AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
Kenny Everett was an English radio DJ and television entertainer renowned for his zany comedic style, captivating millions and becoming a national treasure. Despite his popularity, a media frenzy invaded his private life when he was compelled to publicly disclose his sexuality outside his Kensington home, famously quipping, “two husbands are better than one,” while being photographed with his two partners, Nikolai and Pepe.
Subsequently, the media pressured him into revealing his HIV-positive status, which later progressed into what was then termed ‘full-blown AIDS,’ a diagnosis made just prior to the advent of antiretroviral therapies that dramatically altered the course of the disease. Throughout this ordeal, Kenny displayed remarkable determination and courage, consistently responding to intrusive questions about his health with candour and optimism. His resilience and openness have cemented his status as a significant figure and an icon.
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Kenny Everett, born Maurice James Christopher Cole on 25th December 1944, was a pioneering English radio DJ and television entertainer renowned for his zany comedic style. Beginning his career on pirate radio and Radio Luxembourg in the mid-1960s, he quickly established himself as a distinctive voice in broadcasting. In 1967, Everett became one of the first DJs to join the newly created BBC Radio 1, where he developed his trademark voices and comical characters. These innovations not only defined his radio career but also provided the foundation for his later success on television, where he adapted his playful and irreverent humour to a wider audience.
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