I've always admired Quentin Crisp for many reasons: his humor and wit, his intellect, his openness and generosity of spirit, and his bravery. Thanks for sharing this intimate portrait.
I took my late mum to see Quentin Crisp's one man show in London as she adored him and she spoke to him afterwards and he was charming to her as he appeared charming and personable to everyone who wanted to talk to him. A lovely man - such an original talent. Lovely Video thanks for sharing with us.
I spent a whole afternoon with Quentin in Manhattan in October 1983. I met him outside his apartment and we went to lunch and afterwards, for a drink in a neighborhood pub. I remember when I had initially called him (he was in the phone book) he answered not with an "Hello", but "Yes?" He was one of a kind and I enjoyed my afternoon with him immensely. God bless him.
What a man! What a personality! What a wit! What kindness always emanated from him. I am so glad to be able to go back over his life like this. Thank you.
Thank you very sincerely for opening some of your family’s life up in order to share their thoughts on Quentin Crisp with all of us who also think of him as a relative, for your uncle truly is an inspirational forefather to so many. I do appreciate this beautiful film and everyone who participated in it.
@@guydreamr It was at a Tampa LGBT film festival. He was the guest of honor and I was fortunate to spend a few minutes with him in one on one conversation. No doubt the most witty person I've ever met, and I've met DOLLY!
@@tampazeke4587 Excellent, I'll bet Quentin really enjoyed Tampa! I've read most of his books and he's just as witty on the page as he is in person. Sounds like it was wonderful encounter, thanks for sharing.
What an amazing document. I had the honor of interviewing Quentin for "The Advocate" when he first came to the States. It is fascinating to connect him to the rest of his family.
"He couldn't make conversation anymore. I thought, we've sort of lost him. He's become lost in the theatrical world"....This is really telling. What a helpful documentary on an incredible icon... Uncle Denis. Denis Pratt. Quentin Crisp. ; ) K
@@khaartoumsings Yes,that's precisely the conclusion that I drew,that Dennis was indeed a mask for Quentin,he really was a fascinating individual,a beautiful soul.
Very enlightening. I learned about Mr. Crisp back when the film was shown on our local PBS channel in the late 70s. My father and I gained an appreciation for him and John Hurt who has always been one of my favorite actors. Thank you for putting this together.
What a wonderful view - so beautifully done - honestly, even though he "felt outside of his family," Adrian Goycoolea's piece is above all a great act of love. Thank you for this!
Thank you for sharing your family memories of your Uncle. So glad you made this special documentary which rounds out, adds another dimension to this wonderful man. Feels bittersweet though (but that's family right?) that "propriety on both sides" affected the relationships from being deeper (for want of a better word). But one thing is clear, that both sides felt the love of family/blood.
Thank-you so much for making this video. My other half and I have recently been going through your great-uncle's archived footage on TH-cam and other platforms and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing his clear wit, intelligence and very astute observations on humans. You know, generally self-centred! He took that baton and ran with it and made fantastic entertainment. What does come across, too, is how exceptionally polite he seemed.
I think Quentin knew they would look, and so he was going to give them a whole lot more than they bargained for. I grew up gay in the 80's and I wish I had known of him then. I could have learnt from his bravery.
With my friends I went to see him give a speech or a performance maybe, at a University I can't remember which, could have been Manchester or Sheffield and I will never forget him coming from behind the curtains and just bellowing out the word "happiness " from then on we were transfixed, it was a magical evening and experience, then afterwards he did book signing. None of us there about 7 of us I think, are gay we just loved his take on life and this about his family adds to that wonderful memory.
This is so beautiful. Quentin is a legendary voice for gay people. He will remain forever in LGBTQ history. I met him when I was in my early 20s in NYC. He had a demanding but inviting exterior. Gay people in their elder years are mostly alone and when we are alone we think of those little things, like cards and acknowledgement.
Oh Adrian, this is marvelous, thank you. UD was a hero of mine. I was a brash 20 something and called him up (he was in the Book), and he lived in a building owned by a friend of mine. I was in awe. Best lunch ever, but THIS is the dessert. Thank you.
@@guydreamr rang his bell, (pink stucco place- did the stairs go down from the sidewalk?) and he came down with his empty guiness bottles, which I offered to carry to the corner store (bodega). he wore all black and velvety high heel boots and a hat and scarf. he was having some diffculty walking so we just went across the street and sat in some place to eat and talk. i was mezmerized...what we atre/ no idea, but i treated and we spoke once more on the phone a day later.
@@amesadamson Funny about the Guiness, in an interview Quentin once said that he starts each day with a stout for breakfast, as it "makes the day much shorter." In one of his books I believe he mentioned the place where you and he went, as he said he liked to dine frequently at a place right across from where he lived. What a wit he was, both on the page and in person. Sounds like you had a wonderful encounter, thanks for sharing.
It's amazing that is his time his family was as supportive of him. That was really nice to see. His mother looked very much like him. I remember Quentin Crisp on TV and I have always felt that connection of not really needing people but I like to be around them. That's the one thing that always intrigued me about him because it made me more comfortable about who I am.
I know you felt badly about where Quentin ended up at your wedding. But, I will proffer this theory. Knowing many an old queen myself, and having listened to the many things Quentin said in his life. He was at a wedding, where he knew few people, other than family. (and what could be more boring than that). At this event, he managed to sit himself directly next to the most handsome man in the room. Your Mom even noted it.. "who is that handsome man" , as a gay man it was my first thought too. I bet if you speak to your friend Matt you will learn Quentin planted himself there and had an extended conversation with him. You shouldn't feel bad, meeting handsome young men is one of the few guilty pleasures an older effeminate gay man has.
Sending thank you cards is (or was) very English/ British, I was brought up to do it after every birthday & Christmas, especially the later. People still do it today, but it is definitely dying out, the postage cost alone is dreadful, but, if you can, it's still nice to do, no matter how small the gift.
I've been watching videos about him, mostly interviews, documentaries and "Englishman in New York", from 1968- 1991, for days now, and it's lovely to get to know a little more about him. I can remember watching "The naked civil servant" on the box in the 1970's, when I was a teenager. It made a big impression on me. I'd had quite a lot of bullying and so related to that side of his life. He was a very beautiful man I thought in 1968 aged 60, and who would have thought that he would become so famous then? Not him by the sound of the things as he said, such as that at 60 life was bound to be downhill from there! It just goes to show how wrong we can all be. An inspiring man, great spirit!
A beautiful tribute. Funnily enough I had tickets to see your uncle live in London back in 1999. Alas his death immediately prior to opening ended that - my only opportunity to see him in person. RIP Quentin.
I too have had the experience of being put in the "corner of shame" at family weddings. It's usually not consciously intentional... but is indeed a subliminal fear of horrifying the "normals".
I have the same experience. I think it's partly being gay, but also being childless which puts me beyond the pale. A childless aunt is one thing, but a childless unattached man is unacceptable. Apart from my sister my other immediate family have passed on. There are great family get-togethers for weddings and Christmas, with nephews and nieces, their partners, great nephews and nieces etc etc, but I am never invited. It's not malicious or intentional. It's just an assumption that I don't fit in and my presence would be a little awkward. I would be the spectre at the feast. You learn to be philosophical and just accept it.
@@altudy pah. Boring bastards with their dull get togethers. You wanna join the grass roots festival scene . From baby to 75 year old plus. You just need a tent or a van and some sturdy boots.
I became aware of this strange and eccentric soul just weeks ago. Since then, I'm continuously in awe of him and his originality and wit and articulateness. I could give anything to have half an hour with Quentin and hear him talk as he did. A life-long friendship with Quentin could have made my life worth living. Accept my love for your uncle who sure was a man as unique as one can get.
I remember coming across Mr C as a teen and realising that I was not mad, there were others who saw the worlds absurdities as I did. I have had a very different life (not nearly so brave as him) but no doubt made possible through people like him. RIP
I believe it was Oscar Wilde who said, "Every woman grows up to be just like her mother. That is her tragedy. No man does. That is his." Apparently he was wrong.
Thank you notes... Right. _Manners From Heaven_ was the one book of his I read in toto. So, like a lot of stand up comedians, he retreated behind the mask of a persona who was always more witty and charming than personally frank. Yet, with all the wisdom that he delivered, it seems to have been a very noble calling, and so many of us are much the richer for it. I only got to see him once, and thank the gods it was in New Orleans, where the flavor is different and we could observe him in a more relaxed environment.
I met your Great Uncle once in East River Park in the mid '90s. I had seen "The Naked Civil Servant" but mainly recognized him from his appearances on Letterman. I asked him what he thought of John Hurt, (as I was (and am) a huge fan of Hurt's), and he said "Well I think he does me better than I do, don't you think?". I remember he also said that he wore the cowboy hat because it was a gift, and because it made him look like a colorized version of Clint Eastwood. Just an absolutely charming man. I wish I had had more time to chat that day. He was one of my (very few) brushes with greatness..
I well remember the pang I felt upon hearing that he passed away in 1999. I was in San Francisco then, now I have the privilege of living in the very same town he loved, New York City. Still miss him.
I had first seen Quentin give a talk at a gay organization's weekly meeting in New Jersey. Another time a friend had him at his house at a nighttime party. Then an acquaintance and his friend asked me to have dinner at a Times Square restaurant with Quentin. The two left after dinner and I thought I cannot let him venture late a night alone all the way back to the East Village. So I got us a taxi. I had driven in from New Jersey and my car was parked in the West Village. We got out before his street since he wanted to get potatoes. After he asked me to join him for a drink at his apartment. We talked about ourselves and he mentioned family and a financial issue he was having and a health problem among many stories. It was an evening I will never forget. Maybe a year or two after I called him inviting him for lunch near his place. Many more stories and mention of family in New Jersey. A guy came in wanting to take his picture. Oh, I mentioned his health concern and which I cannot recall what it was now. But I did say to get something. So before leaving we went to a pharmacy. The pharmacist gave him the item at no charge. Several years after that I brought my spouse to see his off Broadway show. Then sadly when my spouse and I were returning from a trip to London on the plane the gentleman next to us read in a newspaper that Quentin had died in Manchester the day before. We knew he was in England. Eventually there was a memorial at Cooper Union's hall we attended. A social friend was at the entrance table. He was surprised to see me. The memorial was a beautiful tribute. So that's my story of meeting Quentin Crisp.
My mother became friends with Quentin Crisp in the early 70’s, she even watched the ‘Naked Civil servant’ with him and other friends at the time it first aired, she said how he was amazed by it. I remember him coming over for lunches, I was just a child. She also visited him in New York. I remember being very curious about this man who had purplish hair and flamboyant clothes
How do you mean? Which particular questions were answered? (I thought he looked very much like her! - Except their noses were different.) What an interesting man he was!!
@@deemor5013 His mothers genes, are obviously, very prominent in him, and he has adopted her look and nature. I mean when he got older he is the image of a typical old woman.
Lovely family footage... He was ole fashioned gentleman Truly unique individual".. YT suggestion.......so thrilled to look at all these vids.. 09/03/2021
Wonderful memories, thanks Adrian, this should be on TV. How absolutely typical of Denis/ Quentin, everything was always so sweet but with a bitter after taste, and I felt very much for his mother finding all that out. With fame & a little fortune pulling at him to be 'Quentin' his family started to lose the real Denis, but then Quentin never felt part of it anyway, so there was no loss for him, perhaps until there was no one left to lose. As a fascinated member of the public looking on, I'm struck by his conscious or unconscious decision to make his family entirely disappear from his story. Looking back, I did always feel sorry for him, as other than 'hangers-on' he did seem very alone, but here, as his family says, that wasn't the case at all. Just yesterday I saw the follow on from the original film, The Naked Civil Servant, never knew anything about it and for the most part, it was pretty good, Hurt reprising his role equally well. So, if Denis/ Quentin is listening, looking down, I'm wondering if he might finally be happy, as he might now realise that those old ways of thinking, that the 'Great Dark Man' who can't love another man, as it's not manly have finally come to an end, and if you love someone, for the most part, no one cares who it is, as long as all concerned are happy. RIP Mr Crisp.
Thank you for this video , Quintin crisp was a hero to me I am from London and as trans woman I hated school when people found out I was trans woman as I went to school as a woman since 6 well a girl at that time and I was bullied badly When I found out about him I thought how amazing there is someone like the people I dreamt of . My brother loved the movie made about him and now I watch it as a comfort on a rainy day He was a true hero to grow up in London in the 30s the amount of prejudiced that was inflicted upon him was unprecedented So I hope he is up in heaven looking down on you and thanking you for making this video and opening up this forum of like minded people Thank you And thank you Quintin crisp
Thank you! I grew up, in a sense, with Quentin Crisp, as a young gay man looking for brave role models. I always appreciated him but I see him, now, not so much eccentric but resourceful and strong, a trans pioneer facing a harsh culture hell bent on conformity. The culture was freakish, not he.
I hope you a full length feature Bout him as a family person .. i always admired quintin for his independence i always thought he was an only child or disowned from his family
The Bravest of Men. A truly free spirit who would not allow people to set his agenda. Inspirational and sorely missed still. Thank you for this lovely video.
When they say that who is this at the other they never say that he was wonderful, that he was fabulous, that he was entertaining, that he was brilliant, but he was funny, he was human! It’s a palling that they just keep saying that he was gay that he was this that and that he was in the way. I just adored adored him
A man first and a character unique in his own right. The establishment and thugs tried to down tread Quinton but they failed miserably. A great British man who should have been officially recognised by the general public and should have been celebrated in his life not ridiculed for being or wanting to be an individual. Any way Quinton it his way. Rest in peace Quinton..never to be replaced or forgotten.
No, that’s just a polite etiquette is to send out thank you cards do you have a year to do it but that’s the right thing to do especially for that generation
![[Live สด] การออกรางวัลสลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล งวดวันที่ 16 พฤศจิกายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wPd7VFfWHIA/mqdefault.jpg)
Your great uncle helped me some 50 years ago to realize that being different was a gift. Thank you for this ❤️
Quentin always stated that he'd rather have been part of the Mainstream, than the "one among the many."
I've always admired Quentin Crisp for many reasons: his humor and wit, his intellect, his openness and generosity of spirit, and his bravery. Thanks for sharing this intimate portrait.
all true but I'm going to put BRAVERY to the front of that list
I took my late mum to see Quentin Crisp's one man show in London as she adored him and she spoke to him afterwards and he was charming to her as he appeared charming and personable to everyone who wanted to talk to him. A lovely man - such an original talent. Lovely Video thanks for sharing with us.
What a wonderful memory. And so nice of you to take your mother to see him. Greetings!
I spent a whole afternoon with Quentin in Manhattan in October 1983. I met him outside his apartment and we went to lunch and afterwards, for a drink in a neighborhood pub. I remember when I had initially called him (he was in the phone book) he answered not with an "Hello", but "Yes?" He was one of a kind and I enjoyed my afternoon with him immensely. God bless him.
A lovely memory that you clearly treasure ;-)
@@BellaFirenze Great photo! I see "Muscatine Avenue", Was he on tour?
Wow. And who paid?
Wonderful .....I also say "yes" when answering the landline.......never know who is on the other end.......God Bless
Lucky you !
What a man! What a personality! What a wit! What kindness always emanated from him. I am so glad to be able to go back over his life like this. Thank you.
Thank you very sincerely for opening some of your family’s life up in order to share their thoughts on Quentin Crisp with all of us who also think of him as a relative, for your uncle truly is an inspirational forefather to so many. I do appreciate this beautiful film and everyone who participated in it.
I appreciate that
He was a lovely man. Honest and go straight to the point. The drawing is so beautiful ❤
Your great uncle was an international treasure. I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting him in Tampa in the early 90's.
Cool, how did it go? What were the circumstances?
@@guydreamr It was at a Tampa LGBT film festival. He was the guest of honor and I was fortunate to spend a few minutes with him in one on one conversation. No doubt the most witty person I've ever met, and I've met DOLLY!
@@tampazeke4587 Excellent, I'll bet Quentin really enjoyed Tampa! I've read most of his books and he's just as witty on the page as he is in person. Sounds like it was wonderful encounter, thanks for sharing.
What an amazing document. I had the honor of interviewing Quentin for "The Advocate" when he first came to the States. It is fascinating to connect him to the rest of his family.
"He couldn't make conversation anymore. I thought, we've sort of lost him. He's become lost in the theatrical world"....This is really telling. What a helpful documentary on an incredible icon... Uncle Denis. Denis Pratt. Quentin Crisp. ; ) K
What I drew from that was that perhaps they had in fact,found the truly real him.
@@jenniferpower981 Interesting observation. So the 'Denis' they know was a mask for Quentin, not the other way round ; ) K
@@khaartoumsings
Yes,that's precisely the conclusion that I drew,that Dennis was indeed a mask for Quentin,he really was a fascinating individual,a beautiful soul.
Very enlightening. I learned about Mr. Crisp back when the film was shown on our local PBS channel in the late 70s. My father and I gained an appreciation for him and John Hurt who has always been one of my favorite actors. Thank you for putting this together.
What a wonderful view - so beautifully done - honestly, even though he "felt outside of his family," Adrian Goycoolea's piece is above all a great act of love. Thank you for this!
Thank you for sharing this. I adored your Uncle.
An incredible man.
Kind regards
Tim
LORD BOWES-LYON
Very special and kind documentary about a great man ❤
Thank you for sharing your family memories of your Uncle. So glad you made this special documentary which rounds out, adds another dimension to this wonderful man. Feels bittersweet though (but that's family right?) that "propriety on both sides" affected the relationships from being deeper (for want of a better word). But one thing is clear, that both sides felt the love of family/blood.
I was privileged to meet Quintin in a Diner back in the mid 1980s in the East Village, He was so charming and had a dry sense of humor.
Adored this this rumination on family, fame and the enigmatic legend that is Quentin Crisp.
A very rare soul. Saw through all of it. Manners maketh the man.
So true, well said 🥰
Thank you Adrian! What a lovely tribute to your beloved Uncle, wonderful.
Thank-you so much for making this video. My other half and I have recently been going through your great-uncle's archived footage on TH-cam and other platforms and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing his clear wit, intelligence and very astute observations on humans. You know, generally self-centred! He took that baton and ran with it and made fantastic entertainment. What does come across, too, is how exceptionally polite he seemed.
What a beautiful tribute.
I think Quentin knew they would look, and so he was going to give them a whole lot more than they bargained for. I grew up gay in the 80's and I wish I had known of him then. I could have learnt from his bravery.
Have you ever seen the Naked Civil Servant...its a great film and well worth a watch.
An honest and dignified portrayal of your uncle and his family
Very interesting man! Someone I would have liked to have met!
Glad you enjoyed it
Definitely
I love this so much!
With my friends I went to see him give a speech or a performance maybe, at a University I can't remember which, could have been Manchester or Sheffield and I will never forget him coming from behind the curtains and just bellowing out the word "happiness " from then on we were transfixed, it was a magical evening and experience, then afterwards he did book signing. None of us there about 7 of us I think, are gay we just loved his take on life and this about his family adds to that wonderful memory.
Thank you for this film. It's important that future generations know what bravery truly is.
This is so beautiful. Quentin is a legendary voice for gay people. He will remain forever in LGBTQ history. I met him when I was in my early 20s in NYC. He had a demanding but inviting exterior. Gay people in their elder years are mostly alone and when we are alone we think of those little things, like cards and acknowledgement.
Quentin was a gift to the world.
Oh Adrian, this is marvelous, thank you. UD was a hero of mine. I was a brash 20 something and called him up (he was in the Book), and he lived in a building owned by a friend of mine. I was in awe. Best lunch ever, but THIS is the dessert. Thank you.
Where did you go for lunch, and what were some of the more memorable moments?
@@guydreamr rang his bell, (pink stucco place- did the stairs go down from the sidewalk?) and he came down with his empty guiness bottles, which I offered to carry to the corner store (bodega). he wore all black and velvety high heel boots and a hat and scarf. he was having some diffculty walking so we just went across the street and sat in some place to eat and talk. i was mezmerized...what we atre/ no idea, but i treated and we spoke once more on the phone a day later.
@@amesadamson Funny about the Guiness, in an interview Quentin once said that he starts each day with a stout for breakfast, as it "makes the day much shorter." In one of his books I believe he mentioned the place where you and he went, as he said he liked to dine frequently at a place right across from where he lived. What a wit he was, both on the page and in person. Sounds like you had a wonderful encounter, thanks for sharing.
It's amazing that is his time his family was as supportive of him. That was really nice to see. His mother looked very much like him. I remember Quentin Crisp on TV and I have always felt that connection of not really needing people but I like to be around them. That's the one thing that always intrigued me about him because it made me more comfortable about who I am.
They tried to make out they were supportive after the fact.
I know you felt badly about where Quentin ended up at your wedding. But, I will proffer this theory. Knowing many an old queen myself, and having listened to the many things Quentin said in his life. He was at a wedding, where he knew few people, other than family. (and what could be more boring than that). At this event, he managed to sit himself directly next to the most handsome man in the room. Your Mom even noted it.. "who is that handsome man" , as a gay man it was my first thought too. I bet if you speak to your friend Matt you will learn Quentin planted himself there and had an extended conversation with him. You shouldn't feel bad, meeting handsome young men is one of the few guilty pleasures an older effeminate gay man has.
I thought the same. He made a beeline for the most handsome man in the room and sat next to him. He sat where he wanted to sit.
Heart touching comment
What an incredibly meaningful insight, thank you.
I hope the nephew reads this comment.
Sending thank you cards is (or was) very English/ British, I was brought up to do it after every birthday & Christmas, especially the later. People still do it today, but it is definitely dying out, the postage cost alone is dreadful, but, if you can, it's still nice to do, no matter how small the gift.
Thank you sharing for this. MOST interesting! - a glimpse into Quentin's family life.
Thank You for sharing your journey Denis, i'll always remember you this way.
What an amazing unique man ! Thank you for sharing this !
I saw Naked Civil Servant pretty early on. I loved it; I loved him. Perhaps I agree with him on too many things!
I've been watching videos about him, mostly interviews, documentaries and "Englishman in New York", from 1968- 1991, for days now, and it's lovely to get to know a little more about him. I can remember watching "The naked civil servant" on the box in the 1970's, when I was a teenager. It made a big impression on me. I'd had quite a lot of bullying and so related to that side of his life. He was a very beautiful man I thought in 1968 aged 60, and who would have thought that he would become so famous then? Not him by the sound of the things as he said, such as that at 60 life was bound to be downhill from there! It just goes to show how wrong we can all be. An inspiring man, great spirit!
A beautiful tribute. Funnily enough I had tickets to see your uncle live in London back in 1999. Alas his death immediately prior to opening ended that - my only opportunity to see him in person. RIP Quentin.
Many thanks for producing this! It really provides some insight.
I too have had the experience of being put in the "corner of shame" at family weddings. It's usually not consciously intentional... but is indeed a subliminal fear of horrifying the "normals".
Screw the "normals" - they are so fucking dull and boring!
I don’t even get invited. 😂
I have the same experience. I think it's partly being gay, but also being childless which puts me beyond the pale. A childless aunt is one thing, but a childless unattached man is unacceptable. Apart from my sister my other immediate family have passed on. There are great family get-togethers for weddings and Christmas, with nephews and nieces, their partners, great nephews and nieces etc etc, but I am never invited. It's not malicious or intentional. It's just an assumption that I don't fit in and my presence would be a little awkward. I would be the spectre at the feast. You learn to be philosophical and just accept it.
@@altudy pah. Boring bastards with their dull get togethers. You wanna join the grass roots festival scene . From baby to 75 year old plus. You just need a tent or a van and some sturdy boots.
It is their loss...Make your unconventional family
I became aware of this strange and eccentric soul just weeks ago. Since then, I'm continuously in awe of him and his originality and wit and articulateness. I could give anything to have half an hour with Quentin and hear him talk as he did. A life-long friendship with Quentin could have made my life worth living. Accept my love for your uncle who sure was a man as unique as one can get.
I remember coming across Mr C as a teen and realising that I was not mad, there were others who saw the worlds absurdities as I did. I have had a very different life (not nearly so brave as him) but no doubt made possible through people like him. RIP
My goodness Quentin looks like his mother
I believe it was Oscar Wilde who said, "Every woman grows up to be just like her mother. That is her tragedy. No man does. That is his." Apparently he was wrong.
Thank you notes... Right. _Manners From Heaven_ was the one book of his I read in toto. So, like a lot of stand up comedians, he retreated behind the mask of a persona who was always more witty and charming than personally frank. Yet, with all the wisdom that he delivered, it seems to have been a very noble calling, and so many of us are much the richer for it. I only got to see him once, and thank the gods it was in New Orleans, where the flavor is different and we could observe him in a more relaxed environment.
Quentin was a legit human. There are literally handfuls of true humans, and Quentin was the one.
Real rebels have manners.
Thank you so much for making this. He showed so many people it was okay to be yourself, whoever that might be.
I met your Great Uncle once in East River Park in the mid '90s. I had seen "The Naked Civil Servant" but mainly recognized him from his appearances on Letterman. I asked him what he thought of John Hurt, (as I was (and am) a huge fan of Hurt's), and he said "Well I think he does me better than I do, don't you think?". I remember he also said that he wore the cowboy hat because it was a gift, and because it made him look like a colorized version of Clint Eastwood. Just an absolutely charming man. I wish I had had more time to chat that day. He was one of my (very few) brushes with greatness..
Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks for sharing.
Very thoughtful, sensitive and insightful, most of all a gracious commentary on a very human man. Thank you for sharing it with us.
thank you for sharing this. He was a human treasure.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
What a lovely, thoughtful and intimate video. Thank you!
We each do the work that the time in which we live has given us. We pass the torch. To light the way.
💜
Fascinating! Thanks for sharing!
That last quote. Exactly how I feel. 💜
Cool documentary, thanks
Imagine having this absolute icon as a uncle.. Wow.
Thankyou for sharing
Thank you’s are always important!
I well remember the pang I felt upon hearing that he passed away in 1999. I was in San Francisco then, now I have the privilege of living in the very same town he loved, New York City. Still miss him.
I had first seen Quentin give a talk at a gay organization's weekly meeting in New Jersey. Another time a friend had him at his house at a nighttime party. Then an acquaintance and his friend asked me to have dinner at a Times Square restaurant with Quentin. The two left after dinner and I thought I cannot let him venture late a night alone all the way back to the East Village. So I got us a taxi. I had driven in from New Jersey and my car was parked in the West Village. We got out before his street since he wanted to get potatoes. After he asked me to join him for a drink at his apartment. We talked about ourselves and he mentioned family and a financial issue he was having and a health problem among many stories. It was an evening I will never forget. Maybe a year or two after I called him inviting him for lunch near his place. Many more stories and mention of family in New Jersey. A guy came in wanting to take his picture. Oh, I mentioned his health concern and which I cannot recall what it was now. But I did say to get something. So before leaving we went to a pharmacy. The pharmacist gave him the item at no charge. Several years after that I brought my spouse to see his off Broadway show. Then sadly when my spouse and I were returning from a trip to London on the plane the gentleman next to us read in a newspaper that Quentin had died in Manchester the day before. We knew he was in England. Eventually there was a memorial at Cooper Union's hall we attended. A social friend was at the entrance table. He was surprised to see me. The memorial was a beautiful tribute. So that's my story of meeting Quentin Crisp.
I wish I could have been his friend
My mother became friends with Quentin Crisp in the early 70’s, she even watched the ‘Naked Civil servant’ with him and other friends at the time it first aired, she said how he was amazed by it. I remember him coming over for lunches, I was just a child. She also visited him in New York. I remember being very curious about this man who had purplish hair and flamboyant clothes
Seeing his mother, answers, to me, a lot of questions.
How do you mean? Which particular questions were answered? (I thought he looked very much like her! - Except their noses were different.) What an interesting man he was!!
@@deemor5013 His mothers genes, are obviously, very prominent in him, and he has adopted her look and nature. I mean when he got older he is the image of a typical old woman.
Lovely family footage...
He was ole fashioned gentleman
Truly unique individual"..
YT suggestion.......so thrilled to look at all these vids..
09/03/2021
This was a wonderful tribute to QC loved it !
Thank you for sharing your Uncle with us.
Very touching.
Wonderful memories, thanks Adrian, this should be on TV. How absolutely typical of Denis/ Quentin, everything was always so sweet but with a bitter after taste, and I felt very much for his mother finding all that out. With fame & a little fortune pulling at him to be 'Quentin' his family started to lose the real Denis, but then Quentin never felt part of it anyway, so there was no loss for him, perhaps until there was no one left to lose. As a fascinated member of the public looking on, I'm struck by his conscious or unconscious decision to make his family entirely disappear from his story. Looking back, I did always feel sorry for him, as other than 'hangers-on' he did seem very alone, but here, as his family says, that wasn't the case at all. Just yesterday I saw the follow on from the original film, The Naked Civil Servant, never knew anything about it and for the most part, it was pretty good, Hurt reprising his role equally well. So, if Denis/ Quentin is listening, looking down, I'm wondering if he might finally be happy, as he might now realise that those old ways of thinking, that the 'Great Dark Man' who can't love another man, as it's not manly have finally come to an end, and if you love someone, for the most part, no one cares who it is, as long as all concerned are happy. RIP Mr Crisp.
Quentin Crisp would have been the dream guest at any party...
Thank you for this video ,
Quintin crisp was a hero to me
I am from London and as trans woman I hated school when people found out I was trans woman as I went to school as a woman since 6 well a girl at that time and
I was bullied badly
When I found out about him I thought how amazing there is someone like the people I dreamt of .
My brother loved the movie made about him and now I watch it as a comfort on a rainy day
He was a true hero to grow up in London in the 30s the amount of prejudiced that was inflicted upon him was unprecedented
So I hope he is up in heaven looking down on you and thanking you for making this video and opening up this forum of like minded people
Thank you
And thank you Quintin crisp
Quentin Crisp. :)
Elaine Pratt! I remember her from Santiago Stage 30 years ago! I think I visited her home in Pirque around 10 years ago. Happy days!
Thank you! I grew up, in a sense, with Quentin Crisp, as a young gay man looking for brave role models. I always appreciated him but I see him, now, not so much eccentric but resourceful and strong, a trans pioneer facing a harsh culture hell bent on conformity. The culture was freakish, not he.
Great. Honest. I relate.
Its nice see that his family supported him
I appreciate this so much, thank you.
I hope you a full length feature Bout him as a family person .. i always admired quintin for his independence i always thought he was an only child or disowned from his family
He was a very brave man. Utmost respect
The Bravest of Men. A truly free spirit who would not allow people to set his agenda. Inspirational and sorely missed still. Thank you for this lovely video.
When they say that who is this at the other they never say that he was wonderful, that he was fabulous, that he was entertaining, that he was brilliant, but he was funny, he was human! It’s a palling that they just keep saying that he was gay that he was this that and that he was in the way. I just adored adored him
Wonderful insights. ❤
If Oscar Wilde was the greatest wit of the C19th then Quentin was the greatest wit of the C2Oth.
He loved family apparently. Prob because he had always imagined they wouldnt accept him but of course they did because he was such a wonderful man
Hero ! One word to describe
...of course I could say more
fascinating!
A man first and a character unique in his own right. The establishment and thugs tried to down tread Quinton but they failed miserably. A great British man who should have been officially recognised by the general public and should have been celebrated in his life not ridiculed for being or wanting to be an individual. Any way Quinton it his way. Rest in peace Quinton..never to be replaced or forgotten.
Greg Preston
.............The establishment and thugs tried to down tread..........and they still TRY do it to this very day - IF YOU LET THEM.
Actually, Quentin did achieve fame and acclamation later in life so you could say he had the last laugh.
Absolutely adore this man 😘😘
Precious.
Well done.
So interesting. You never really think of famous people having families.
OMFG, HOW DO YOU THINK HE FELT, growing up with a name like DENIS PRATT!?!??!?!
This piece deserves so many more Likes, it's wonderful, thank you so much ❤
Being a lover of style after I’m gone there could be no greater compliment than all her life she had should magnificent taste because style survives.
No, that’s just a polite etiquette is to send out thank you cards do you have a year to do it but that’s the right thing to do especially for that generation
I want you know that if not for your great uncle's wisdom, I very likely would have succumbed to my neurosis a few years ago in my early twenties.
Great movie about him called The Naked Civil Servant.
Families casually defend their psychological violence against black sheep.