Mune says people only had to hear the name Billy T James and the stories came flooding out. James died on August 7, 1991, from heart failure. "He told his story, on camera, and it's a marvellous moment. Geni requires JavaScript! Exclusive highly-prized footage of NZ's greatest-ever comedian. And everything in between. Set amongst some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery, this 25 minute video will show you New Zealand at its best. 21 Mar 2017. "When you are making a documentary about somebody, you are looking for the angst; you're looking for the pain. Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? President's Day Sale: Take an extra 30% off items labeled EXTRA 30% OFF for a total savings of 50-65%. We use cookies to help us understand how you use our site, and make your experience better. This page was last edited on 26 April 2022, at 15:40. The Billy T Award is a New Zealand comedy award recognizing up-and-coming New Zealand comedians with outstanding potential. The friends, family, co-stars and admirers found by the documentaries team all say the same thing. . Want this question answered? He became a key figure in the development of New Zealand comedy, and a household name during his lifetime. Versatile. James Billy. Taitoko was of Waikato Tainui[2] and Clan Campbell[3] descent, leading him to reflect humorously in one routine, "I'm half Maori and half Scots. The so-called comedy in New Zealand today would disappoint Billy. We Gratefully Acknowledge: Mary Nathan Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa must be obtained before any reuse of this image. "Don't ask me to explain it, because I can't. [2], In 2003, Mike Loder was blacklisted from the 2004 festival after sending fake congratulatory letters to nominees Sully OSullivan and Penny Ashton. Benjamin Crellin (200003) and Jamie Bowen (200204, 2007) share the record for most nominations (four). by Joining James in the first series were regulars Doug Aston and Laurie Dee. PDF. 04:44 (B&W) His birth parents were Sally and Jimmy Smith who worked at the Karapiro Dam. The white stone is quite visible from the road, even when driving past. The private life of Billy T. COMEDIAN: Billy T James. height="410" Billy is universal, still. The operation was not successful, and in November 1989 he received a heart transplant. William James Te Wehi Taitoko (17 January 1948 7 August 1991) better known by his stage name Billy T. James, was a New Zealand entertainer, comedian, musician and actor. Feels good, looks great, andgood for the planet. 010:24 Carlton Smith speaks about those times and the antics Billy got up to with his friends. . He died at Greenlane Hospital in Auckland on 7 August 1991. Rights Information Monday marks 26 years since New Zealand's most beloved comedian, Billy T James, died. Brother of Thomas George Smith; Private and Private. at Pips Cabaret, Whangarei. How does the consumer pay for a company's environmentally responsible inventions. William James Te Wehi Taitoko[1] MBE (17 January 1948 7 August 1991) better known by his stage name Billy T. James, was a New Zealand entertainer, comedian, musician and actor. William James Te Wehi Taitoko MBE (17 January 1948 - 7 August 1991) better known by his stage name "Billy T. James", was a New Zealand entertainer, comedian, musician and actor. [7] In 2005, Philip Patston, the 1999 winner who is gay and disabled, volunteered to give up his award in response to the rhetoric and policies of the National Party under Don Brash.[8]. Taitoko joined the Maori Volcanics Showband in the 1970s[1] and performed around the world. Sound: Terry King Husband of Private James Mustapic, Josh Davies and Lana Walters - as they talk about their shows, their craft, and their jokes in insightful . style="width: 585px" And we discovered all kinds of people who had worked with him, or gone to school with him, who all talked with such great affection.". [15], The Billy T Award was founded in 1997 in honour of James, recognising comedians with outstanding potential. Billy died on the 7 August 1991. Yes. We Gratefully Acknowledge: Jeff Bennet [1], The awards are an initiative of the New Zealand Comedy Trust to foster and encourage outstanding New Zealand talent. At its height, the show was viewed by 1.3 million people - more than half New Zealand . The Camp Happy Hoodie. Everyone needs a super-cute Shorty Dress in their wardrobe, and Billy T makes the super-cutest! His death caused a major feud between his immediate family and those of the Tainui people. Ike Metekingi was often maligned by those who didn't know him. Co-starring were Ilona Rodgers and Mark Hadlow, with Mark Wright, Tania Wehi, and Willa O'Neill. 000:05 BILLY T JAMES A DAUGHTERS STORY Just out of Huntly, traffic passes by Taupiri Mountain as Cherie James quietly tidies her father Billy T James' grave. Real Hard Case 2 followed in 1987. The winner receives the yellow towel in tribute to the towel worn by James in some of his most famous sketches. Just out of Huntly, traffic passes by Taupiri Mountain as Cherie James quietly tidies her father Billy T James grave. Find out more about this item: Message us. Explore and share the best Billy T James GIFs and most popular animated GIFs here on GIPHY. Everyone needs a super-cute Shorty Dress in their wardrobe, and Billy T makes the super-cutest! You couldn't go near him. Billy T James, all through his life was crushingly shy," says Mune. He developed his comedy act during. Add an answer. In 2009, nearly 50% of respondents voted him the country's greatest comedian in a New Zealand Listener survey,[2] eighteen years after his death. And it seems it's not just Kiwis who are suckers for James' charms. Rhys Mathewson is the youngest recipient of the award at age 19. Study guides. contact us Editor: Tim Woodhouse And all those who survived, talk about him like this is the man who came in and made the most terrible life a most wonderful life. New Zealand television and news media had a field day with all the controversy over that incident and segments of those television broadcasts are included in this documentary. TVNZs Mori programme Koha talks to Billy T James in this studio interview. Almost all of the first (1981) and second series (1982) are lost; only one episode from the first two series still exists in the TVNZ archive. Five judges select a winner based on their proven comedic ability, talent, dedication and potential. 034:33 Ian Mune - Director Came a Hot Friday: Claims that every thing he did was a version of Billy, all his characters lived in Billy. Kiwi Magic A New Zealand Adventure Starring Ned Beatty & Billy T. James Kiwi Magic is a fun filled, action packed, madcap adventure starring Ned Beatty and New Zealand's own Billy T. James. James Billy. Sea of Heartbreak / Lonesome Me Billy T. James. In 1980 he appeared in the variety show Radio Times, the success of which led to his own comedy sketch show in 1981, The Billy T James Show. 5. We Gratefully Acknowledge: He Taonga Films The Flower Power Straight LegPants from Billy T are ready to go! J's study guide. The personal story of New Zealand's most beloved entertainer Billy T James. 024:31 Allan Wade was Billys musical director and bass guitarist for 5 years, 034:18 Came a Hot Friday - 1985: Billys character The Tainui Kid stole the show. 7 August 1991 (aged 43) A New Zealand comedian. Billy was 11 years old when the family moved north to Whangarei and it was during his days at Whangarei High School that he formed a band out of school. We think Billy is very 'New Zealand' because he tells Maori gags, but the Indonesian audience thought it was a hell of a funny joke, they all cracked up. While he was waiting for a donor, Mune says James wanted to make the process as bearable as possible, for himself and for those around him. I guess I shouldn't be saying that, but it is. In 1989, James underwent a heart transplant after suffering a heart attack the year before. Wednesday, 7 August 2019, 10:01AM. for assistance. Within the tributes and memories, the films researchers uncovered a man who had more of a connection to James than almost anyone else - the blood brother he didn't know existed until a chance encounter in a South Island nightclub. See Photos. August 7, 2021. Mr Campbell was sacked from the national health authority by Health Minister Ayesha Verrall for a LinkedIn post which described National's replacement plan for three waters as "thin disguise for the dog whistle on co-governance". Although his recovery was remarkable it was not to be for long. If so, login to add it. Whats coming. rest! Taitoko was of Waikat New Zealand International Comedy Festival, "Finalists for the 2017 Billy T Award have been announced", "Congratulations to the 2018 Billy T Award nominees", "And the winners are Billy T and FRED winners announced | Scoop News", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Billy_T_Award&oldid=1084784786, Mrs Peacock (Jarrod Baker and Dave Smith). Archive: Isambard Productions, Terms Of Use A documentary entitled Billy T: Te Movie was released theatrically in August 2011. '[2], The Billy T Awards were named in honour of New Zealand comedian Billy T. James. He became a key figure in the development of New Zealand comedy, a household name during his lifetime, and remains an icon to the present day Taitoko joined the Maori Volcanics Showband in the 1970s and performed . Enjoy this classic (old) footage folks. "Before he went on to perform, he would march around in circles in his dressing room or in the wings, smoke, and he would just walk round and round in circles. This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 03:38. Billy T. James was a New Zealand comedian who was popular as an actor throughout the '80s. He developed his comedy act during the '70s and peaked in popularity during the '80s, when he acted in a variety of mediums, including television and film. --> Bill Peters and Mahora Peters speak of Billys versatility as an entertainer. Billy: Directed by Peter Burger. FREE Shipping & Returns on orders over $30. It tells people who you are by sharing your connections with the people and places that are important to you. $112. By AHNZ. Billy James. The third series, the first to survive in full saw the introduction of a parody of the Maori news show Te Karere entitled "Te News" in Episode 3, however, this would not appear again until two years later during Series 5. See Photos. He lived at the Epsom Maori Boys Hostel. In 1985 his cabaret act was recorded live and released on LP as Billy T Live! In December 2010, funding was given for the production of a biographical film based on Billy T. James' life. Topics include the unwitting role his teachers played in his mimicry, his brief career in commercial art, touring with the Maori Volcanics and whether his characters unfairly stereotype Mori. a car travels 20.0 km in a direction 30 degrees north of west. What's new. Born William James Taitoko in 1948 in Waikato, he was of Mori heritage. 036:48 Dr Trevor Agnew: Reflects on Billys time in Greenlane hospital leading up to the transplant when he could be just himself. If you're passing Taupiri Mountain and wish to visit, Billy is located on the lower slopes. Director: Alan DArcy Erson "When he went into Hearty Towers at Auckland public [hospital], there were about 14 people in their waiting for hearts. In 2011, Peter Rowley wrote and starred in Billy T & Me, a one-man show which combined Rowley's memories of working alongside James with archival video footage. 2012-11-12 22:24:39. Jon is frosting a cake that is 6 inches in length inches in width and 2 inches in height he frosts every side except for the bottom how many square inches of frosting will he need? Billy T came out of a musical background in the 1970s to become The icon of the our K-selected 1980s. Photography: Paul Richards 007:45 Ngaire Anderson and Noho Taitoko (Billys sister and cousin) return to the family home with Cherie to reminisce about the days growing up there as children. NEW ZEALAND/AOTEAROA, Production company We Gratefully Acknowledge: Allan Wade So in honour of the comedian with the cheeky chuckle and the yellow towel around his neck, we're throwing it back to his most iconic clip: Marae Witness News. Your email address will not be published. Takedown Requests Cherie hopes to do just that with this documentary. Unfortunately tape-damaged, Billy T poking fun at TVNZ's popular mid-Eighties "That's Country. Would you like the clip to be a fixed size or responsive? This upset a number of people but the majority loved the show. Told: Cherie James Chief medical officer David Hughes says the flu vaccine is already free for people over 65, people with long-term conditions (like asthma and diabetes), those who are pregnant, and people with specific mental health conditions or addiction issues. Father of Private Connect to the World Family Tree to find out, Jan 17 1948 - Cambridge, Waikato, New Zealand, Aug 7 1991 - Greenlane, Auckland, New Zealand, Cambridge, Waikato, North Island, New Zealand, Greenlane Hospital, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand, Taupiri Mountain Urup, Taupiri, Waikato, North Island, New Zealand, New Zealand Musicians, Singers, Songwriters and Composers, Taupiri Mountain Urup, Waikato, North Island, New Zealand, William Billy T James Te Wehi James (born Taitoko), Death of Billy T. James at Greenlane Hospital, Taupiri, Waikato, North Island, New Zealand, entertainer, comedian, musician and actor. Today in history, 7 August, 1991, the death of Billy T James aged 43yo. 026:26 Tom Parkinson - Television Producer: 1978 - Radio Times. Thats why we use Lyocellfabric in over 90% of our line. William Taitoko (Billy T) James: Born in Cambridge on 17 January 1948 - Died 7 . About Billy T. James. George Andrews Productions, Viewing locations With Tainui Tukiwaho, Morgana O'Reilly, Kelson Henderson, Celia Nicholson. Billy T. James' self-titled television show for TVNZ featured sketch comedy and live performances of standup comedy and songs. Whats on our minds. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. He developed his comedy act during the '70s and peaked in popularity during the '80s, when he acted in a variety of mediums, including television and film. He makes the transition from Te Wehi to Billy T, just like that. 1.4 Communicate about personal information, such as name, parents' and grandparents' names, iwi, hap, mountain, and river, or home town and place of family origin. He became a key figure in the development of New Zealand comedy [2] and a household name during his lifetime. Billy T came out of a musical background in the 1970s to become The icon of the our K-selected 1980s. MOTAT Park Ad Billy T. James. Full name:William James te wehi Taitoko D.O.B:17 of January 1948 Where he grew up:Billy T James grew yo in the Waikato town of leamington ,the went to Whangarei. The Billy T was shared between two comedians until 2001 when it became a solo award. Also in 1985, James was named New Zealand Entertainer of the Decade. We're sorry, but this video is currently unavailable on mobile. Soon enough the 2020s will become fertile ground for Billy T James heirs and well all be able to laugh again. Actor, director . He discusses his Te Arawa whakapapa, whnau, and Anglican faith.