The legend that is Billy Connolly is a huge name throughout the world, but some of the younger generation may be unaware of how truly brilliant he is.
The retired comedian, actor, writer, singer, and presenter has been active on the arts scene since 1965 and has consistently been a part of Scottish culture. Known affectionately as the Big Yin, Billy has shaped how people view Glasgow as a city with his numerous tales of growing up a young Scottish lad in the Anderston area.
Consistently performing and recording between 1972 and 2016, Billy has numerous honours to his name and is adored by the world as arguably one of the greatest comedians to ever step on stage. Most recently, he was the recipient of a BAFTA Fellowship to mark his excellent 50-year career, which was stopped due to his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
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He has acted in films like The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Gulliver's Travels, and Brave, and has worked alongside the likes of Meryl Streep, Judy Davis, and Tom Cruise.
Many people are saddened by his retirement, but Billy hasn't allowed the incurable disease to quell his fire and passion for life.
As said perfectly by the Big Yin himself: "You either look at the world one way or another. It’s the old half-full half empty. It’s up to you. The world’s a great place, it’s full of great people. The choice is yours.”
Here, we look back fondly on some of Billy's funniest moments on stage and celebrate his birthday in the best way he would want - with laughter and joy.
Potatoes of the Night - 1994
In this video clip taken from a live show that Billy performed in 1994, the comedian takes a dig at pretentious restaurants whose menus leave a lot to the imagination.
The Big Yin hilariously calls out the 'soup of the day' list in these menus and quips: "I nearly fell out my chair. Potatoes of the night? I thought, maybe it's a band, like between the main course and the pudding, you know?"
How to write a country song - 1981
Back when Billy was still at the height of his music career writing songs, he discussed in his comedy set how to make the perfect country song. He broke this down while wearing a cowboy hat and one of his acoustic guitars, with long flowing hair and goatee intact.
Billy's Glasgow Shipyard tale - 1981
At the same concert, Billy Connolly 'fondly' recalls his time as a teenager working in one of Glasgow's shipyards. He describes the state of the shipyard toilets as a 'sight to behold', and remembers his boss who was training him as a welder.
Glaswegian House Party - 1999
In this clip, Billy tells the audience the story of how he met his friend Harkins at a Glasgow house party. He also describes his experience with filthy tenement flats and actors.
Swearing on the telly - 1975
In Billy's 1975 tour called the Big Banana Tour, he stops off in Ireland and discusses how he gets away with swearing in front of his children. He also commented on a controversy surrounding swearing on television.
UK vs USA English pronunciation - 2006
In this video, Billy describes yet another thing that "gets on my t***" - the difference in pronunciation in the UK versus the States. He even has a go at George W. Bush for pronouncing nuclear wrong, saying: "Sound it out, George! Its nuc-lear!"
Ghosts - 2010
During the Live in London show, Billy discusses ghosts, angels, and a load of other "b*******" when he describes an experience he had while on stage in Dublin.
Worst pain known to man - 2006
In this clip of his 'Was it Something I Said' tour, Billy discusses the 'worst pain known to man'. It doesn't take a genius to figure out quite what he's describing here!
Cinema food - 2005
In his live set in New York, Connolly makes hilarious observations about the modern cinema experience.
Glasgow Airport terrorist attack - 2007
While the topic of the Glasgow Airport attack was still a sensitive matter in 2007, Billy was still able to bring some light-hearted humour into the situation.
In this clip, he jokes: "What were they f****** thinking about bringing terror to Glasgow."
This clip has garnered 6.8 million views on YouTube, as Billy describes the religious fanatical side of terrorism, and sharply adds: "I'm not sure you're religious fanatics without a football team."
We wish Billy a many happy returns on his upcoming birthday, and thank him for all his efforts in the arts and entertainment industry - Glasgow will never be the same thanks to him!
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