Alan Parker
British filmmaker (1944-2020)
Kenneth Williams was a beloved British actor and comedian known for his roles in the Carry On films and his work on radio and television. Despite his success, he struggled with depression in his private life and left behind a series of diaries that gained acclaim after his death.
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About the Kenneth Williams
Kenneth Charles Williamswas a British actor and comedian. He was best known for his comedy roles and in later life as a raconteur and diarist. He was one of the main ensemble in 26 of the 31 Carry On films, and appeared in many British television programmes and radio comedies, including series with Tony Hancock and Kenneth Horne, as well as being a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s comedy panel show Just a Minute from its second series in 1968 until his death 20 years later.
Williams grew up in Central London in a working-class family; he claimed his father spoke Cockney. He served in the Royal Engineers during World War II, where he first became interested in becoming an entertainer. After a short spell in repertory theatre as a serious actor, he turned to comedy and achieved national fame in Hancock’s Half Hour. He sustained continued success throughout the 1960s and 1970s with his regular appearances in Carry On films, and subsequently kept himself in the public eye with chat shows and other television work.
Williams was fondly regarded in the entertainment industry; in his private life, however, he suffered from depression. He kept a series of diaries throughout his life that achieved posthumous acclaim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenneth Williams was born on February 22, 1926.
Kenneth Williams appeared in 26 of the 31 Carry On films, making him one of the main ensemble members of the iconic comedy series.
Kenneth Williams appeared in many British television programs and radio comedies, including series with Tony Hancock and Kenneth Horne, and was a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute from 1968 until his death.
Kenneth Williams grew up in a working-class family in Central London and claimed his father spoke Cockney. He served in the Royal Engineers during World War II, where he first became interested in becoming an entertainer.
While fondly regarded in the entertainment industry, Kenneth Williams suffered from depression in his private life. He kept a series of diaries throughout his life that achieved posthumous acclaim.
After a short spell in repertory theatre as a serious actor, Kenneth Williams turned to comedy and achieved national fame in Hancock’s Half Hour, sustaining continued success throughout the 1960s and 1970s with his regular appearances in Carry On films.
In addition to his work in Carry On films, Kenneth Williams kept himself in the public eye with chat shows and other television work.
7 Quotes by Kenneth Williams
- 1.
I found that if I got up on the stage to entertain the troops I could make them shut up and look.
Kenneth WilliamsBritish actor and comedian (1926-1988)
- 2.
I see myself as a roving mosquito, choosing it’s target.
Kenneth WilliamsBritish actor and comedian (1926-1988)
- 3.
It was Noel Coward whose technique I envied and tried to emulate. I collected all his records and writing.
Kenneth WilliamsBritish actor and comedian (1926-1988)
- 4.
We know grooming is important for people. To get their hair done, to get makeup and things like that – that makes a person feel better.
Kenneth WilliamsBritish actor and comedian (1926-1988)
- 5.
The nice thing about quotes is that they give us a nodding acquaintance with the originator which is often socially impressive.
Kenneth WilliamsBritish actor and comedian (1926-1988)
- 6.
People need to be peppered or even outraged occasionally. Our national comedy and drama is packed with earthy familiarity and honest vulgarity. Clean vulgarity can be very shocking and that, in my view, gives greater involvement.
Kenneth WilliamsBritish actor and comedian (1926-1988)
- 7.
A fan club is a group of people who tell an actor he’s not alone in the way he feels about himself.
Kenneth WilliamsBritish actor and comedian (1926-1988)