Sir Billy Connolly has said he doesn’t let his Parkinson’s ‘dictate’ who he is as he was honoured with the Bafta Fellowship.
The 79-year-old Scottish comedian will be celebrated for his incredible career spanning more than five decades at the Bafta TV Awards on May 8.
Sir Billy, who was knighted in 2017 for services to entertainment and charity, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013 and retired from live performances five years later but has continued to record programmes and make TV appearances.
Now residing in the US, the star will not be able to attend the ceremony in person, however he recorded an acceptance message that will be played.
‘It’s really important to work, to draw, to write, to walk silly for your grandchildren,’ he told Bafta.org, saying: ‘Doing the same thing you’ve always done is good for you.
‘I don’t let the Parkinson’s dictate who I am – I just get on with it. I’ve had a very successful career and I have no regrets at all.’
Speaking of the fellowship, he added: ‘I am deeply honoured. Fifty films and… I can’t remember how many TV shows – as well as my stage comedy – added up to something that’s a joy to look back on. A lovely thing. I have no regrets at all.
‘I had no idea the fellowship existed, but I’m told it’s a big deal!. It’s lovely to be recognised and to become a jolly good fellow.’
The fellowship is the highest accolade given to recognise ‘outstanding and exceptional contribution’ in film, games, or television across their career.
Sir Billy, who will turn 80 in November, joins a prestigious list of other recipients honoured for their work in the world of television which includes the likes of Sir David Attenborough, Dame Julie Walters, Sir Trevor McDonald, and Jon Snow.
Born in Glasgow in 1942, Sir Billy began his working life as a welder in the Clyde shipyards before embarking on a career as a folk singer and musician alongside Gerry Rafferty in The Humblebums before developing the stand-up act that made him famous.
He is also an accomplished actor, winning praise for his role opposite Dame Judi Dench in Mrs Brown in 1997, as well as The Man Who Sued God and The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies. He is also a gifted travel reporter, making a string of popular documentaries.
In 2002, he was presented with a Bafta Special Award and made a CBE in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
In 2010 he was given the highest honour Glasgow could bestow upon him – the Freedom of the City.
Two years later, he was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by Bafta Scotland for six decades in showbusiness.
The Virgin Media Bafta TV Awards will be hosted by Richard Ayoade on May 8 on BBC One from 6pm.
