Weekend Rewind: Remembering Billy T James

Billy T James. Photo / Herald Archive

By Nicky Harrop

Next week marks the 26th anniversary of the death of Billy T James. NZ On Screen's Nicky Harrop remembers the much-loved comedian with a look back at some of his finest screen moments.

Billy T James was a Kiwi entertainment icon, known and loved by New Zealanders for his many television, stage and film appearances. A gifted impressionist, his affectionate and oft-debated portraits of Maori (and many other nationalities) stretched the boundaries of Kiwi comedy, while his trademark giggle remains embedded in our popular culture.

Billy's TV career began with variety show Radio Times, the success of which soon led to his own sketch comedy series. The Billy T James Show was hugely popular, running for seven years, and introducing New Zealanders to some of James' most loved characters and sketches. This "Best of" show, from 1992, features many, including Te News, Turangi Vice, "Where'd I Get My Bag?" and more.

Watch The Best of Billy T James Collection here:

Filmed at the height of James' TV career, this interview for Maori current affairs show Koha shows a different side to the entertainer. In it, James discusses the unwitting role his teachers played in developing his comedic skill, his brief career in commercial art, touring with the Maori Volcanics, and whether his characters unfairly stereotype Maori.

You can see Koha - Billy T James here:

In 1990, The Billy T James Show was re-launched as a family sitcom, one that would sadly become James' final TV series. Inspired in part by The Cosby Show (a far more acceptable reference back then), the show saw Billy playing a DJ on small-town Waikato radio station Cuz FM, alongside screen wife Ilona Rodgers, loudmouth Aussie Mark Hadlow, and family matriarch Ramai Hayward.

See excerpts from The Billy T James Show here:

Ill health had plagued James from the late 80s, and in August 1991, having made a comeback after a heart transplant, he succumbed to heart failure, aged just 43. Tributes poured in as the nation mourned the loss of its most beloved entertainer. Four years later, the anniversary of his death was commemorated with Billy T James - A Celebration. Hosted by Pio Terei, the special highlights some of Billy's best moments of both comedy gold, and his vast talents as a musician. Also included are interviews with James and his colleagues, including showband veteran Robbie Ratana and comedian Peter Rowley.

Watch Billy T James - A Celebration here:

In 1997, James' adopted daughter Cherie released her own personal tribute to her father. Billy T James - A Daughter's Story offers a unique perspective on James' life, with many of Billy's family and close friends sharing their memories, recollections of his early years, and insights into the conflicts surrounding his burial.

See excerpts from Billy T James - A Daughter's Story here:

Made in 2011, Billy is a TV dramatisation of James' life, with actor Tainui Tukiwaho (who played Hugo in Step Dave) playing the lead. Touted as revealing "the man behind the chuckle", the programme traverses Billy's life from childhood. This excerpt follows Billy as he reaches the peak of his career, fronting TV skits and pub stand-up.

Watch an excerpt from Billy here:

You can find more great footage here, in NZ On Screen's Billy T James Collection.