Williams, Kenneth

Born on 22 February 1926, Kenneth Williams was, in public at least, a very funny man.  In common with a number of other funny men, not least Tony Hancock, Williams was a depressive - his death in 1988 was due to an overdose of barbiturates, although whether accident or suicide could not be determined at inquest.

Of course Williams is probably best remembered for his many roles in the Carry On series of films along with Sid James, Barbara Windsor, Kenneth Cope and many others. However he was first and foremost a radio performer, in particular with Kenneth Horne in Beyond Our Ken and Round the Horne and with Hugh Paddick in the Julian and Sandy series.  As regards TV, Williams was a frequent guest of Michael Parkinson's and also stood in for Wogan on his chat show in 1986.  Jackanory was a regular benefactor of Williams' talent, as was What's My Line on BBC2.  I remember him performing the many voices on the children's TV animation, Willo the Wisp.  He was one of the most funny men that I have ever seen on TV - his maniacal performances had me in stitches many times whilst growing up in the 1980's.