Personal details
Official sites :
Born:
- Birthday: 1942-11-24
- Born Place: Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Also Known As:
William Connolly, Біллі Конноллі, William "Billy" Connolly, Jr., CBE, The Big Yin (The Big One), Sir Billy Connolly, 빌리 코놀리, بیلی کانلی, بیلی کانُلی
Billy Connolly
Sir William "Billy" Connolly, born on November 24, 1942, in Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland, is a beloved and iconic figure in entertainment, celebrated for his distinctive humor and charismatic presence as a comedian, musician, actor, television presenter, and artist. Known affectionately as "The Big Yin" (The Big One) in his native Scotland, Connolly's early life was marked by hardship; he was raised by his aunts after his mother left when he was young and his father was serving in the Royal Air Force. He left school at 15 and worked various jobs, including a boilermaker in the shipyards, before turning to music in the 1960s. He initially gained recognition as a folk singer, forming the band The Humblebums with Gerry Rafferty, where his humorous between-song banter began to overshadow the music itself.By the early 1970s, Connolly had fully transitioned into stand-up comedy, developing a unique style of observational humor, often improvisational and filled with colourful language and anecdotes from his working-class Scottish background. His breakthrough came with appearances on British television, particularly on Michael Parkinson's chat show, which launched him into mainstream stardom. Throughout the decades, he became renowned for his live performances, embarking on numerous successful world tours and releasing acclaimed stand-up specials like "An Audience With Billy Connolly" and "Billy and Albert." His routines often explored taboos, everyday life, and his personal experiences, delivered with a warmth and sincerity that endeared him to audiences worldwide.Beyond comedy, Connolly forged a successful acting career, appearing in a wide range of films and television series. Notable film roles include his BAFTA-nominated performance as John Brown in "Mrs. Brown" (1997) alongside Judi Dench, the enigmatic "Il Duce" in "The Boondock Saints" (1999) and its sequel, Zebulon Gant in "The Last Samurai" (2003) with Tom Cruise, and as Dr. Montgomery Montgomery in "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" (2004). He also lent his voice to animated characters, such as King Fergus in Disney/Pixar's "Brave" (2012) and McSquizzy in "Open Season" (2006). In "The Hobbit" trilogy, he played the formidable Dwarf King Dáin Ironfoot. On television, he starred in shows like "Head of the Class" and "Billy Connolly's World Tour" documentary series, where he explored various countries.In 2013, Connolly announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and had undergone surgery for prostate cancer. Despite the challenges of his health, he continued to perform and make public appearances, albeit with a reduced touring schedule. He was knighted in 2017 for his services to entertainment and charity, a testament to his immense cultural impact. Although he has largely retired from stand-up comedy due to his health, Billy Connolly remains a revered figure, leaving an indelible mark on comedy and entertainment with his singular voice, wit, and generosity of spirit.
