Why Carry On icon Kenneth Williams’s legacy in British entertainment continues to endure

by

Just hearing the name Kenneth Williams brings to mind his incredibly expressive face, distinctive way of stretching out his vowels, his playfully flamboyant personality, and his perfect comedic timing. He’s best remembered for his hilarious performances in the classic Carry On films and radio shows that people still enjoy today.

For radio host and longtime Robin Williams admirer Wes Butters, the beloved comedian was far more than just a funny face. Butters explains that Williams connected with everyone, regardless of age, background, or which BBC channel they watched.

Through his book, a radio program, and an upcoming film, Butters has consistently highlighted Williams’s admirable character. This is something Williams himself would have valued, as he often spoke about how demeaning it was for talented artists to have to do simple, silly comedy.

I’m so excited about this Saturday! Alistair Butters is putting together a whole day of programs on Radio 4 Extra to celebrate Ted Williams’ 100th birthday – it’s amazing to think it’s been a century since he was born on February 22nd, 1926. Butters says he really wants to remind everyone just how dedicated and talented Williams was, and I totally get that. He was a legend!

Notable moments include ‘The Streets of London’ from 1980, where Williams enthusiastically showed Johnny Morris and Percy Edwards around his local area, and ‘The Law Game’ from 1988, which was one of his final TV appearances. Producer Tim Butters describes the recording as both happy and sad, noting that Williams seemed full of life just months before his death.

For 46-year-old Butters, Robin Williams felt like a constant presence throughout his childhood, especially through Williams’ appearances on the storytelling show Jackanory. Butters remembers Williams as purely funny and was surprised to learn, after the actor’s death, about the struggles revealed in his published diaries. He found it difficult to connect the joyful public persona with the man who seemed unable to experience happiness himself.

Want to see this content?

We need your permission to load content on this page, as it requires Google reCAPTCHA to function properly.

In 2005, a man named Butters purchased a photograph on eBay that was said to have belonged to Robin Williams. He contacted the seller, Robert Chidell—Williams’s godson—who was selling off a collection of the actor’s belongings. Butters happily bought the entire collection. Later, while looking through his new memorabilia, Butters found one of Williams’s diaries open to a page where the actor had written about what would happen to his possessions after he was gone.

It’s more than just a lucky coincidence, it feels uncanny,” Butters explains. “Sometimes, it’s like he was directly helping me.

Whether he was telling risqué jokes, performing poetry, or even reading the Bible, Williams had a captivating presence. He was a hugely popular figure on BBC Radio, best known for three enduringly funny comedy shows: Hancock’s Half Hour, Just a Minute, and Round the Horne.

Kenneth Williams’s funny stories from his talk show are still popular on TV, and the Carry On films continue to be enjoyed by audiences. After more than fifty years, what makes his impact on British entertainment so lasting?

Butters explains that Williams was unique and authentic – he didn’t try to imitate anyone else. Given that Williams passed away at the relatively young age of 62, it’s fascinating to consider what he might have accomplished if he’d lived longer. Butters imagines he could have become a respected character actor, but also questions if that would have truly satisfied him, noting how much Williams valued making people laugh.

Authors

David McGillivray

Read More

2026-02-16 21:09