The second part of his documentary airs this week
Legendary Scottish comedian Billy Connolly has admitted he is “near the end” and that his life is “slipping away”, as he spoke about his fight with Parkinson’s disease.
Speaking during the upcoming second part of his BBC documentary series Made In Scotland, Connolly spoke frankly about his battle with the illness and revealed that he is not scared of death.
Connolly was diagnosed with the neurological condition six years ago, the same year he underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer.
“My life, it’s slipping away and I can feel it and I should. I’m 75, I’m near the end. I’m a damn sight nearer the end than I am the beginning. But it doesn’t frighten me, it’s an adventure and it is quite interesting to see myself slipping away,” he said.
He added: “As bits slip off and leave me, talents leave and attributes leave. I don’t have the balance I used to have, I don’t have the energy I used to have. I can’t hear the way I used to hear, I can’t see as good as I used to. I can’t remember the way I used to remember.”
"That's poetry whether you like it or naw"
Billy Connolly on the poetry of swearing in Glasgow.
Warning: contains poetry and swearing.
Watch #BillyConnolly Made in Scotland Friday at 9pm on BBC Two Scotland https://t.co/nQRqgVTsvO pic.twitter.com/VBxI2lrtpW
— BBC Scotland (@BBCScotland) January 2, 2019
If anyone tuned in to see the first part of the documentary, it was evident just how much Glasgow shaped the comedy stylings of The Big Yin. Spending time with his friends as a welder in his home city transformed Connolly into the comedian that we all know and love as viewers got an insight into how his wonderful mind works.
It’s also clear to see just how Connolly revolutionised stand up comedy and how his unique and surreal style is still having an impact today.
An icon.
Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland will air on BBC2 at 9pm on Friday.
