Sir Billy Connolly marked the end of his 50-year long stand-up comedy career due to Parkinson’s in a farewell documentary.
The 78-year-old Scottish comedian, actor and musician will star in a programme which will be broadcast ITV on Monday, December 28.
Sir Billy was diagnosed with degenerative disease Parkinson’s in 2013, which he will discuss in the one-off special Billy Connolly: It’s Been A Pleasure.
He continued to tour and perform until 2017, before moving to Florida with his wife and has recently revealed that his condition has caused him to walk unsteadily, lose his hearing and drool.
Reflecting on his life and impressive career in the documentary, he said: “I’ve got Parkinson’s disease. I wish he’d f****** kept it.”
Sir Billy Connolly will mark the end of his 50-year long stand-up comedy career due to Parkinson’s in a farewell documentary (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Billy added to The Mirror: “It was obvious from my movement, that I wasn’t who I used to be. And so I had to explain it.. just to say that I am not defined by it.
“It’s got me and it will get me and it will end me but that’s OK with me.”
The special ITV documentary will feature Sir Billy’s greatest stand-up moments, unseen performance footage and exclusive chats with some of his biggest famous fans.
Guests will include Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Sir Lenny Henry, Dustin Hoffman, Sheridan Smith and Russell Brand.
The comedian started in the 60s and eventually earned him a knighthood from Her Majesty The Queen in 2013 (Image: Getty Images)
An ITV statement said: “Sir Billy Connolly recently announced that he was officially stepping back from live stand-up performance.
“To mark this major moment in comedy history, this star-studded one-hour special celebrates Billy’s anarchic genius and life-affirming brand of humour.
“There are also unique new insights from the woman who knows Billy best – his wife and soulmate, Pamela Stephenson.
“His A-list fans will share their memories of Billy, send him personal messages and pick their all-time highlights from his glorious comedy catalogue.
“The man himself will react to their choices and reveal his own favourites.”
Connolly is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential stand-up comedians of all time, having topped multiple polls conducted in the United Kingdom.
His career started in the 60s and eventually earned him a knighthood from Her Majesty The Queen in 2013.
Billy Connolly: It’s Been A Pleasure airs on ITV tonight at 9.30pm
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
