Billy Connolly 'radical' difference since Parkinson's diagnosis - 'I hate being that dependent'

Billy opened up on his diagnosis

PA
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 12/10/2023

- 09:47

Updated: 24/11/2023

- 11:32

Billy Connolly has opened up on the changes to his life since being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and how he tries to keep a positive attitude

Comedian Billy Connolly shared an updated on his life with Parkinson's Disease after being diagnosed in 2013.

He explained his life has dramatically changed living with the illness.


Billy has taken a step back from performing in recent years.

The 80-year-old spoke of some of the symptoms Parkinson's disease has caused for him.

Billy Connolly

He is best known as a comedian

PA

He explained he will often need the assistance of a stick or sometimes a wheelchair.

"My life has changed radically since the diagnosis of Parkinson's," he told BBC Radio 4's Today.

"I walk with a stick, in the airports I have to get the wheelchair. I hate being dependent to that degree."

The comedian went on to explain some other symptoms, including losing his balance or shaking occasionally.

Billy continued: "I'm clumsy and I'm out of balance. I lose my balance a lot and I fall. I'm fed up with it."

However, he said he takes a positive attitude with the illness.

"I think I have a good attitude with it. I say to the diesease 'I'll give you a break if you give me a break'. We're nice to each other," he continued.

"I think most things can be conquered."

Billy Connolly

He has taken a step back from performing

PA

Billy spoke ahead of the release of his new book Rambling Man: My Life on the Road.

Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the brain.

The main symptoms are tremors, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness, according to the NHS.

There is currently no cure for the illness, but some things can make it easier to live with.

This includes therapies or in some cases, surgery.

During the interview, Billy risked angering woke listeners with a rude joke.

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