Comedy icon Sir Billy Connolly moved audiences with a rare and emotional public appearance at the Key West Film Festival in Florida, where he was honoured for his artistic excellence.
A Joyful Yet Emotional Appearance
The 82-year-old Scottish comedian, who has largely retreated from public life since his Parkinson's disease diagnosis, made the journey from his Florida home to attend the nearby festival as guest of honour. Dressed in blue-fitted trousers and a black blazer, Connolly supported himself with a walking stick as he accepted his award from long-time friends Steve Buscemi and Aidan Quinn.
Addressing the crowd, Connolly openly discussed his health struggles. "I walk with a stick because I suffer from a horrible illness," he told attendees. "It's a joy to live among you and it's a joy to be among you tonight. I don't often do this kind of thing but it's smashing. I have to thank you for this award. I don't know what it is, it's a blue thing. It's a joy and it will go beside my other prizes."
Enduring Friendships and Touching Tributes
Steve Buscemi, who became friends with Connolly on the set of the 1998 film The Impostors, shared a heartfelt story about their friendship. He recalled how Billy once casually invited him to visit his castle in Scotland, which he shared with his wife Pamela Stevenson.
"One day on set Billy offhandedly mentioned, 'You know if you're ever in Scotland, Pamela and I have a castle, you should drop by'," Buscemi remembered. "We always had the best time. It's wonderful to be here to honour our friend Billy Connolly."
Irish actor Aidan Quinn delivered perhaps the most moving tribute, revealing that the only thing that brought his brother Paul joy during his cancer battle was watching Billy Connolly's videos on YouTube. "I would be forever grateful that Billy had been a part of that before Paul died," Quinn emotionally shared.
Living with Parkinson's in Florida
Though famously Scottish and previously owning a castle in Aberdeenshire, which he sold in 2014, Connolly now resides in Florida following medical advice. Doctors recommended the warmer climate would benefit his Parkinson's condition.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive and incurable neurological condition affecting the nervous system, causing symptoms including tremors, slow movement, and muscle stiffness. Speaking to The Mirror last year about living with the illness, Connolly demonstrated his characteristic resilience.
"You just confront it and make decisions based on it," he explained. "You just have to think 'Don't think you are being badly treated [by life] or you have the bad pick of the straws. You are one of millions. Just behave yourself and relax.'"
The event marked a special moment for fans and friends alike to celebrate the beloved comedy legend, whose career includes memorable roles in films like Mrs Brown and Brave, as he continues to face his health challenges with remarkable courage and humour.
