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Billy Connolly: ‘Bits of me are falling off’ Comedian, 76, on why he may not perform again


In a pre-recorded interview with Virgin Radio host Chris Evans, 53, Sir Billy Connolly, 76, discussed his Parkinson’s disease, career and new book.

When asked about his life in comedy, the comedian admitted he may not be able to perform again due to hearing problems.

He said to the radio presenter: “I’ve stopped performing because of my Parkinson’s disease and I’ve stopped touring.

“I may perform at some other point but I have no plans to. And I’m quite happy taking my medicine and getting along with it.

“I’ve started to drool which is a new one on me. This disease it gives you a new thing every now and again that you have to deal with and drooling is my latest.

“I walk unsteadily and my hearing is going and it’s bizarre that bits of me are falling off but it’s interesting.”

Chris then asked if performing could affect his well-being, to which he replied: “It would affect my performance. I don’t think the way I used to, I don’t think at the same speed as I used to.

“And because I don’t need to. I don’t really know if the performance bit has gone because I have to get into the performance mode to see that.

“I’d have to walk onto the stage and I’ve never done that. And steadily more symptoms come and it’s incurable. It’s not going to end.”

Billy went on to say he was recently offered to perform at a Parkinson’s charity gig, but turned it down.

The comedian was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition, in 2013.

Despite having no plans to perform, Billy went on to say life “is good” as he praised his wife and family for their help.

This week, he released his new book Tall Tales and Wee Stories: The Best of Billy Connolly.

The performer said the ending of the book is, “The performer saying goodbye”, but not him personally.

Last year, Billy said he was “at the wrong end of the telescope of life” in a documentary.

He said: “There is no denying it, I am 75, I have got Parkinson’s and I am at the wrong end of the telescope of life.

“I am at the point where the yesteryears mean more than the yesterdays.

“Because, it is back there in my childhood and youth when I go to all those things that made me that live keenest in my memory now.

“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.”

The Chris Evans Virgin Radio Breakfast Show with Sky airs weekdays from 6am. 



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