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Profile image for Billy T James

Billy T James

Comedian, Actor [Tainui]

Billy T James ranks as a key figure in the development of Kiwi comedy. Billy honed his talents as a singer and comedian on stages worldwide, then brought them to a local TV audience on throwback show Radio Times. His self-titled comedy show was a major ratings hit. His turn as the Tainuia kid in Came a Hot Friday is still fondly remembered — as is Billy T's infectious chuckle, black singlet and yellow towel.

He sang. He danced. He drew. He joked. His live shows never failed to sell out and crowds flocked around him whenever he was out in public. He enjoyed popularity and wealth on a scale that had never been seen before in New Zealand. Matt Elliott, in his 2009 biography Billy T - The Life and Times of Billy T James

Thumbnail image for Funny As: The Story of New Zealand Comedy

Funny As: The Story of New Zealand Comedy

2019, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Funny As: The Story of New Zealand Comedy (series promo)

Funny As: The Story of New Zealand Comedy (series promo)

2019, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for NZ On Air 30th Birthday - Billy T James

NZ On Air 30th Birthday - Billy T James

2019, Subject - Web

Thumbnail image for Three Turns 30 - Promo

Three Turns 30 - Promo

2019, Subject - Television

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Billy

2011, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Billy T: Te Movie

Billy T: Te Movie

2011, Subject - Film

Thumbnail image for 50 Years of New Zealand Television: 3 - Let Us Entertain You

50 Years of New Zealand Television: 3 - Let Us Entertain You

2010, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for  The Last Laugh

The Last Laugh

2002, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Havoc Luxury Suites & Conference Facility - Episode Six

Havoc Luxury Suites & Conference Facility - Episode Six

2001, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Billy T James - A Daughter's Story

Billy T James - A Daughter's Story

1997, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Billy T James - A Celebration

Billy T James - A Celebration

1995, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for The Best of The Billy T James Collection

The Best of The Billy T James Collection

1992, Writer, As: Various roles - Television

Thumbnail image for The Billy T James Collection - Episode Four

The Billy T James Collection - Episode Four

1992, Actor - Television

Thumbnail image for An Evening with Sir Howard Morrison

An Evening with Sir Howard Morrison

1990, Performer - Television

Thumbnail image for The James Gang Rides Again

The James Gang Rides Again

1990, Presenter, Writer, Producer - Television

Thumbnail image for Billy T Live

Billy T Live

1990, Writer, Performer - Television

Thumbnail image for My Old Man's an All Black - performed by Howard Morrison & Billy T James

My Old Man's an All Black - performed by Howard Morrison & Billy T James

1990, Performer - Television

Thumbnail image for The Billy T James Show (sitcom) - excerpts

The Billy T James Show (sitcom) - excerpts

1990, Writer, Creator, As: Billy T - Television

Thumbnail image for When the Haka Became Boogie - The Musos (Episode Four)

When the Haka Became Boogie - The Musos (Episode Four)

1990, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for When the Haka Became Boogie - The Showbands (Episode Two)

When the Haka Became Boogie - The Showbands (Episode Two)

1990, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for The Leading Edge

The Leading Edge

1987, As: Pilot - Film

Thumbnail image for Billy T James America's Cup Challenge

Billy T James America's Cup Challenge

1986, Presenter - Television

Thumbnail image for Sailing Away

Sailing Away

1986, Performer - Music video

Thumbnail image for Footrot Flats - The Dog's Tale

Footrot Flats - The Dog's Tale

1986, As: Pawai - Film

Thumbnail image for Kaleidoscope - Larry Parr

Kaleidoscope - Larry Parr

1985, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Terry and the Gunrunners - Full Series

Terry and the Gunrunners - Full Series

1985, As: Spud the bikie (episodes 1-5) - Television

Thumbnail image for Came a Hot Friday

Came a Hot Friday

1984, As: The Tainuia Kid - Film

Thumbnail image for Koha - Billy T James

Koha - Billy T James

1983, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Rabbiters Rest - A Fair Cop

Rabbiters Rest - A Fair Cop

1983, As: Ben - Television

Thumbnail image for Rabbiters Rest

Rabbiters Rest

1983 - 1985, Actor - Television

Thumbnail image for Loose Enz - The Protesters

Loose Enz - The Protesters

1982, As: Bobby - Television

Thumbnail image for One of those Blighters

One of those Blighters

1982, As: Dance MC - Television

Thumbnail image for 1981 Royal Variety Performance

1981 Royal Variety Performance

1981, Performer - Television

Thumbnail image for Under the Mountain

Under the Mountain

1981, As: MOT Officer - Television

Thumbnail image for Radio Times - Series One, Episode Two

Radio Times - Series One, Episode Two

1980, As: Dexter Fitzgibbons - Television

Thumbnail image for On the Mat - 29 July 1980

On the Mat - 29 July 1980

1980, Subject - Television

Thumbnail image for Radio Times

Radio Times

1980 - 1983, As: Dexter Fitzgibbons - Television