Kenneth Williams, the iconic British comedian best known for his roles in the Carry On films, died of a drug overdose in April 1988 at the age of 62. The coroner recorded an open verdict, unable to determine whether his death was a suicide or an accidental overdose of medication prescribed for chronic health issues including stomach ulcers and back pain. Friends insisted it was an accident, noting he would not have taken his own life while his elderly mother was still alive and living next door.
Williams left a substantial estate valued at over £500,000. A Will Trust was arranged to provide annual donations to charity from his estate. In 2024, these donations included £46,000 each to Guide Dogs for the Blind and Battersea Dogs Home, £34,500 to the PDSA, and £57,500 to the RNLI, reflecting his love for animals.
Born 100 years ago on 22 February, Williams was remembered by colleagues as a polarising figure. Dame Maggie Smith said he could make a place 'suddenly marvellous just by being there,' while Fenella Fielding noted 'he could be hideous.' Close friend Gyles Brandreth described him as 'outrageous, waspish, wickedly funny, and often wicked simply to be funny.'
On 22 February 2014, EastEnders actress Barbara Windsor unveiled a blue plaque in his honour at Farley Court, the London flat where he lived from 1963 to 1970. During this period, he rose to national prominence through his film work and regular appearances on the radio comedy programme Round the Horne. Windsor said: 'Kenny was a one-off, a true original, and a great friend.'
