Biological son of James Te Mene Smith and Sally Mary Smith Billy T. James was a New Zealand comedian who was popular as an actor throughout the '80s. William Taitoko (Billy T) James: Born in Cambridge on 17 January 1948 - Died 7 August 1991. Bill James (Jesse or Billy Bob) See Photos. 034:18 Came a Hot Friday - 1985: Billys character The Tainui Kid stole the show. Although his recovery was remarkable it was not to be for long. 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. People named Billy James. It was two totally different people.". Versatile. This upset a number of people but the majority loved the show. Born William James Taitoko in 1948 in Waikato, New Zealand, he was of Maori heritage. 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. ", We slogged it out in the WA mines to set up our dream home in Golden Bay, Quiz: Morning trivia challenge: March 2, 2023, Pilot inexperience key factor in helicopter crash that killed couple, injured children, Driver in fatal accident appeals her careless driving conviction, Christchurch health worker faces employment backlash after racist social media posts, A year on from the Parliamentary riots: MPs just get on with life, 'Future slums' coming to your neighbourhood, residents' petition warns, ASB matches BNZ's 4.99% one-year fixed mortgage rate in behind-closed-doors deal, Why we need to call time on the 10am check-out deadline, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'evicted from Frogmore Cottage'. 036:48 Dr Trevor Agnew: Reflects on Billys time in Greenlane hospital leading up to the transplant when he could be just himself. Series Liaison: Kathy Sunderland 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. 4. Howard Morrison appeared as a special guest. Sound: Terry King Suzanne Welch Teaching Resources. Billy T. James was a New Zealand comedian who was popular as an actor throughout the 1980s. Executive Producer: Geoff Steven And among the tales of the funny guy and the man with the cheeky smile were the surprising stories of the private Billy. We Gratefully Acknowledge: He Taonga Films Mune says people only had to hear the name Billy T James and the stories came flooding out. Request Answer. His death caused a major feud between his immediate family and those of the Tainui people. To find out more read our privacy policy. Bill Peters and Mahora Peters speak of Billys versatility as an entertainer. The first biography of James was released in 2009. It's hard to believe, but today marks 28 years since Billy T James died in Greenlane Hospital at the age of 43, after suffering from heart failure. Ng Taonga Sound & Vision - TVNZ Collection. MOTAT Park Ad Billy T. James. 2. That's the Camp Happy Jacket, from Billy T, with gorgeous floral embroidery, oversized front pockets, and button/zip front. Husband of Private rest! Billy James. 020:01 In 1973, Billy returned to Auckland as a professional musician and later married Lynn Mathews, the sister of Cheries mother. But Mune says James wanted to make people laugh, even when he was going through some of his own trying of times. 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. Entitled The Life and Times of Billy T. James, it was written by Matt Elliott and was based upon interviews with more than fifty friends and colleagues of Billy as well as wife Lynn and sister Ngaire. What he did was he decided to make Hearty Towers a fabulous place to be, and that's what he did. Cherie hopes to do just that with this documentary. See Photos. 5.0. In the November issue of North & South, a must-read exclusive interview with Billy T's daughter, Cherie James, and Lynn's sister, Lesley Matthews, explodes the myth of the comic's close, intimate marriage. 035:56 In 1988 Billy had his first heart attack and another within 6 months. Photography: Nic Finlayson No Billy T James didn't have any brothers or sisters, Continue Learning about General Arts & Entertainment. Billy T James, (1948-1991), born William James Taitoko, was by general consensus the greatest entertainer New Zealand ever produced.