Billy Connolly opens up about how long he has left

Famed UK comedian Billy Connolly has never been one to beat around the bush, and that has been no exception in regards to his battle with Parkinson’s disease.

As we previously reported, the 78-year-old star announced his retirement from live stand-up performances back in 2018, and earlier this year confirmed he was done with all performances in general. He explained of his decision:

"The Parkinson’s has made my brain work differently, and you need a good brain for comedy. I get upset because certain things go wrong with you, your brain goes adrift, and it affects your body. So you walk differently, you walk like a drunk man sometimes, and you’re frightened you’ll be judged on it."

And now, according to Independent, Billy Connolly is once again opening up on his experience with Parkinson’s disease, explaining how much time he believes he has left. While speaking with The Times, the popular actor shared:

"I don’t think I’ve got that long. I don’t want to be a comedian you feel sorry for. There’s an American boy who says, ‘Shaking is the new cool.’ He’s got it on a T-shirt. And bless him, but I don’t want to do it."

It’s extremely unfortunate that Connolly is struggling with this disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2013. Beginning his comedy career back in the 1970s, Connolly has gone on to perform in many successful stand-up shows, along with a handful of acting roles. Back in the 1990s, he was nominated for a BAFTA Award for his part in Mrs. Brown (1997).

Needless to say, no one wants to see Billy Connolly’s health decline like this. And even despite suffering from Parkinson’s, he’s still managed to keep up with his fans and give them the content they want. For instance, his new special Billy Connolly – It’s Been A Pleasure is set to debut Monday, December 28 on ITV.

We’re hopeful that Connolly will continue to be in his usual good spirits and can enjoy his life, no matter how much time he truly has left. And while he’s not performing his iconic stand-up bits, we’ll be on the lookout for more interviews or candid conversations from the comedian.