I worked in a posh hotel as a room service waiter in the early 90s and I met him while he was touring his one man show (fairly similar to this video). I met a lot of celebs in that job but he, for me, was the most charming and generous of all of them.
When I first spoke to him he was curious about my accent, a mix of Irish/English, which turned into a good 10 minute chat. He asked if I was going to see the show, I quipped something about waiters wages not being overly generous and I thought that was that. When I went back to collect his trolley he handed me an envelope, it was 2 tickets for the show, 3rd or 4th row, right in front of the stage and then apologised he couldn’t invite me backstage as he had another engagement straight after! I said I’d go if he didn’t make jokes about poor Irish waiters. Went to the show and of course he made a joke about poor Irish waiters😂. It was fantastic.

The following day I wasn’t working but went to thank him and we were there another 15 mins or so talking about films, he seemed genuinely tickled one of my favourite things about his Poirot was the reaction when other characters mispronounced his name (Her-coo-lees Parrot or Porridge ) and also that I loved “Spartacus”. I was 18 then but looked younger so I guess he thought old Hollywood films wouldn’t be the sort of thing I’d be into. He raved about Charles Laughton telling me quite seriously, like a stern grandparent, to check his films out which I did whenever I could  and am very grateful for.
A while after, months later, I had a random phone call from another waiter, who happened to be Irish,  working in a completely different hotel who just rang to say “Mr Ustinov said to say “hello”. “
A moniker often overused these days is “legend”, this guy really is.

Ustinov was a genius and this is wonderful. Unfortunately, I am reminded - not for the first time - of just how dumbed-down television has now become.

How I miss real talent in this world, he was irreplacable.

His vocabulary and eloquence are stunning! How far we have fallen!

Intelligent, erudite, multi talented, linguist, sharp, well dressed, no foul language, witty, entertaining.....I could go on. RIP
Notice all the young comics looking up to him.

A stark reminder of how far we are falling with trash media at the helm..great stuff

Now Peter Ustinov is a glowing example of talent, wit and knowledge!  No curse words, no political grandstanding, simply charisma, diplomacy and genuine humour!  A true Star, not like the crap we have today.

One of the most intelligent, beautifully spoken, talented and witty men whoever existed, in my humble opinion.  Whenever he was on a talk show, I watched eagerly and he never disappointed.

Peter Ustinov has been a hero of mine since I was a child. It wasn't mentioned here but he could speak 12 yes TWELVE languages extremely well.  I know his French was accentless and in this video his German sounds excellent too.English Russian French German Italian Mandarin and perhaps someone else knows the other six. Peter Ustinov also worked with British intelligence. He was truly larger than life. Sadly missed.

A true European. A wonderful ambassador of wit, kindness and unity among people. ❤

God Rest Your Soul, Mr. Ustinov...you will NEVER be duplicated....nor forgotten!

I find it troubling that people with minds as bright as his can ever die.

The Queen Mary story still has me in stitches every time I hear it

I was 27 when this was broadcast..  It totally blew me away, just how eloquent,  funny, and outstanding this man was. SUPERB RACONTEUR.

One thing that always strikes me when I look at these older vids is the eloquence, vocabulary and intelligence of people (not just the performers). People back then really used to speak to each other and tell stories – I fear we are really losing that ability to elegantly communicate in this modern age.

Found myself laughing out loud. What a tremendous personality and gifted man, totally irreplaceable, and sorely missed.

The World is a poorer place by his passing. A genius no less.

If I had to be stuck in a lift for a considerable amount of time, I couldn't wish for a better companion! What a brilliant man, so full of life and living it! Absolutely brilliant.

So much LOVE for one of THEE ALL TIME GREATS. Sorely missed Utinoff!

This man is an absolute genius we should grieve his passing I feel privileged thank you Mr  Ustinov