Kenneth Williams at 100: The Subversive Comic Genius Who "Loved Showing His Bum"

Comedian Tom Allen recently honored the performers who created space for queer people in British comedy. He named a surprising hero alongside icons like Oscar Wilde: actor and raconteur Kenneth Williams. Williams, who would have turned 100 this Sunday, was celebrated by stars from Orson Welles to Judy Garland. Allen calls him "profound" and a personal inspiration. "As a child, I connected with his outsiderness," Allen says. "Not only did he not apologise for being different, but he was queer in every sense." The performer was known for stealing scenes, whether playing humble or haughty roles. Allen argues that Williams's sheer funniness has overshadowed the deeper impact of his radically different persona.