Billy Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013. The beloved actor and former stand-up comedian publicly revealed the condition that same year.
Retirement from stand-up
Since the diagnosis, the star has spoken about his health struggles and his decision to retire from live comedy performances. Billy previously said his condition had worsened to the point he felt he was unable to continue. The disease, Billy said, “made my brain work differently – and you need a good brain for comedy”.
He added: “I’m finished with stand-up – it was lovely and it was lovely being good at it. It was the first thing I was ever good at.”
Not letting Parkinson's define him
The comedian said despite having to leave the live stage for good, he wouldn’t let his condition take over his life. Billy told Sky News at the time: “I’m always being asked to go to Parkinson’s things and spend time with Parkinson’s people, having lunch or something like that. And I don’t approve of it.
“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.”
Using humour to cope
Earlier this year, the star shared a rare health update as he opened up about the unconventional methods he uses to manage his condition and keep his spirits up. The legendary funnyman revealed that he leans on humour to cope with his symptoms.
"I suffer from Parkinson's disease, and comedy has helped me to deal with it," he said while speaking on BBC Maestro. He went on to say: "It has given me a very light look at it. I invented a way to stop shaking by pointing a gun at it and I would stop shaking. It's taught me to deal with today, it's taught me to not bother about the future, the future will take care of itself."
He added: "It's taught me to avoid meetings with people who also suffer from it, you all sit and talk about the disease, and you look at them and think, 'f*** am I going to be like that? None of that happens to me, I have a very fresh outlook on it, and it's massively good for me."
Billy Connolly: In His Own Words airs Thursday, July 23 on 5 from 10.05pm.
