Kenneth Williams
Birthday:
22 February 1926, King's Cross, London, England, UK
Birth Name:
Kenneth Charles Williams
Height:
173 cm
The acting bug bit Kenneth Williams when, as a student, his English teacher suggested he try out for a school play. He found that he enjoyed it tremendously, but when he raised the possibility at home of becoming an actor, his father forbade it. Williams was eventually sent to art school in London in 1941. In 1944 he was drafted into the army, and ...
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The acting bug bit Kenneth Williams when, as a student, his English teacher suggested he try out for a school play. He found that he enjoyed it tremendously, but when he raised the possibility at home of becoming an actor, his father forbade it. Williams was eventually sent to art school in London in 1941. In 1944 he was drafted into the army, and although posted to the Royal Engineers, he managed to land a job in the Combined Services Entertainment unit, where he got a chance to act in shows that were put on to entertain the troops, and even designed the posters that advertised the shows.After his discharge from the army he began to work as a professional actor, and traveled the country in repertory companies. It was in a production of "Saint Joan", where he played the Dauphin, that a radio producer saw him and hired him to do voice characterizations on a popular radio comedy show, "Hancock's Half Hour". His penchant for wild, off-the-wall characters led to his being hired by the producers of the "Carry On" comedy series, where he performed in 26 entries in the long-running series. When the series ended, Williams returned to radio work, and also made the rounds of the TV talk shows in addition to writing several books, including his autobiography. Later in his life Williams developed a serious ulcer, and was given medication to combat the pain. On April 15th 1988, he was found dead in his bed; it was determined that in addition to his regular pain pills, he had apparently taken some sleeping pills the night before, and the combination of those and his regular medication proved fatal. Show less «
"Oh, stop messing about" (catch phrase)
"Oh, stop messing about" (catch phrase)
Last words: "Oh, what's the bloody point?" (last entry in diary)
Last words: "Oh, what's the bloody point?" (last entry in diary)
The thing to do, in any circumstance, is to appear to know exactly what you are doing and at the same time convey casual doubts about the ab...Show more »
The thing to do, in any circumstance, is to appear to know exactly what you are doing and at the same time convey casual doubts about the abilities of everybody else and undermine their confidence. [In 1964] Show less «
This is very odd the way that Carry Ons are just starting to get mentioned: why are they suddenly fashionable? They're even starting to just...Show more »
This is very odd the way that Carry Ons are just starting to get mentioned: why are they suddenly fashionable? They're even starting to justify the bad scripts now! and talk about the classlessness of them. What hogwash! You can only call a mess a mess. Show less «
By 6:30 pain in the back was pulsating as it's never done before; so this, plus the stomach trouble combines to torture me - oh - what's the...Show more »
By 6:30 pain in the back was pulsating as it's never done before; so this, plus the stomach trouble combines to torture me - oh - what's the bloody point? - KW, last item in his diary before his death of an overdose Show less «
It's frightening to think, that with all the modern medicine and all the technique available to them, they can't really help you. I should t...Show more »
It's frightening to think, that with all the modern medicine and all the technique available to them, they can't really help you. I should think in the old days, you were better off, because nowadays they are all specialists. Everyone is becoming better and better, at less and less. Eventually someone is going to be superb, at nothing! Show less «
[on Dirty Harry (1971)] The morality behind the Don Siegel film is almost Homeric and epic. One man tries to do his job properly and when he...Show more »
[on Dirty Harry (1971)] The morality behind the Don Siegel film is almost Homeric and epic. One man tries to do his job properly and when he does it for the last time under Promethean provocation, he resigns from the police force. It is the story of an individual conscience and it is beautifully shown. One is very glad that such pictures are being made and I hope they make a lot of money at the box office. Show less «
The nice thing about quotes is that they give us a nodding acquaintance with the originator which is often socially impressive.
The nice thing about quotes is that they give us a nodding acquaintance with the originator which is often socially impressive.
People need to be peppered or even outraged occasionally. Our national comedy and drama is packed with earthy familiarity and honest vulgari...Show more »
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. Show less «
I see myself as a roving mosquito, choosing it's target.
I see myself as a roving mosquito, choosing it's target.
I found that if I got up on the stage to entertain the troops I could make them shut up and look.
I found that if I got up on the stage to entertain the troops I could make them shut up and look.
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.
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.
A fan club is a group of people who tell an actor he's not alone in the way he feels about himself.
A fan club is a group of people who tell an actor he's not alone in the way he feels about himself.
Being nasty doesn't require intellect; any moron can be abusive. The distinguishing factor of great wit is to be nasty with style.
Being nasty doesn't require intellect; any moron can be abusive. The distinguishing factor of great wit is to be nasty with style.
It was Noël Coward whose technique I envied and tried to emulate. I collected all his records and writing.
It was Noël Coward whose technique I envied and tried to emulate. I collected all his records and writing.
All problems have to be solved eventually by oneself, and that's where all your lovely John Donne stuff turns out to be a load of crap becau...Show more »
All problems have to be solved eventually by oneself, and that's where all your lovely John Donne stuff turns out to be a load of crap because, in the last analysis, a man is an island. Show less «
The quote, like opportunity, food and love, has got to come at the right moment. Blurted out, it can send your ego round your ankles.
The quote, like opportunity, food and love, has got to come at the right moment. Blurted out, it can send your ego round your ankles.
Infamy! Infamy! They've all got it in for me! (phrase from Carry on Cleo (1964))
Infamy! Infamy! They've all got it in for me! (phrase from Carry on Cleo (1964))
Walked home via Aldwych. Reflected that nothing really changes. I'm still walking about this city dragging my loneliness with me, putting on...Show more »
Walked home via Aldwych. Reflected that nothing really changes. I'm still walking about this city dragging my loneliness with me, putting on a front, whistling in the dark. It is getting darker all the time. Show less «
This (Dr Zhivago) may be the Great Russian Novel, but it's a pain in the a*** as a film.
This (Dr Zhivago) may be the Great Russian Novel, but it's a pain in the a*** as a film.
It's frightening to think with modern medicine and all the technique available to them, they can't really help you.
It's frightening to think with modern medicine and all the technique available to them, they can't really help you.
I know I'm male, and what's more I can prove it! (phrase from Carry on Matron (1972))
I know I'm male, and what's more I can prove it! (phrase from Carry on Matron (1972))
Kenneth Williams's Photos
Judge Burke
Captain Fearless
Julius Caesar
Doctor Kenneth Soaper
Captain Desmond Fancey
Professor Roland Crump
Thomas Cromwell
W. C. Boggs
Doctor Orlando Watt
Percival Snooper
The Khasi of Kalabar
Desmond Simkins
Doctor Frederick Carver
Citizen Camembert
Commandant Maximilian Burger
Dr. Kenneth Tinkle
First Officer Leonard Marjoribanks
Sir Bernard Cutting
Emile Prevert
