Very Important Pennis

Before Paul Kaye decided he would be better off concentrating in his acting he created the persona of Dennis Pennis. The character first appeared on The Sunday Show which was also a launching pad for the comedian Peter Kay.

Kaye played Dennis Pennis. He had a shock of Ginger hair, loud clothes and nerdy glasses. He looked and sounded a little like a punk Woody Allen.

Pennis and his camera crew would visit film premieres and other celebrity events to interview stars and ask them annoying questions which usually left the stars bemused.

It used to be British stars that were harassed but then he visited Cannes and got to interview more international stars hence the title Very Important Pennis.

The celebrities were mainly left stunned as to what hit them. Sometimes someone like Kevin Costner managed to insult him back. Pennis seemed to like humiliating his star guests and liked it more if they were offended.

There was controversy when Pennis asked of Steve Martin "How come you're not funny any more?" which upset Martin so much he cancelled all press interviews in Cannes that year.

Of course Kaye realised that such a character had a limited shelf life hence why he quit when he was ahead. Although he did inspire a few years later the character Ali G to adopt a similar tone of questioning.

This is so funny you will laugh out loud all the time! It came out on video (there are actually 3 videos from this program with unseen bits, the 2 others are called 'Very Important Pennis' and 'Too rude to live'). Paul Kaye as Dennis Pennis, the rude and annoying reporter. He goes to premieres and show-biz parties and asks the celebrities the questions they dread!