Kenneth Williams on Parkinson in Australia (July 1981)

[@llamudos9809]

You could listen to him for a decade and still want more. A true talent.

[@llamudos9809]

​@@andypsa5131 He never actually admitted to being ever gay. He was fascinating character. "Williams often said that he was asexual and celibate, and his diaries appear to substantiate his claims - at least from his early forties onwards. He lived alone all his adult life and had few close companions apart from his mother, and no significant romantic relationships." He was more in love with himself and the idea of sex with a man or woman repulsed him. Its a mistake to think he was gay. Unlike Charles Hawtrey who was openly gay and had many lovers a week.

[@llamudos9809]

@@andypsa5131 I alway believed he was but apparently not. In the documentary and his diaries that he wrote all his life showed nothing. He was in love only with himself. Like i said he was a complex character. The idea of sex repulsed him. Not saying he was not an odd ball but he was not gay.

[@rossbrumby1957]

So true, I'm 55, grew up laughing along with the Carry On Gang, The 3 Stooges, The Goodies, Aunty Jack, On The Buses etc, and for all of those- more is better to this day, could never get too much.

[@martinjones5965]

I don't give a toss about his sexuality - he was entertainment brilliance personified.

[@llamudos9809]

@@martinjones5965 He was a very astute man and could hold an audience captive with his amazing wit for hours. Agreed his sexuality does not matters. He was addicted to himself and had little time for peoples opinions. He was apparently very self obsessed.

[@fluffyfour]

I used to work for a tour operator located round the corner from Williams' flat. He used to book with us and though I never spoke to him directly, he would entertain everyone in the shop while he was there. He had his demons but he made so many people incredibly happy. We don't seem to appreciate characters these days, everything is bland and uniform, but I'm glad he and I were alive and in the same area at the same time. Thank you, Kenneth.

[@gaskellr44]

It's occurred to me that these days, I believe ppl in the limelight have it too easy in some ways or think that it's too easy and then just play the game to make it, hence we lack the true originals who know how hard it was and had to strive to make it happen. Williams was a perfect example of someone who strived through his own torture and made it happen and lived for it without having an ostentatious living abode.

[@camusfacel1591]

Do you mean Marchmont Street?

[@mjh5437]

@@camusfacel1591 Kensington High Street probably.

[@GarryShepherdDreamGazePostPunk]

Love this💙

[@Margaret-hs3zb]

Yeah bland. A really good word to describe today's entertainer's. What a character he was. When he read stories they were brilliant and carry on. One of a kind❤

[@karinschild9020]

I can't imagine a chat show today that would let someone speak this long! What a fantastic storyteller and how great that he is given the opportunity to let loose....

[@Nobody_896]

Well parky was the best ever at giving the stars a chance to shine ,Michael Parkinson is still living and is in his 87th year like Attenborough and a handful of others he is a true international treasure

[@studiosoftmorecambe6879]

Largely down to the fact that modern presenters don't know when to shut up.

[@alanclark7830]

With Parkinson it was all about the Guest whereas today it is all about the Host - I think that is what makes Parkinson stand out so much

[@Nobody_896]

@@alanclark7830 I know what you mean Conan Obrian must be the worst of them

[@dingopisscreek]

Yes, Parky just let them talk. The guests he had on mostly were wonderfully entertaining (Meg Ryan being an exception). Kenneth could/would ramble on for ages. Thoughly entertaining

[@rorytclancy]

This man inserted syllables where they had never before existed and made us all wonder why we hadn't thought of pronouncing words like that. What an absolute delight.

[@TheWizardOfTheFens]

Kenneth Williams never fails to make me chuckle. We’ll never see his like nor that innocent but cheeky comedy style ever again…..

[@michaelantonyaustin]

I grew up in the late 70’s /early 80’s when Jackanory and the Carry On films were staples on TV. Watching Kenneth Williams in 2024 I’m still bowled over by how good a reconteur he was. I could listen to him for hours and indeed thanks to KZbin I have done. It’s not an exaggeration to say he was a true original.

[@misterbonzoid5623]

A raconteur. Eloquent, loquacious, self-effacing, intelligent and knowing about the injustices of the world. Beautiful.

[@Ben_Gunner]

Kenneth Williams still warms the hearts of us who had the pleasure watching this unique and beautiful talented man when alive and to this day what he left behind puts a smile on our faces. I hope the new generation can appreciate his special talent and his personal and hidden pain that he made light of for the next 100 years. He should never be forgotten and always be a bench mark for similar actors who strive to overcome their demons.

[@jimmyclerkin5114]

È3

[@catalinacurio]

He absolutely loved the attention, if no one acknowledged him in a restaurant, he’d loudly hum and hah till they did. A truly talented star. 😊

[@adamwhite3347]

A true original, much loved, and I miss him.

[@seanmaher7733]

Just A Minute. I've come all the way from Great Portland Street

[@marjorielamb4714]

@@seanmaher7733 😂

[@nickmclean3051]

When you realize you've been watching for 30 minutes of sheer genius .

[@Garrysullivanjones]

I was smoking weed and this snidely whiplash dude kept going on . His voices were adding to my buzz. Funny

[@steevsmith2792]

What a talent Kenneth Williams was. On talk shows & interviews I could listen to this guy for hours with his elegant & witty stories. Very few like him around these days. Great articulator.

[@WarrenPeace007]

I could listen to Kenneth Williams all day and never get bored

[@Tidybitz]

He was unique.

[@robertclatworthy1857]

Absolutely wonderful. Watching this in 2022 and its still really funny. What a British treasure he was and may he now Rest In Peace. Thank you Kenneth ❤

[@JIMuser-vh3Zxx]

What an absolute brilliant entertainer with impeccable timing and beautiful gestures . Kenneth Williams will never be replaced as he was simply unique . I am 63 and regularly watch carry on movies again and again …they were simply brilliant and so britishingly marvellous

[@marjorielamb4714]

So true Jim... Wherever he is, I bet he still brings the house down! 😂🤣

[@JIMuser-vh3Zxx]

@@marjorielamb4714 totally Marjorie

[@fergussaint-john2535]

I hear you! The CO movies still get a regular outing on my laptop and I'm 55

[@TroisKayas]

It's fantastic how Parky barely says a word and Kenneth just does the whole interview on his own.

[@stephenrice4554]

That was Parky's great strength , knowing just how to keep it free and flowing and if you notice , keeping an eye on the other guests . Great bloke .

[@danielguy1963]

​@@stephenrice4554Absolutely.

[@Knappa22]

What a pearl of an interview! Never seen this before - some cracking anecdotes 🙂🙂

[@debbieslover]

When this man is on a roll there is no stopping him and why would you want to... he just gets better and better. Incredible.

[@jasonyoung9226]

The phenomenal Kenneth Williams really must have been an interviewers dream. Ask him one question, sit back and he'll talk fluently, amusingly and effortlessly for as long as you need him too. Genius 👌

[@lindacraig7486]

Wind him up and let him go!

[@KaptainKlunk1]

Kenneth a brilliant mind and a legend ...story tell par excellence....R.I.P

[@jnuttso1]

All this energy and enthusiasm he puts onto telling you a story is amazing 👏

[@susanc8036]

I LOVE this man! No-one comes close to how wonderful he was. Beautiful!

[@paulphilipempey1]

Most excellent upload. Parkinson didn't ask many questions because Kenneth Williams was the master of anecdotes, double entendre and innuendo. Russell Harty, another great interviewer during the same period, referred to Williams as 'sublime'.

[@Seminal_Ideas]

He was certainly one of a kind. A character of his time. God rest him.

[@sammnew]

What a voice and vernacular! Unforgettable! ❤

[@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.

[@stevehoch9528]

As an American, I only know Kenneth Williams from the Carry On films which I find hilarious. It's a shame that he's not more well known here, he was an extraordinary talent to be sure.

[@davids8449]

We will all try to forgive you for being an American as it cannot be an easy task

[@slapmyfunkybass]

This is the first time I’ve heard an American who knows the carry on films

[@nkt1]

@@slapmyfunkybassThey were known in the US at the time. Charles Hawtrey was especially popular with American audiences.

[@slapmyfunkybass]

@@nkt1 You sure? Heard they got Phil Silvers in for “follow that camel” to appeal to American audiences but it didn’t work. Are Americans really going to get that kind of British humour?

[@kapple654]

His impersonations are no lees accurate and broad than those of Robin Williams. Absolute world class mimic.

[@sporkfindus4777]

I've always loved the way his accent weaves between RP and cockney

[@al201103]

It is absolutely one of the most remarkable voices I have ever heard. Love it!!

[@DistantCousin]

Same! It's delightful!

[@newcamnoddy]

He had such a great memory of events..never pausing..with great wit and respect....and such a career from Carry on to Shakespeare and working with Orson Welles ! And his insights of what really happens behind the scenes is hilarious! Would have loved just to have dinner with him for an evening with friends..priceless!!

[@paolamura3497]

Yes!

[@phillipaspinall8745]

How wonderful was that, I'd travel to be in that man's company, such an entertainer and every story heavily tinged with truthful accounts. So glad I grew up listening to and watching him 👍

[@wylancslass]

This man was brilliant! So quick witted and immensely entertaining. We miss you Kenneth. RIP. A legend to say the least. We have to remember Parky though 'as he is affectionately known'. Always at the top of his game doing interviews. Brilliant!

[@gaggymott9159]

An ex boyfriend of mine, a member of the Salvation Army took me, as a visitor to the UK headquarters of the Salvation Army in London...It was not a quarter of a mile away from Kenneth's final apartment, where he died...It was a supreme honour to see the humble, yet last place that such a legend as Kenneth suffered his mortal demise. Requiescat in Pace, Kenneth: You were loved ❤

[@starrgazer1000]

I had the great pleasure of meeting him at the Royal Festival Hall in London December 1985 at a book signing for his new book 'Just Williams' £8.95. I found him fantastic just for a couple of minutes and an occasion I will never forget. he was very nice, kind and civil and extremely witty. I am sure that we all miss him and of course Michael Parkinson who has just left us. I really loved Kenneth William's favourite anecdote about Mae West who was given explanation about all-in wrestling, the half nelson, the full nelson etc and started to get bored and retorted 'Honey, if it's all in why wrestle'. Very clever I thought. Sincere Regards Peter Starr North London UK

[@suehancey8355]

Absolutely loved Kenneth Williams, what a sense of humor and intellect. He was a genius💖

[@neilforbes416]

Kenneth Williams' voice was once used(likely imitated by Keith Scott) for a TV ad for *"Bloo"* toilet cleaner - a very appropriate placement.

[@straingedays]

For many reasons: Only something special makes me laugh Kenneth Williams, was and still is something very special ❤

[@user-cv5zf6wp5m]

One of the memorable voices of my childhood thanks to Willow the Wisp! Great man, what a storyteller!

[@splinterbyrd]

In his diary KW says he can't understand why Willo The Wisp was so popular. I wish I could have said to him; it's because it's YOU!!!

[@garethtomkins5797]

Kenneth Williams what a legend.such a loss.wonderful actor and true entertainer.nobody can replace him..

[@davejordan7272]

I could listen to this man all day his play on words and how he alters his voice to suit his stories is just brilliant,

[@shadowweaver3693]

My God I could listen to this man talk forever. So posh, deep and classy

[@bernaldelcastillo1768]

Kenneth Williams, Peter Ustinov and Stephen Fry, all three great raconteurs, each one with his own style

[@thadtuiol1717]

Can't stand Fry - the liberal smug is too much.

[@sheerluckholmes7720]

@@thadtuiol1717 😂 🎯

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

Stephen Fry doesn’t deserve to be placed amongst those greats. The bloke is not a good man.

[@pshearduk]

They don't make em like this anymore, what an absolute talent.

[@adypurdy3641]

Kenneth Williams and Quentin Crisp were two people i could listen to all night long and never get bored ,both had the same captivating manner about them .

[@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.

[@al201103]

This is such a gift, thank you so much for uploading. He's peerless!

[@marjorielamb4714]

💕

[@barryobrien2638]

I could listen to Kenneth Williams all day and all night and all day again

[@d23bw]

What a mind, what a man. Kenneth Williams we salute you and your courage.

[@jeremysanderson9673]

Brilliant. Aside from Kenneth Williams’s overwhelming talent it’s important to remember how brilliant Parkinsonnwas at bringing the best out of his guests. When it comes to interviewing, less is more.

[@formerlybernard6460]

True. Someone needs to tell that jizz sock Fallon.

[@r.i.p.volodya]

Very missed - there's never been anyone quite like K.W. before or since. R.I.P.

[@rafflesxyz4800]

Absolutely superb! Thanks for posting. EVERY comedian and actor should study this in drama school!

[@lynettegraves6261]

What a beautiful storyteller he was. And the sounds of his voice!

[@Garrysullivanjones]

I’m trying to compare him To maybe bobcat goldthwaite. All over the place voices . His own personal movie playing in his head

[@lucydayLucida]

I loved him when I was a kid and occasionally watch an old Carry On just to see him. Never saw him interviewed until watching this. Listening to him speak naturally it strikes me what a formidable intellect he had. I had to look him up to see what kind of education he had and was very surprised he had no tertiary education at all, which makes how articulate he is even more exceptional.

[@rnw2739]

A thousand thankyous for this interview! I can't get enough of Kenneth x

[@IlonaEDavey]

What a beautiful funny talented man crying with laughter as soon as he talks 🤣🤣🤣 Kenneth Williams you are sorely missed 💜

[@stewartsnape2936]

Always guaranteed lots of laughs with Kenneth when you saw a carry on film

[@drwhatson]

I've seen a lot of interviews with KW, but I think these was one of his best. The theatre anecdotes were hilarious. :-D

[@swansong5263]

If ever I’m down this is one man that makes me smile. I loved Kenneth he was a treasure, I would love to Have met him and no doubt be told to Eff orf by him but I would forgive him anything. We miss you mr. Williams so much in these dreary times.

[@carolcasey5441]

Beautiful soul ❤

[@annwornell7510]

Oh how lovely, a time when things were so much easier, so much better.

[@raymondb4896]

What i loved about Parkinson was that he never interfered with the guests once they got going. This is typical example of allowing the very great late K.Williams do his stuff. Not like these days when most hosts are allways butting in!

[@brummiejojo]

Priceless! What a genius.

[@theofarmmanager267]

A big shout also for Parkinson. Still by far the best “chat show” host. The quality of the conversation from his guests is largely a result of Parkinson

[@rtaj247]

I was laughing so much I started crying …! What fantastic comic talent .

[@lindacraig7486]

Me too. I was in convulsions!

[@rtaj247]

@@lindacraig7486 such a funny man

[@Freespeech141]

What a treasure he was. So many , mostly gone now. Uk Comedy will never be the same

[@thadtuiol1717]

I'm glad they're gone - they lived at a time when there was more freedom in the UK and you could be yourself. If they lived nowadays they'd be cancelled, harassed by the authorities and SJWs and kept out of showbiz. They had the best years, if they could see the UK today they'd be horrified.

[@johnnywires943]

There are only 2 people i really admired for their wit and immediate replays with humor or double meanings.One is Kenneth Williams and the second is Robin Williams.Both the best of the best and the top of the tops.Never be another 2 like them.Pure geniuses.

[@npc3po301]

What a treat for the audience, to sit there listening to Kenneth while studying the stunning Marti Caine

[@Tridhos]

All credit to Parkinson he allows his guests to shine and brings out the best in them every time.

[@efnissien]

If there was a person for whom the English language was made for, it would be Kenneth Williams. He could wax lyrical on any subject and was the undisputed king of 'Just a Minute'.

[@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.

[@TruckOnTyke1]

Brilliant - thank you for uploading this.

[@nicholasdavies6264]

Intelligent and the recollection of his life was amazing! A gem!

[@kellyshaw7271]

He was wonderful and a great story teller. So articulate and witty. Irreplaceable

[@trampsvest6657]

My mum met him yearly. They spent their holidays at exactly the same time, Hotel & place every year.

[@Patrick3183]

Cool!

[@michellerhodes9910]

Wonderful. Inimitable. Thank you for the posting.

[@uszatku9417]

This is a new one for YT - most of us haven’t seen this one before. Thank you.

[@anothertime1282]

Comic genius. What a pity his personal life was so sad. I hope he realised how loved and admired he was.

[@jsa-z1722]

We ❤ Kenneth Williams. What a treasure.

[@gailbirchall2163]

Love how he speaks precise, and concise. How we need people like this in society. Love wordsmiths like this, as they know how to entertain by words. By the way, he was not joking about the red-hot needle up the nose to culturize. My brother went through the same as he suffered from nose bleeds.

[@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.

[@coletteshaw2587]

Just brilliant entertaining stories and impressions from Kenneth. Brought me much mirth, he is just the tonic for a grey day.! Thank you for upload. Bless you.

[@GirGir183]

You could spend hours and hours just listening to him talking.

[@SmallTownNewYorkCityBoy]

Never seen this before! Amazing! Thank you for sharing - you’re doing God’s work!

[@charlesdavis7087]

I'm laughing again...! And I watched this just a few days ago. I'm laughing again. Love you Kenneth. You gave your innocence... to all of us.

[@vinnymitchell2550]

Kenneth Williams and Stephen Fry ..I could listen to them all day

[@janeokeeffe5297]

Me too

[@thadtuiol1717]

Nah, not Fry, the Lefty liberal smug is too much to bear.

[@funwitholdconcretethings8721]

Delighteed to fine a new Kenneth Williams upload, some new stories in this one! Many thanks, really!

[@meganoikz]

No problem, here's another appearance from Ken with Parky in Oz from he same year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoHEfquehJyKqtk

[@funwitholdconcretethings8721]

@@meganoikz Thankyou, hadn't come across that one. Prefer this one tho, thanks again!

[@Tidybitz]

A chat show host's dream guest. I didn't know Parky had done a chat show in Australia also, but was pleased to see this appear in my youtube. Kenneth never fails to amuse, love it.

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

Wonderful stuff such a down to earth story teller . I didn't see the Western Judge voice coming. Full of surprises and fun . So comfortable in his skin. Refresh 😁😁😁

[@pjmoseley243]

This was recorded 41 years ago when KW was much younger than I am now ( in my 70s) there will never be another KW the broke the mold.

[@juliedubberley1192]

Unique talent, a true entertainer, irreplaceable ❤

[@margaretbuckley9309]

WHAT A GEM OF A MAN SIMPLY THE BEST I COULD LISTEN TO HIM ALL DAY BUT HIS LIFE WAS TINGED WITH SADNESS WHAT A LEGEND THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYONE QUITE LIKE HIM AGAIN R I P KENNETH 🙏🌹

[@charlesdavis7087]

Wonderful! I thought I'd seen all of Kenneth's interviews. Thanks.

[@peterbreughel4440]

His use of language and comic timing are impeccable.

[@163andyc]

Loved Round The Horne and Ramblin Syd. I've always been a big fan Kenneth Williams and was thrilled to see a blue plaque showing he lived in a flat close to Madame Tussauds in London.

[@daviddd99]

Excellent. Never seen this before - not even in compilations or documentaries. Some overlap with other interviews, but some new anecdotes.

[@andrewbull3537]

When i was growing up i used to watch the carry on films ,kenneth Williams, Barbara Windsor, sid James and all the others in that comedy band ,i used to laugh until i cried ! ,the comedy in those days was much better than the comedy of today . Thankyou mr Williams, may you rest in eternal peace.

[@thomashood5973]

The Words paint his memories on a canvas for our gazing pleasure.

[@darrenhirst9900]

I live in England and there was always a Carry-on film on the tv. I bought the box set and I've watched it a million times and I always laugh. Frying tonight😂

[@7ebr830]

Hail, Caesar! Hail - sleet, snow, rain! Ooh, I hate the weather in this blasted country! 🤣

[@darrenhirst9900]

@@7ebr830 Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me. I love them all 😂

[@7ebr830]

@@darrenhirst9900 Me too. 😊

[@elvissideburns4641]

Parkinson's easiest show, you just pop a question to Kenneth Williams, and let the monologues begin. What charisma Kenneth had.

[@jimisi7424]

Damm! I have watched so many interviews, but they never get old. He is a quicker ( and imho a better) story teller than ustinov.

[@stephenguppy7882]

Oh, SO much better than Ustinov, who was boring, drawn out and self-absorbed.

[@stconstable]

Was devastated when he died.

[@stephenguppy7882]

@@stconstable Yes, me too. And all my nasty mother could say was 'Well, he was a homosexual'. He was a one-off, truly unique.

[@Sam-gw5pl]

@@stconstable I vaguely remember it. I vaguely remember Charles Hawtrey’s death too.

[@stconstable]

@@stephenguppy7882 funny it my was my late mother who rang to tell me.

[@barrymitchell6444]

Kenneth Williams was naturally funny. He was quite the raconteur. Stars would sit around him on nights out, listening to stories like these. They must have been great times.

[@rjmusicltd]

Legendary talent, been no one like him since

[@mrjagriff]

A few like him but just not funny ,Robin Williams / Jim Carey ,for instance

[@jonathansteadman7935]

Think it was Parkinson said you didn't have to ask Kenneth Williams much 'he just opened the closet and jumped right out'! Wonderful orator and raconteur.

[@waynefoulkes2017]

love this man so like me such a showman out in public but behind the scenes so sad awesome video thanks for sharing its great

[@fairplayer7435]

Kenneth was from a generation of hard working classy men and women who took their craft seriously. They were not about fame and fortune but about fine talent and high standards of performance.

[@dalekwatcher]

Holy mega Wow! Loved this!

[@newstart242]

Lovely man. RIP Kenneth.❤️

[@zoolook3264]

I have watched this now for the past 3 days - you just don't get better than Kenneth Williams (Rik Mayall was/is up there) but you just want to give him a hug.

[@rainiegreen5684]

What a star Kenneth Williams was, simply the best ,🤩🤩🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣so hilariously funny 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣