Comedian Sir Billy Connolly has shared a health update with fans as he reveals how he is growing old with Parkinson’s.
Billy, 80, even joked that having Parkinson’s means he can get away with anything as his age “gives him an excuse.”
The comedian was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 10 years ago after a doctor spotted him walking strangely through the lobby of a hotel in Los Angeles.
READ MORE: Sir Billy Connolly still haunted by aunties who abused him as a child and humiliated him
Amidst battles with his health, he stood down from the comedy circuit in 2018 but has continued to work on other projects including a new career as an artist.
(Image: BBC)
Speaking to fans recently, the 80-year-old Scottish comedian admitted he “has a lovely life” as he reflected for his new programme, UKTV’s Billy Connolly Does… where he revealed he can get away with cheeky behaviour due to his health.
The star, who also goes by the moniker of The Big Yin, explained: “I’m an old guy. I don’t mind it, actually. I have a lovely life. There are people that are a lot worse than me and I’m doing just dandy.
“You can pee in the bed. You can leap onto the floor at a wedding and do all sorts of magic steps. To be shameful.”
He added: “Shamefully out of touch but not giving a f***. It’s wonderful. I’ve spent a great deal of my life being a boy, being excited by things and it’s done me good.
(Image: BBC)
“I know lots of people who are dead and they don’t know it. They haven’t had a funeral. They’re just dead. They’ve given up. They don’t get excited by anything any more.”
Last year Billy received the BAFTA Fellowship 2022 and in his acceptance speech he highlighted how he doesn’t let his battles with Parkinson’s dictate who he is.
He said: “I have a collection of shiny things that I’m very proud of.
“But I never set out to get them or hunt them down. I don’t believe in aiming at it because if you don’t get it for whatever reason you’re all disappointed.
(Image: PA)
“Just do what you do well and you’ll find yourself a fellow before you know it.”
He added: “It’s really important to work, to draw, to write, to walk silly for your grandchildren. Doing the same thing you’ve always done is good for you.
“I don’t let the Parkinson’s dictate who I am – I just get on with it. I’ve had a very successful career and I have no regrets at all.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here
READ NEXT:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
