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.

[@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.

[@AngryFknDog]

Prolific pedophile... read Joe Orton's diaries.

[@WarrenPeace007]

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

[@Tidybitz]

He was unique.

[@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❤

[@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 😂

[@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....

[@2_Trillion_galaxies]

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

[@2_Trillion_galaxies]

@@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@TheWizardOfTheFens]

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

[@jnuttso1]

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

[@johnmills4983]

Watching in 2024 , how intelligent, witty, and such a great story teller, the man never missed a beat for 10 minutes straight , thread to the needle storytelling with impressions , and hes just talking about life , its not even his act , very rare nowdays , love you sir❤

[@Knappa22]

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

[@lyndasutton]

Kenneth you are missed 😢 listening to this made me laugh out loud, yours was a special sense of humour ❤ and it never gets old ❤❤

[@susanc8036]

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

[@terrydaniel-qm9mh]

Listening in 2024 (Kenneth Williams) wonderful human being and entertainer .

[@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

[@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.

[@KaptainKlunk1]

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

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@davidtaylor5034]

Dame Edna was another guest who Parkinson would wisely let take the lead, to hilarious effect.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@paulineson4876]

He never disappoints. A unique genius.

[@nannettesidebottom5960]

Kenneth Williams enunciates his words beautifully ~ I wish more people would speak more clearly, then I could better understand them.

[@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!

[@felixthecat3n2]

To great effect! I love it too..

[@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?

[@garethtomkins5797]

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

[@suehancey8355]

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

[@trampsvest6657]

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

[@Patrick3183]

Cool!

[@nikiTricoteuse]

I loathed the carry on films but, this was a delight. What a master of his craft Mr Williams was.

[@al201103]

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

[@marjorielamb4714]

💕

[@DavidBoswell-s1e]

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!!!

[@rnw2739]

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

[@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,

[@Rbourk252]

As children Kenneth Williams was the star of the show this video brings back happy memories.

[@shadowweaver3693]

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

[@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 ❤

[@straingedays]

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

[@pshearduk]

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

[@ElvarMasson]

The Graham Norton Show is good

[@carolholly1608]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@barryobrien2638]

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

[@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.

[@rafflesxyz4800]

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

[@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 ❤

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@neilforbes416]

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

[@Nonie_Jay]

Oh wow, that was him? I can still hear that ad in my head after all this time 😁 .

[@neilforbes416]

@@Nonie_Jay LOL

[@kapple654]

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

[@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.

[@kingy002]

@@handsoffmycactus2958 Tell us about your life. What the fuck have you done to judge him like you have?

[@kingy002]

David Niven is the other great raconteur to add to those three.

[@IlonaEDavey]

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

[@HerrSchytt]

Kenneth Williams had a perfect voice for audiobooks. And he is my "carry on" favorite cast.

[@rodneydoherty5146]

I couldn't countenance anyone else reading Just William stories....

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@d23bw]

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

[@annwornell7510]

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

[@r.i.p.volodya]

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

[@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.

[@uszatku9417]

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

[@kingy002]

Indeed, it is certainly fresh to me, and I have seen most of Kenneth's stuff multiple times.

[@TruckOnTyke1]

Brilliant - thank you for uploading this.

[@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.

[@SmallTownNewYorkCityBoy]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@badgersalesman5595]

I am lucky to be old enough ( but not old ) to be alive and remember this human being while he made the world happy. Willow the wisp anyone ?

[@rodneydoherty5146]

I adored Evil Edna!

[@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.

[@larrygrehan1]

Kenneth Williams was Truly one of the greatest entertainers in british history, a totally unreplaceable comedian.A guy that would even make God laugh

[@Tridhos]

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

[@anothertime1282]

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

[@michellerhodes9910]

Wonderful. Inimitable. Thank you for the posting.

[@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 🙏🌹

[@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.

[@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!

[@npc3po301]

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

[@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.

[@kingy002]

I'm not sure whether 'innocence' is the correct word. Many of his friends said he was rude and often socially offensive with his humour. I liked him immensely, but there are two sides to his life's story.

[@zoe486]

A truly wonderful entertainer. Such skill sadly misunderstood and greatly missed.

[@inge6280]

I remember listening to him on the BBC Worldservice in a show called ‘Just a minute’ . A true waterfall of brilliant words every time.

[@nicholasdavies6264]

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

[@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 😁😁😁

[@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.

[@kellyshaw7271]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@cappygolucky]

What a Great British storyteller, how the old is missed.

[@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.

[@justvisitingterra6459]

ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL TOTALLY ENTHRALLED WITH THE SO MANY VOICES AND ACCENT'S. SATT.

[@jsa-z1722]

We ❤ Kenneth Williams. What a treasure.

[@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.

[@stevecoleman2250]

What a great talent, always remember him in "Around the Horn" as Rambling Sidney.

[@deln644]

There's no one like Kenneth Williams now. He was a genius. So witty, so knowledgeable... I love palari, such an original nd inventive, secret gay language that is all but lost now that Kenneth Williams and Hugh Paddick were fluent in. Check out the 'Julian and Sandy' LP (clips and full LP available on KZbin). They are hysterical!

[@kathyaggiss9006]

We’ll never see the like again. Absolutely masterful. ❤

[@PhilipJacksonesq]

utterly brilliant. The open stage section had me laughing out loud.

[@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.

[@peterbreughel4440]

His use of language and comic timing are impeccable.