Charlie Williams (2) (1927–2006)

This is not a great work of literature but, to a collector of books and mementos of British post-war comedy, it is an important addition. Charlie Williams was one of the first black men to make a career in professional football; unfortunately, for Williams, just too soon for today's exorbitant wages.

When age took its toll upon his sporting future, Williams became a professional comedian: again, at a time when this was far from the norm. Viewed from the present day, his comedy can appear show more "Uncle Samish" being built around the idea of a black man telling 'funny black man' jokes. His career faded in the late 1970's when racist jokes passed from standard fare: whilst it is true that Williams did tell jokes against himself and his ancestory, it is also the fact that such actions did take the wind out of the sails of the more openly racist "comedians" that were widespread. Williams also acted as a foil to those well meaning, but over zealous do-gooders who found racialism in almost every situation. He came in for a lot of flak for defending the Robertson's jam trade mark, which featured a golliwog.

It is, unquestionably, true that things are better nowadays and a man does not have to laugh at his own skin colour to be accepted as a main stream comedian. People, such as Williams, are not credited sufficiently for their sacrifice in creating this freer climate; inevitably, it is the white chattering class who pat themselves on the back and take the plaudits - it was ever thus. show less