Gari Williams

One of Wales' most popular comedians.

Born:

1946

Place of Birth:

Llansannan

School:

Llanrwst

Biography:

Gari Williams was one of Wales' most popular comedians and actors in the Welsh language and he was greatly missed after his death in July 1990, aged 44.

His real name was Emyr and he grew up Bryn Rhyd yr Arian, Llansannan. Here he gathered inspiration for some of the characters from the country he later portrayed, before he and his family moved to Llanrwst.

He first worked as a frozen foods salesman, despite his father's best efforts to get Gari to follow in his footsteps and become a carpenter.

By night, Gari sang with his brother in a successful duo called Emyr ac Elwyn. Gari said that it was his brother's shyness which forced him to do all the introductions between songs, giving him the experience of working with an audience and honing his comedic skills.

In 1976, Gari got the main part in Morgan, a pantomime with Cwmni Theatr Cymru and later became more well known as the presenter of Galw Gari (Call Gari) on S4C and Galw Mewn (Call In) on Radio Cymru.

He also took part in Eric, a sitcom with Stewart Jones and Myfanwy Talog and played Edgar Sutton, the mechanic in the soap opera Pobol Y Cwm.

After his death in 1990, his old friend from Llanrwst, Myrddin ap Dafydd, published a collection of stories about Gari's life called Mab Hynaf Missus Willias (Mrs Williams' Oldest Son).

Suggested by Patricia Williams, Llanrwst.

your comments

Chris Owen, Bangor
I was an engineer with the BBC in Bangor from the late 1970s and I worked with Gary on many of his Radio Cymru programmes. Gary Williams was the most genuine and truly warm hearted person you could ever hope to meet. His phone-in programme was much loved because to every single caller he was a friend, and he treated them as such. A gentleman in every sense of the word.
Mon Aug 3 09:32:33 2009

Gerry, Maentwrog
Been on the same program as Gari, remember he was very nervous before he went on stage, but once up there, well. Should have been on telly years before, made lots of people laugh, and his singing was unforgettable.
Tue May 26 09:16:05 2009

Gari Jones, Llanberis
Worked with Gary on a couple of occasions whilst he was in partnership with his brother Elwyn, I remember one night in particular in Llanerchymedd a torrid night with a huge thunderstorm but as per usual it was Gary who brought the house down, Fond memories. Glad to see Dilwyn is still about, played organ backing for us many a time at the Conway Legion. Pob hwyl i fans Gary
Thu Apr 17 09:40:51 2008

Dilwyn Roberts from Deganwy
In response to Geraint Jones's query, I was Gari's pianist and MD from 1974 to 1986 and I remember the Scottish parody from the third series of Galw Gari, broadcast on S4C in 1983-84. This film sequence was a medley of 3 Scottish songs, "Scotland the Brave", "I Belong to Glasgow" and "The Harbour Lights of Old Aberdeen". We had great fun recording it and shooting it. Happy days!

To Raymond Eardley, I remember you on tour as the driver of the Theatr Cymru artic in the late 1970's! I hope you're keeping well. Cheers mate! Dilwyn.PS to BBC Wales North W! est Wales Website Producer: A correction to your bio of Gari: The Theatr Cymru panto Gari appeared in, in 1976 was, "Madoc", written by Ronnie Williams of "Ryan & Ronnie" fame.
Mon Oct 1 09:55:54 2007

Geraint Jones , Nantglyn
re , where to find music of gary williams, i would suggest to try "i tunes" as sain the welsh music company are offering the older welsh classics to download via the i tunes music websight. pob lwc
Mon Dec 4 09:58:52 2006

Hayley Ward from Trefrfiw
It is so nice to see such an appreciation of Gari Williams. I was born in the early 70s and one of the most memorable comedy sketches I have ever seen was that of Gari Williams dressed as a boy scout. He was not like the so called comedians of today in the sense that no 'smut' was needed to obtain a good 'belly' laugh from his audience. I have recently aquired a book published by the Llanrwst History society focusing on the street in which Gari lived. In it is a fantastic story all about this legendery welsh man as well as much more. A must for all fans of both Gari and Llanrwst!
Thu Jan 6 21:18:36 2005

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