Billy Connolly had a ‘serious fall’ after balance problems while battling Parkinson’s: ‘It’s very difficult to see the progression’

Sir Billy Connolly’s wife Pamela Stephenson has spoken out about the star’s health problems, revealing that the comic had suffered ‘a few serious falls’ after noticing his balance was deteriorating.

Scottish comedian Sir Billy, 80, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease ten years ago, on the same day he discovered he had prostate cancer, which he was later given the all-clear for.

The comic spoke with his wife Pamela about the degenerative disease for an article The guard, and said: ‘It’s very difficult to see the progress exactly because a lot of things come and go.

‘Lately I have noticed a deterioration in my balance. That was never a problem before, but in the past year it has come and gone.

‘For some reason I thought it would go away, because a lot of symptoms have come and gone… just to defy the symptom seekers. The shaking is back…’

Pamela added: ‘The balance issue has been of great importance, hasn’t it?

‘Especially as it unfortunately resulted in you having a few serious falls…’

Sir Billy said he had fallen, which reminded him of a joke he made during his stay, explaining: ‘I used to say, “I fell out of bed, but luckily my face broke my fall…”

However, the prankster admitted that his falls “added to the list of things that hold me back.”

He said he often wants to go for a walk, but after fifty meters he feels tired and wants to go home, admitting that he is “affected by this disease (Parkinson’s disease).”

‘It creeps up behind me and stops me from doing things. It is a cruel disease,” he said.

While Pamela said the disease is ‘progressing quite slowly’, Sir Billy insists it ‘doesn’t make it any more pleasant’.

The couple opened up about how their relationship has changed since the comedian was diagnosed and Sir Billy said his wife now gets him dressed in the morning, mentioning that he has been asking for lifts everywhere as he can no longer drive.

In May last year, Billy said he doesn’t let his Parkinson’s disease define who he is, as he spoke about his honor at being named the 2022 recipient of the Bafta Fellowship.

The Scottish comedian was celebrated at last year’s Virgin Media Bafta TV Awards for a career spanning more than five decades.

Sir Billy, who was knighted in 2017 for his services to entertainment and charity, continued to record programs and make TV appearances after his diagnosis.

Speaking to Bafta.org about the fellowship, the highest award given to recognize ‘outstanding and exceptional contributions’ in film, games or television throughout their careers, he said: ‘I have a collection of shiny things that I really appreciate. am proud of. by.

‘But it was never my intention to catch them or track them down. I don’t believe in striving for it because if you don’t get it for some reason, you’re all set to be disappointed.

‘Just do what you are good at and before you know it you will have a colleague.

“It’s very important to work, draw, write and be silly for your grandchildren,” he told Bafta.org, saying: “Doing the same thing you’ve always done is good for you.

‘I won’t let Parkinson’s disease dictate who I am, I’ll just keep going. I’ve had a very successful career and I have no regrets at all.’