Billy T James

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