wonderful. Just wonderful.

[@dieselfan7406]

I always thought the "Winston, you're drunk" story was attributed to Lady Astor - anyone? Wonderful camp from Kenneth as always!

[@RobertJonesWightpaint]

That was a different encounter. Lady Astor said to Churchill "If you were my husband, I'd poison your coffee"; he replied "If you were my wife, I'd drink it".

[@dieselfan7406]

@@RobertJonesWightpaint Lovely, thanks!

[@jnuttso1]

It's always good to see anything with Kenneth williams 👍

[@valuetraveler2026]

Legend too smart for the masses

[@suehancey8355]

Absolutely brilliant, I wonder what Kenneth would have to say about the world today🥰

[@trevorcrook5753]

He would kill himself

[@saintesouline]

great upload.

[@CryptoHeroes576]

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[@MrBazda]

So, Jack Absalom came up with the idea , for "I'm a celebrity." :)

[@ravenhill-nightchill-1968]

absolutely one of the greats, we have been treated over the last 80 years of actors. the one's today are pale in comparison.

[@colingarner6175]

Great book , I bought it when it came out .

[@martinjones5965]

12:11 "Two rooms a kitchen and a bathroom shove the Harpic down the loo and run". Brilliant and inimitable.

[@margaretbuckley2624]

Great actor he was .I loved him carry on nursing. So young

[@lakehayden]

“What if it’s all a joke??” “Well better make it a good one” 🤣⚰️ I’ve never heard this Hancock story before

[@kjeldlarsen912]

Fun memories thank you sir Williams

[@angelaegan7511]

A true star, not like the modern day celebrities.

[@rnw2739]

Thanks for this!! Would you happen to have Kenneth's appearance on 'Wogan' in 1985?

[@CryptoHeroes576]

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[@shadowweaver3693]

What an engaging story teller

[@Sam-gw5pl]

Never seen this, great stuff

[@jesusisherelookbusy]

13:00 Kenneth doing his Gruntfuttock voice from Round the Horne 🤣🤣🤣

[@ArtiKamlapati-lv7pg]

I would never understand why he was neglected after carry on films because he had so much to offer.

[@aussiegirl2148]

Wow, didn't know Jon English made it on Parky.

[@EddieDeeVee-pf1iu]

Kenneth Williams was a marvel. That Edith Evans was killer.

[@frankkelleher1888]

Could listen to him all day 🇮🇪🍀

[@AndrewBISHOP-ii7hs]

Kenneth Williams in reality hated innuendo. He said that if he saw that in a film script he would whip it out

[@rm_con]

He sounds, looks and has the same mannerisms as dot cotton

[@fairplayer7435]

KW impersonating an old man dropped me off the chair with howling

[@elvisleeboy]

Do you happen to have the edition of Parkinson with Kenneth Williams and Diana Dors?

[@archiebald4717]

A brillian man.

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[@Ben_Gunner]

The quintessentialness of Britsh humor that cannot be replicated but built upon by the likes of Cooke, Hancock, Sellers, Milligan and their generation ❤

[@angloaust1575]

Quite humorous in carry on cleo As julius caesar When knocking on the door in egypt And saying I'm julius caesar and I Represent the roman empire Not today thank you replies the Official Or at the assassanition Infamy infamy They've all got it in for me!

[@aboutthemetal8783]

If I remember rightly he died not to long after this , the comedy movies over shadowed his depth as an actor .

[@poprey300]

Didn’t die till about ‘88 right?

[@daveinthailand]

They lived in a different world to us mortals he thinks £800 for a film back in 1957 😆 Is bad pay you could buy a house for that back then but he thinks he was badly paid. 20 years later in 1976 i was earning £20 a week Still think he was a great actor loved all his films

[@olliefoxx7165]

Compared to his peers at that level it was bad pay. Kenneth grew up poor and he knew hardship. He wasnt ungrateful. Just irate at being used by greedy people.

[@scottbirch968]

Never seen male vocal fry on camera before.

[@michaelboyce9373]

Chris Barrie of Red Dwarf imitates him perfectly!

[@rogerpattube]

Channels him maybe

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[@somnambulist7705]

Nobody asked him who poisoned his father, i bet he knew more about this than he let on.

[@tylerlately]

12:45 30:50 😭😭😭

[@frederickbowdler8169]

Unfortunately Churchill was not sober in the morning !

[@timthatshim8037]

He died five days after I was born

[@soylentgreennewdealtimeshare]

Someone should have squelched the bore before he gave that boring monologue mentioning the monstrous bore Shaw.

[@johncumiskey672]

Shaw produced some wonderful plays , and wrote a bit . I'll keep an eye out for your work's..

[@paulramsey1255]

This from a nobody that's never achieved anything in life....pathetic life form.

[@DutchVanHelsing]

First time meeting Jack...I effin love him...xx

[@thomaselliott573]

It is too difficult to suffer the horribly neurotic Williams. Totally self-obsessed and boring in the way of his kind

[@mollydooker9636]

I sympathise greatly with your being forced to watch it and comment. Appalling.

[@thomaselliott573]

@@mollydooker9636 I sympathise with your condition. Get well soon

[@RobertJonesWightpaint]

"Of his kind"? Homosexual, you mean? Spit it out - shame the devil. Or in this case, yourself.