Billy goes beyond the public faade to reveal the man behind the chuckle. Biography. He adopted the stage name Billy T. James because "it was something the Australians could pronounce". [7], In 1990 James received the prestigious Benny Award from the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc for a lifetime of excellence in the performing arts.[8]. 031:09 Peter Rowley: Reflects on how everyday social events and happenings in society were written into their scripts as light hearted jokes. In December 2010, funding was given for the production of a biographical film based on Billy T. James' life. Thanks! Entitled The Life and Times of Billy T. James, it was written by Matt Elliott and was based upon interviews with more than fifty friends and colleagues of Billy as well as wife Lynn and sister Ngaire. The show lasted seven series and became a New Zealand institution. We Gratefully Acknowledge: Allan Wade 036:48 Dr Trevor Agnew: Reflects on Billys time in Greenlane hospital leading up to the transplant when he could be just himself. He lived at the Epsom Maori Boys Hostel. The show toured New Zealand and was made available on DVD. A documentary entitled Billy T: Te Movie was released theatrically in August 2011. The Billy T Awards were named in honour of New Zealand comedian Billy T. James. Thats theBTway. ,