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Parky a 'daft old fart': Billy Connolly hits back at illness claims

Author
Newstalk ZB, Daily Mail,
Publish Date
Tue, 21 Aug 2018, 11:00AM
Connolly and his wife Pamela, branded Parkinson as a 'daft old fart' after the veteran broadcaster discussed Sir Billy's condition.
Connolly and his wife Pamela, branded Parkinson as a 'daft old fart' after the veteran broadcaster discussed Sir Billy's condition.

Parky a 'daft old fart': Billy Connolly hits back at illness claims

Author
Newstalk ZB, Daily Mail,
Publish Date
Tue, 21 Aug 2018, 11:00AM

Sir Billy Connolly has hit back at Sir Michael Parkinson after he said his 'wonderful brain has duelled' following his Parkinson's diagnosis.

Connolly and his wife Pamela, branded Parkinson as a 'daft old fart' after the veteran broadcaster discussed Sir Billy's condition during a segment on Saturday Morning With James Martin.

Sir Michael discussed the "sad and awkward" moment he realised that his old friend didn't recognise him, during an awards dinner where he was presenting him with an accolade.

However, Connolly slammed his comments saying he would 'recognise Parky if he was standing behind me - in a diving suit', according to the Daily Mail.

Billy Connolly's wife, psychologist Pamela Stephenson has also hit back saying Sir Michael doesn't know what he's talking about.

Sir Billy was a regular guest on his self-titled chat show which ran from 1971 to 2007, before he quit to focus on his autobiography and other projects.

As well as a successful career in stand-up comedy, Billy has also starred in the likes of The Hobbit, Mrs Brown and The Last Samurai.

He received his knighthood last October for his services to entertainment and charity - just weeks before his 75th birthday.

His knighthood occurred just a day after Billy - who revealed he is battling Parkinson's disease in 2013 - raised awareness of his condition at Downing Street.

The reception is a cause close to Billy's heart - he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and Parkinson's in the same week in 2013.

Parkinson's is a chronic neurological disorder, characterised by a deficiency of dopamine.

Actor Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali are among the most famous people with it.

The main symptoms are slowness of movement, stiffness of muscles and shaking.

Billy was recognised for his work in entertainment, both as a comedian and a TV personality, though he started out his career as a singer, originally performing with group The Humblebums.

After going solo, Billy released his first album Billy Connolly Live in 1972, the first of over 30 albums and comedic recordings made throughout his career.

After joining the chat show Parkinson in 1975, Billy made regular appearance on the show until its end in 2007, as well as a slew of other television and movie roles.

One of Billy's most iconic performances was in the period drama Mrs Brown, playing the infamous friend to Queen Victoria John Brown, and was nominated for a BAFTA for his performance.

Comedian Billy, also known as The Big Yin, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013 following minor surgery for prostate cancer.

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