Billy Connolly revealed that he behaves differently around his kids because he does not want them to feel sorry for him.
In his ITV documentary Billy Connolly, My Absolute Pleasure, the comedian (79) discusses his struggle with Parkinson’s in an interview. It aired Boxing Day.
Father-of-5 shared how he thought a lot about death, but didn’t find it scary.
Candid: Billy Connolly has revealed he often behaves in a certain way around his children as he doesn’t want them to ‘feel sorry’ for him while he battles Parkinson’s disease
Billy is the father of Jamie, 52 and Cara, 48. He and Iris Pressagh are ex-wives.
The star was diagnosed with the brain disorder which leads to shaking, stiffness and difficulties with walking and balance in 2013.
His words were: “Parkinson’s Disease took a lot out of me. The banjo is no longer a part of my life. It is just noise. I don’t like to yodel. I can’t smoke cigars. It’s taken more and more of what I like – it’s kind of painful.
You have to be a Glasgow person and tell them, “Oh you think I’ve got you beat. Try this.” That’s what I do. If I fall, I fall.
Family: Billy is father to Jamie, 52, and Cara, 48, with his ex-wife Iris Pressagh and Daisy, 37, Amy, 35, and Scarlett, 33, with his wife Pamela Stephenson (pictured with Amy and Scarlett ijn 2003)
“I must behave in a certain manner so that my children won’t believe I’m dead and they don’t feel sorry about me.”
He said, “I think about death often, not excessively, but everyday. It’s okay to see people go. It is not difficult. It’s easy to let it go. Then you exhale. This is nothing to be scared of. This is just the beginning.
“It is better to smile, be positive and laugh. It’s not easy to do this once.
“I sound like an end–of-the–pier preacher. But be kind and thoughtful, and you’ll get back what you gave. Love is all there is. This is all that exists.
Candid: The comedian, 79, discusses his battle with Parkinson’s disease in his ITV documentary Billy Connolly: My Absolute Pleasure which aired on Boxing Day
Billy talked about how Parkinson’s had affected his ability to perform, and also explained that he took a backward step from stand up comedy.
He explained that he had made the choice to not stand because of his illness. The sharpness had gone, and it was negatively affecting my work.
“I don’t regret anything, and I feel amazing. It’s not too late, the door is closing. You’ll find it much more enjoyable than this.
Many viewers took to Twitter to express their appreciation for Billy’s honesty in the documentary and his sense of humor, which featured old stand-up videos prominently.
He said: ‘I have to behave in a certain way so my children don’t think I’m a dead loss and so they don’t feel sorry for me’ (pictured with wife Pamela Stephenson)
One person wrote that he was the funniest comedian ever. No one will be close. It is his approach to life that makes him funny. He didn’t try to offend anyone, he simply observed the world and found humor in it.
One other said, “My favorite comedian ever still has a great outlook about life.”
One viewer commented: “Best TV program over Christmas by a mile.” Billy Connolly, the wonderful.
The star shared earlier this month that he learned how to “hypnotise” his hand so it becomes still when he starts shaking.
Reaction: The documentary was praised by viewers on Twitter for its candidness and humor. Old stand-up videos were prominently featured in the show’s retweets
The Big Yin is also known on screen as The Big Yin. He has never been ashamed to admit the limits he experiences.
Radio Times interviewed him to explain that the progress of his illness has made it impossible to send letters. But he revealed proudly that he’s using “hypnosis” to keep his hands in control.
Sir Billy told the publication: ‘I’ve learnt to hypnotise my hand. It kinda quivers when I stare at it. Then it just stops. It’s quite a good trick. We love it.’
Reflecting on his condition, he added: ‘I’ve never tried to cover up the illness. I’m p**sed off with it. It won’t go away. It is almost like a prison. It’s hard to stay positive, but I try.