Sid James Long Lost Interview (1972)

This is an interview with the South African-born British actor Sid James that took place in 1972 for She Magazine. The recording has never been heard by or shared with the public before and has remained private for 42 years. The interviewer is Keith Howes and he met Sid on the set of the film version of the TV series Bless This House at Pinewood Studios near London.
Sid begins the interview by discussing Tony Hancock and then he goes on to talk candidly about his own career, films life co-stars and family. The interview is both relaxed and funny. At the end of the interview I have included bonus audio of Keith discussing the Carry On films and actors with press agent and publicist Tony Wells.
All photographs are either in the public domain or are used under the rules of fair dealing and fair use for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended. The audio belongs to Keith Howes and all other material belongs to me. For enquiries please email me [e-mail]

[@michaelloughlin734]

Sid James a pure legend loved every film he was in and by he did leave his mark I lived in Sunderland when he sadly died on stage at the Sunderland empire it was a sad day when we lost sid james....thank you for posting this gem really made my day to hear the man himself great interview.....

[@MarkHarrison733]

Cohen punched pregnant women.

[@I.CClunge-Daily]

​@@MarkHarrison733Are you a saint? And do you feel you can judge dead people. You ain't God. Bye.

[@MarkHarrison733]

@@I.CClunge-Daily He was notorious for it.

[@citizen1163]

Fascinating to hear Sid talking in a relaxed situation. Got to disagree with him on one point though...he was/is a STAR!

[@thelordhearsthecryofthepoo1202]

I can hear burr of South African accent, RIP Sid james

[@englishteadrinker736]

Thank you so much for posting this ❤

[@boum62]

What a wonderful interview and what a wonderful man he seems to be. South Africa be proud of one of your most famous sons !

[@jnuttso1]

It seems like Sid is being very nice and helpful to you in this interview this is just like he's sat chatting with a friend over a drink or something very relaxed this is wonderful I don't think there are many interviews with Sid James tv or radio I really enjoyed listening to him 😀

[@Yellowswift3]

Lovely to hear his laugh. I didn't realize his screen laugh was the same / very similar to his real life one. :)

[@kensington25]

***** Thank you :)

[@petermills2061]

Yeah the wonderful laugh was real & so memorable !

[@nickycotton6137]

👍

[@gordongrant894]

What a pleasure to listen to Sid so relaxed and being himself....Loved it

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

He punched pregnant women.

[@phoneblaster]

@@JamesRichards-mj9kw ...who is Cohen?

[@bobwallacejnr6852]

You don't need muscles to pick a bottle up!! Fantastic guy.

[@shuddupeyaface]

That these characters are still of interest well into the 21 century is testament enough to them X

[@deadzombie4477]

He would have been 102 now!.....cant believe hes been gone nearly 40 years. Im 37 so I was born about 17 months after he died. I grew up watching the carry on films and have always loved them.

[@mahumabanyatsitumi8343]

Dead Zombie I am born on 04 May 1982 and have always loved watching the carry on movies...

[@deadzombie4477]

Mahuma Banyatsi Tumi Awesome mate :)

[@robharding4028]

Sid never thought of himself as a star ! unlike many others, But He was such a joyous character in most of his movies.He had a great laugh ! Definitely a carry on legend.

[@Annsara9]

This is so precious to hear l enjoyed every moment of listening to Sid. He was natural, down to earth, modest regarding his own obvious talent. His laugh sounded even more fantastic here. I loved how he gave an insight how hard it was working on Bless This House. We see the finish production we forget just what it took get there hard work, dedication he had that more. I was a teenager when he died so sad l saw headlines l couldn't believe it but l am so glad that his left some wonderful work behind for us to enjoy. He will never be forgotten.

[@emzt5289]

He was also a wife beater and alcoholic

[@Annsara9]

@@emzt5289 l never heard that about him

[@robinwilson1433]

That's what I heard too, but I don't want to believe it!

[@MarkHarrison733]

He punched pregnant women.

[@chrisevans5259]

That laugh is so unmistakable.....sid james ...comedy icon.....CARRY -ON LEGEND

[@BNCA70]

Very revealing. Good interview. Would have been interesting to hear what he thought of Kenneth Williams.

[@keithflowers9217]

I was born in 1956. SID JAMES was pert of my childhood. Always there with is big smile. Lots of happy days watching his Carry On films. Wonderful actor and it would appear a great guy!

[@ravenhill-the-hospitaller-1968]

great listening to this, have all the carry ons on dvd now. 😊

[@solcutta3661]

Can't believe u shared this with us, so fantastically generous..thank you..wish others would follow suit because all too many such things end up in the bin with death and it's then lost to history and a damn bloody shame. For this again,thankyou.

[@matthewbritton4149]

I was only 4yrs old when sid died he made the carry on films 🎥so funny such a shame sid doesn't have a headstone at the graveyard sadly missed 70s slapstick comedian 😢🙏🕊🦔🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👋sids iconic laugh was marvellous sady Barbara Windsor died in 2020 rip babs🙏🕊😪

[@andywright3450]

Class act sid was a one off won't be another one like him

[@solcutta3661]

How amazingly lucky..what a memory this must be...he so infectious with that laugh. I'm sure this must been a great moment in life..very jealous.

[@enoz.j3506]

Loved this,so enjoyable to listen to Sid,sounded so relaxed and a genuine good bloke.Thank you.

[@theindividualizt]

Sid's South african accent is more obvious in this interview.

[@marywilliams9858]

I thought he was British.

[@ngc-fo5te]

@@marywilliams9858 Never had a British passport - always South African. You can always hear it in his accent.

[@MK-rk4no]

​@@marywilliams9858nope he was a Jewish South African.

[@andygeorgiou661]

I grew up watching the carry ons and loved Sid but dont forget he has been in so many other films! He was great.

[@EvilCensor]

Many thanks for sharing this, priceless recording.

[@chris302007]

Sid is a legend but has been gone as long as I've been alive, It's good to hear footage I've never heard before, Thanks :-)

[@kensington25]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I will pass your comments on to Keith Howes who interviewed him :)

[@WhisperingJohn]

I was 20 years old when he died

[@SceneArtisan]

Whisper: "How would you like to be remembered?" - "The losers I've backed",.. lol. :D hahahaha. Good one.

[@richardsharpe2966]

Did Sid James every do any interviews to any one from his native South Africa either magazine or radio would like to know please

[@michaelpearson1272]

Loved him to bits. I was 12 in 72 I loved his laugh films and shows.

[@shaunmckernan176]

So wonderful to hear Sid talk about Joan Sims too

[@waderaney7]

Sid the Great 😉

[@Agui007]

Great interview! Love Sid's laugh though it's ironic that his coronary scare was his ultimate warning to possibly slow down in life. Sad really.

[@davecooke914]

Modest great actor down to earth most so called stars think better than most r.i.p sid James

[@mikewest1542]

Was Sid in anything where he wasn’t called Sid ?

[@HobartBloke]

'Joe Macbeth'. 'The Small Back Room'. Many other character parts, before he got pigeonholed as a cockney wide boy.

[@1911m1a1ellis]

Loved his character in Hancock.

[@Heaven-dy9lj]

They were great together and should have stayed together longer.

[@sarahholland2600]

@@Heaven-dy9lj Hancock was massively insecure & resented him hugely. That's why he stopped the doing his v successful series. He didn't like sharing the limelight with co stars.

[@Heaven-dy9lj]

@@sarahholland2600 yes. I heard Hancock hated Williams too, for getting laughs and the limelight with the many funny characters he could do. Hancock was too wrapped up to see it wasn't all about him. It was the script and the Dialect between characters. Hancock and James were a great combination.

[@solcutta3661]

Thank you so much for this absolute rare bit of gold. I hope people realise the historic value of this and the true true gem u have here.. absolutely amazing.. thank you

[@PaulHunter-ih1ye]

R.I.P Sidney. Truly great comic actor who thanks to the Carry on Films and many other wonderful performances will never be forgotten. ❤

[@franhiatt1]

Sid lived next door to a friend of my father's in Iver, Harry, and I stayed there for a few days one school summer holiday. Even as a young child I was a huge fan of Sid's (mainly from listening to old Hancock's Half Hour radio recordings) and regret not badgering Harry for an introduction when I had the chance.

[@marisamonte9003]

The best legend ever RIP SID X

[@stellaashker1]

What a superb interview and find! I totally agree with Ken here. Sid comes across as such a kind and genuine person and not one bit big-headed at all (considering his popularity). I so so wish I had met him before he died so very young. I'm sure he could have gone on for another 20 years had he been able (look at Leslie Phillips as an example of this). What a tremendously sad loss to us all who held Sid dear to our hearts. May you rest in peace Sid. We love you. xx

[@kensington25]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I too enjoyed the interview and heard a different side to Sid from the one I have to admit I imagined. He does indeed come across as kind and genuine and also very down to earth. This was a pleasant surprise for me. I will pass your comments on to Keith Howes who interviewed him. He will be happy you enjoyed it. Sid's daughter Susan enjoyed the interview and has been sent a copy. Many thanks once again :)

[@stellaashker1]

William Brougham Thank you very much William. That would be absolutely fantastic. Thank you for all your help.

[@fran-kittyayers5329]

Well said. I miss him too. Just seeing him on TV lifts my spirit x

[@jacksugden8190]

Never that keen on Solomon Joel Cohen, he was almost great on the Thames Television series Bless This House, didn’t care for the film version, never liked Tony Hancock, or those stupid Carry On films, Cohen was too overpowering for my liking, should have been toned down, he was like Leonard Rossiter in Rising Damp, too much with another big ego.

[@biggerthanacadillac]

I could say SO much, but essentially I want to record my LOVE & RESPECT for Sid. James, Pure GENIUS. NEVER be another to match him. Never.

[@pablonush4261]

Absolutely no trace of anything south African in him. What a great actor

[@ngc-fo5te]

What? You can hear it in his accent in every performance and interview. Loads of examples in this interview.

[@NorthernLights2375]

I can hear the South African in him. Also warm & down to earth & turning the humour on himself. The ability to make fun of & laugh at himself. Typical South African traits.

[@MrBooojangles]

It's brilliant to here this. I am such a huge fan of Sid and this is great to here him speaking naturally and although I've seen one or two interviews on camera, I've not heard this one before.

[@Veronica-rj5kl]

Brilliant x

[@trevorkeyes1694]

A legend of comedy missed

[@KenR208]

I had often wondered about the off-screen Sid James....like, is he just Sid James, on and off screen? and am pleased to hear he comes over so very well. His comments are sincere, especially his impressions of fellow actors - his un-egotistical acceptance of his status, all show an intelligent well balanced personality. On the occasions I saw Sid play strait characters it was obvious there was more to this actor than the casting folk (or industry type casting) allowed to surface. Very pleased this interview is finally seeing light of day. Thanks KH, WB, and KZbin! KenR.....

[@kensington25]

Thank you so much Ken and your comment is much appreciated. I too have often wondered what he was like off screen but was most impressed to hear a sensitive, down to earth and candid man with no airs or graces. Very grounded. It was quite refreshing. Thank you again and I am glad that you enjoyed it :)

[@digitalbroadcaster]

Ken, have you ever lived in Portsmouth UK by any chance? I knew a Ken Roche, but tbh I don't expect you to be him.

[@rogerthornhill477]

Sid James a comic genius .

[@williamwallacedebruce9221]

Sid James carried Hancock and was the overlooked genius.

[@MarkHarrison733]

Cohen wasn't even in the best episode.

[@fluff2514]

very down to earth guy thank u for this

[@rob24974]

my favrite character in carry ons....and tha t laugh.....

[@raymonddivine8737]

What a lovely man so down to earth you can’t help worming to him very interesting upload thanks

[@HereIsMyOffer]

5:00 Sid ''No more cigarettes'' 17:59 Can clearly hear the lighter opening and closing as Sid is lighting one up! Carry on smoking lol

[@vernonbird4463]

Probably his pipe, he stopped smoking cigarettes but still enjoyed his pipe

[@HereIsMyOffer]

@@vernonbird4463 Ahh yes, fair point!

[@sidharrison4869]

Thanks for putting this up. I have fond memories of Sid, as he was on film and tv as I was growing up, & like Ken wondered about the man behind the face. This is very insightful, thanks.

[@heavenlyrain1000]

Great to listen to 😊

[@gardenbirds]

Great to hear this interview, many thanks for uploading it. I did upload a couple of short clips of filmed interviews with Sid which date I believe from 1972 to my other old you tube account (SidneyAbbott), would be great if anyone looking here has the complete interview to upload.

[@jeffallinson8089]

Had he been alive into the 1980's he would have ended up in East-Enders for sure.

[@michaelc3977]

How sad that would've been

[@rockie0708]

Michael C He would not have been in Eastenders lol.

[@michaelc3977]

I like your conviction, Boy.

[@davidmoth9905]

And Doctor Who. Especially with John Nathan-Turner's policy of getting big names in as guest stars.

[@alicethompson653]

Haha would of loved to see Peggy Mitchell tell sid to get out of her pub!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TonyChuter]

How can I sum up the 70s...sid James sitting on a chopper bike...believe me that picture is out there I've seen it..

[@solcutta3661]

God just to stand in that studio at this time in history...ever get time travel...sod other historical moments ,I'd be straight down pinewood.

[@criddyboy1968]

this is the first sid james interview i have heard,its a joy to hear,hanging on every word.many thanks for sharing it

[@martinoconnor6877]

I grew up in the sixties watching Sid James and i always wanted to hear him off stage i am delighted to learn he was so normal with people unlike today's actors who are not even anway near his talent and could learn a lot from his take on work and life the world is lost without Sid James in it. wonderful interview thank you for sharing it with us mr Keith Howes

[@stevejailbirdmatt]

I think it's safe to say he regarded Hancock as a brother. His death clearly affected him deeply, particularly when you research the last time he saw him.

[@paulgrahamedwardspencer5161]

Hancock turned his back on all his friends and his writing partners then he told on himself in Australia the story of Sid seeing him when he was standing on a traffic island is so sad

[@stevejailbirdmatt]

sid snot It was Sid that reflected on seeing Hancock. He described him as being out of it and disorientated so Hancock didn't see him. Sid stopped the car and tried to find him but it was too late. Like you said - very sad.

[@chrischancer1247]

Superb..still miss Sid:-(

[@Owenwilson2]

My uncle had a pub is Bethnal Green Tower of hamlets, he had a 80 year old customer that came in and he used to tell me about sid james, he used to drive around in a Cadillac and had this real'y loud horn and he used to beep through london doing his laugh. making the public laugh all the time. i asked him how did you know this he said well as he laughed i was in the car with him. amazing guy would loved to have met him.

[@voicewizard]

An absolute pleasure to hear this. Thank you for posting.

[@Steve50663]

He was a great British comedian. So funny. A chip off the old block and a typical funny British comedian. A good Londoner lad...

[@suzeauster2223]

Greetings From Florida 🐬 Thank You for Sharing this Gem 💎 of a Man; who is Sorely Missed ✨

[@MarkHarrison733]

He punched pregnant women.

[@bigbernie7260]

Old Steak and Kidney was a natural for the camera he was a one off.

[@Jangalene1]

Fascinating Stuff,..Loved Sid 😂

[@raymonddivine8737]

A big thanks for all the laughs Sid bless you

[@workhaterbloke]

To the person who thumbed down 'I'm comin' ta get ya!!'.

[@nickycotton6137]

"Again Doctor" was the one, but ❤ 'em all and him and Jack Douglas were great together (as with Tony H). 'Behind' was his last I think! Classic...

[@harveypcm]

Great stuff! Thanks....

[@BritishComedyUK69]

great guy

[@novaworld1297]

Would have loved to have met him true naturals like him and many other lost stars are hard to find a lot now are money oriented those days they where paid very little but gave it there all ty for sharing this true lost legend

[@rubytuesday5412]

So true. These so called actors now are paid embarrassingly huge amounts of money for their 'craft' as they embarrassingly call it. Yes bring back the oldies but goodies.

[@mattbod]

Grew up with the Carry On films. Sid was always a favourite of mine and he sounded a great case off set as well. They don't make them like this anymore.

[@gnarlypaul]

I am a massive carry on fan and this interview is brilliant, I am only 40 but have grown up with the films. I am always looking for interviews of the regular cast members, there doesn't seem to be many about, to find this has really made my day, thank you William

[@midguardz]

Can you do a video on all the heart breaks and suicides of British comedians please.

[@ysgol3]

GREAT, a true pleasure to hear this. Thank you William !

[@jofrances3296]

I’ve just watched the Tv series of bless this house. Sid seemed so down to earth and a lovely man. ❤he just made me smile watching him and his life. everything about him. I believe he really was a star. Even he never knew how good he was. I read Sid had a coronary. So glad God gave him longer. That laugh if his 😅miss these times I was 10 when Sid passed in 1976. Times when people card about each other neighbours helped each other out. Thank you for sharing this wonderful interview

[@michaeljames87]

This is wonderful

[@markgreet3543]

It wàs seaside post card humour excellent point, i watched them 1980s afternoon time they were tv so funny, great if you were on a break from college.

[@rodericksloan1255]

Good on you Mr. James The flat earth is a better place for you being here and making a lot of folks happy may your journey to wherever be a happy one.

[@xr6lad]

Just been watching Carry on Abroad…..remember Bless this House as a kid. Oh where has all those years gone…so fast. So funny. Never to be repeated..

[@andrewsmith2757]

Forces TV repeat them quite regularly. It's a channel on Sky. Also, there's the DVD box set which I highly recommend. It includes the movie as well.

[@normplatt7549]

Thanks for sharing!

[@citizen1163]

Thanks for sharing this gem! ❤ Sid!

[@wendynickhill8262]

could someone please upload SIDS TV series Taxi it would be great

[@TheRollthedice]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqOrYZd6jNdqn68

[@markgreet3543]

Sorry meant i saw them on tv, sid would see the funny side to it😂

[@WhisperingJohn]

Thanks.

[@MarkHarrison733]

Solomon Cohen punched pregnant women.

[@markgreet3543]

Liked his laugh.

[@markgreet3543]

He was a diamond, respect him he can express himself very well, and very down to earth.hes had such a new voice very calm.

[@emmabeattie9255]

Shame there's so much static but thanks a lot for the interview always a pleasure to hear Sid and his laugh such a charming actor

[@gerrydonnelly3629]

I really enjoyed that, thanks very much.

[@MrJasonsean]

Great interview! Thanks for sharing.

[@moogdome2562]

can hardly hear this.

[@kensington25]

Maybe try checking your settings as volume works fine. Many thanks.

[@moogdome2562]

@@kensington25 Hi William. My settings are ok,It's not so much the video sound as my ;laptop sound card is useless.HP sound cards aren't the best. thank you for the reply.

[@dianadoos1944]

you're the best Sid, Ilove you

[@alexmacdiver]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I was expecting Afrikans . . . . . . . . . . .

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

He was an Israeli.

[@inthenameofjustice8811]

I loved Sid James who was an incredibly talented man but I utterly hate the Carry On films. I find them trite, cheap, lazy rubbish. Even as a boy I could not stand them. For the life of me I cannot see the appeal.

[@inthenameofjustice8811]

Well humour is a personal thing but to me, even that example is crap. It's a;ll nudge nudge wink wink stuff. The only good line I ever heard was another bad joke, Infamy! Infamy! They've all got it in for me."

[@jonhart7630]

Like most things, the early ones were good but they ran out of steam and humour was substituted with more smutt.

[@markharrison2544]

It's a shame he was so violent to pregnant women.

[@rockie0708]

Mark Harrison we was not there to see if this was true.