Britain: Why “politically non -correct” Benny Hill was canceled by television

THE Benny Hill He was once one of Britain’s most popular comedians, in his unique slapstick style and everything but his orthodox humor, and was extremely popular for about two decades. The emblematic music of the titles brings memories to any of the “Ada” and above, as his adventures were shown on Greek public television.

The Daily Mail reports that one of his shows, aired in 1969, attracted a larger audience in Britain and than in recent years, but in recent years, the comedian has fallen into disrepair, with some of his sketches criticized for racism and sexism.

This was the theme of a recent documentary on Channel 5, The Cancellation of Benny Hill (Benny Hill’s Cancellation) that overturned the comedian career, noting that Hill was popular with important stars such as Michael Jackson, he got to know Donald Trump, He also appeared in a series of well -known films such as The Italian Job and Chitty Chitty Bang.

In 1971, the television numbers for his broadcast exceeded 21 million, and the comedian was awarded as a personality of the year at ITV.

But his success would suddenly end in the 1980s and his broadcasts “rarely appear on television nowadays – criticized for racist, sexist, and vulgar content which would be considered unacceptable on the basis of today’s standards. “

The creators of the program looked back in the files to find footage that “under normal conditions” cannot be played on television today and have been promoting it to some younger viewers as well as commentators to test their reactions.

The documentary also tried to answer the question “if it’s time to get Benny off the ice”, or if he should stay “canceled?”

Benny Hill was described as a person who was humble, indifferent to money and someone who liked to spend on his own. He is said to have loved traveling and was a good French language speaker. He is said to have been more refined than he could indicate much of his work.

A turning point, according to the show, was when Hill made his debut in the Hill’s Angels series in the 1980s. As many have pointed out, the show lost much of her charm, presenting a more overtly “sexy” image of women, presenting them as simple objects of pleasure.

Thus, while Benny Hill’s show was played in 127 countries worldwide until the mid -1980s (including Greece), perception changes in Britain meant that it lost its charm. As women became increasingly independent and distinguished in business, many estimated that Hill angels were actually … “Dinosaurs”.

The upcoming alternative shows in Britain, which became increasingly popular – like Billy Connelly – made Hill look old -fashioned and not harmonized with the modern era.

Despite his renewal efforts, Benny Hill’s show had “lost his spark”, and in 1984 he was abruptly canceled.

While returning an American show in 1991, entitled Benny Hill’s American World Tour, the comedian had serious health problems. In February 1992, Hill suffered a heart attack – and while he was in the hospital he was visited by Michael Jackson, a fan of his fan.

Soon Benny Hill made a new television deal. However, in April of that year, the lonely comedian was found dead, sitting on his couch and on television lit. The cause of death was heart attack. He was 68 years old.

At the time of his death, Hill was still an extremely popular comedian – with a huge basis of fans, including many from the US hip hop community, such as Snoop Dogg.

Some critics say his undoubted comic vein has been overshadowed by some of his works that are currently considered offensive by Gen Z if we judge by reactions in the British documentary. Indeed, the most shocking scene for Gen Z spectators was a sketch in which the comedian painted his face black by depicting a “black caricature”, that is, the Blackface.