Carry On Originals: Kenneth Williams

This is part of a new series of blogs looking back at the stars of the original Carry On film, Carry On Sergeant. 2018 marks 60 years since Sergeant was made and released so what better time to turn the focus on all those brilliant actors who brought our favourite series of comedy films to life? 

I'm continuing today with one of the most instantly recognisable faces from the entire franchise,  Kenneth Williams 

Role in Carry On Sergeant: James Bailey

Other Carry On roles: Kenneth was the most prolific of all the Carry On actors, appearing in a total of 26 out of the original series. He was also one of only three actors to appear in both the first and the last of the original run. 

Other notable film performances: Kenneth struggled to make his way in films until the Carry Ons appeared on the horizon. Other films included the Make Mine Mink, as Freddie (1960); His and Hers, as Policeman (1961); Raising The Wind, as Harold Chesney (1961); Twice Round The Daffodils, as Henry Halfpenny (1962) and The Hound of the Baskervilles, as Sir Henry (1978).

Best remembered for: Apart from his association with the Carry Ons, Kenneth is probably most fondly remembered for his work on radio in the likes of Hancock's Half Hour, Beyond Our Ken, Round The Horne and Just A Minute as well as his infamous diaries, published in 1993.

Did you know?: Kenneth only missed four Carry Ons - Cabby because he apparently didn't like the script, Up The Jungle due to other television commitments and Girls and England due to work in the theatre. 

What happened to him?: Sadly Kenneth Williams passed away at the age of 62 in April 1988. He had been suffering from ill health for some time.


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