Sir Billy Connolly “finished with stand-up” due to his Parkinson’s

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Author: Sophie BatesPublished: 12 March 2020

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Scottish comedian Sir Billy Connolly announces that he will not perform stand-up again due to his Parkinson’s – and says he will not let the condition define him

Sir Billy Connolly, who revealed he has Parkinson’s in 2013, announced in a recent interview that he is “finished with stand-up” due to his condition.

Talking to UK news channel Sky News, the 77 year-old comedian, actor and musician said: “Parkinson’s has made my brain work differently and you need to have a good brain for comedy.”

Reflecting on his 50 years of comedy, he added it was “lovely being good at it”.

Connolly, who was voted the UK’s most influential stand-up comedian of all time in 2012, said he does not want Parkinson’s to define him.

“I don’t think you should let Parkinson’s define you and all your pals be Parkinson’s people. I don’t think it’s particularly good for you. So I don’t do it.

“I’m always being asked to go to Parkinson’s things and spend time with Parkinson’s people… and I don’t approve of it.”

After announcing his retirement in 2018, the comedian made a surprise return to television last year and launched his first art collection in 2012.

Reacting to the news that the comedy legend would no longer perform on stage, fans and friends took to Twitter to express their appreciation.

UK comedy writer Simon Blackwell shared his admiration for Connolly:

"It was lovely being good at it."

Not just good, the absolute best.https://t.co/KPuELQ2wuT
— Simon Blackwell (@simonblackwell) March 6, 2020

UK actor Sean Maguire shared his gratitude for having worked with the comedian:

I feel so lucky to have worked with this great man. So kind. So wise. So brilliant. Love you @Billy_Connolly enjoy your rest. You’ve earned it. https://t.co/IuckBdovbA
— Sean Maguire (@sean_m_maguire) March 7, 2020

UK politician Pat McFadden praised Connolly for reinventing comedy:

The world owes Billy Connolly so much. He reinvented comedy as the art of brilliant story telling. He’s a genius who saved us from years of rubbish mother in law/x walks into a bar jokes. God bless him and give thanks for what he did. https://t.co/faymR0hT8O
— Pat McFadden (@patmcfaddenmp) March 6, 2020

Lead image credit: John Devlin/JPI Media

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Sir Billy Connolly “finished with stand-up” due to his Parkinson’s

Global update

Author: Sophie BatesPublished: 12 March 2020

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Sir Billy Connolly “finished with stand-up” due to his Parkinson’s

Global update

Author: Sophie BatesPublished: 12 March 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

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Related articles

Episodes

Podcast: How do women experience Parkinson’s differently from men?

Interviews

The road to Copenhagen: The UK Parkinson’s Football Team

Europe

“Not enough resources for 12,000 Parkinson’s patients in Ireland,” warns leading campaigner

Plant-based compounds could treat chronic pain in Parkinson’s, study finds

Could playing table tennis help reduce Parkinson’s symptoms?

‘Dopamine-boosting’ BT13 molecule could be used to slow Parkinson’s

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