The laugh that hid a thousand tears — New Zealand's comedy king finally gets his crown.
The personal story of New Zealand's most beloved entertainer Billy T James. Reveals the man behind the chuckle.
Acting
Tukiwaho channels Billy's chaos and fragility flawlessly.
Direction
Burger refuses easy hero worship, keeps it messy.
Director
Peter Burger
Tainui Tukiwaho
Billy T. James
Morgana O'Reilly
Lynn Matthews
Kelson Henderson
Peter Rowley
Celia Nicholson
Elaine Hegan
Jarod Rawiri
Ike Mete Kingi
Amber Curreen
Christine
Luciane Buchanan
Cherie James
Mark Mitchinson
Tom Parkinson
Owen Black
Stephen
Vicky Haughton
Ruby
William Davis
Wiri Taitoko
Phil Peleton
Doctor
Te Kohe Tuhaka
Tipene
John Tui
Avondale Barman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Billy T. James was the first Māori comedian to achieve mainstream NZ fame, making his story inseparable from 1980s race politics.
US
NZ
