Billy Connolly Admits Parkinson's Disease Will 'End Me' And Tells Fans 'It's Been A Pleasure'

Billy Connolly has made a frank admission to his fans as he gives an update on his Parkinson's disease condition.

The comedian had to stop touring in 2017 because of his declining mental cognition, however has reminisced on the decades of making people laugh.

In a new documentary exploring the past few years, the Scottish funnyman discusses his life with Parkinson's.

The aptly titled Billy Connolly: It's Been A Pleasure sees Billy crediting his fans for keeping him happy, saying: "It's been a pleasure talking to you all those years. From the beginning when I was a folkie, right through, I couldn't have done anything without you. You have been magnificent."

Connolly made the decision to step back from the stage in 2017 when the disease began to impede his performances.

"I've done my stand-up. I did it for 50 years. I did it quite well. And it is time to stop," he said in the ITV documentary.

"My illness, my Parkinson's disease, has rendered me different. It would either mean renewing what I do and doing something else, or give up what I did and that's what I've done.

"Why do I like to make people laugh? Because it is a jolly thing, it is good for you and it is good for them. It is a dynamite thing to be able to do, to get a laugh out of someone."

The programme also features appearances from some huge names in the entertainment world.

Actor Dustin Hoffman cries as he tells the audience: "Billy is the one and he is the only. I want him to be around for a long, long time."

Comic Lenny Henry says of Connolly's performances: "He was fearless, utterly fearless. There is so much material out there that he will be ever present I think. There aren't many that leave a mark."

Elton John adds: "He was definitely the first rock star of comedy. He stands there for three hours and you don't stop laughing. There is no one like him, he is a raconteur. He has had an incredible life and when he looks back he will be incredibly proud of what he has done."

Billy and his family have moved to the US as he looks to enjoy life at a slower pace. He's picked up drawing and is currently writing his autobiography, which his wife Pamela says is keeping him busy.

While the disease can affect a person's cognition, the 78-year-old says he's made his peace with it.

"It's got me and it will get me and it will end me but that's OK with me," he tells the camera.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Entertainment, Celebrity

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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