Billy Connolly's Life Story
Billy has earned himself a fortune, and lives a dream lifestyle. But he
wasn't always rich and comfortable. From his working-class roots in industrial
Glasgow, Billy left it quite late in life to enter stand-up comedy. This
section will give you a taste of Billy's life from birth to the present
day. |
 |
Billy's Childhood
Years
Billy is born in wartime Anderston, in Glasgow. His early childhood
is rocked by the break-up of his family, and being brought up by two harsh
aunts in Partick. |
1942
to
1952 |
 |
Billy's Teenage Years
Billy attends St. Gerard's Secondary School in Govan, but he does not
like it, and rarely does any homework. The family move to Drumchapel, and
Billy leaves school. |
1952
to
1957 |
 |
Billy's Stephens Shipyard
Years
Billy leaves school to become a bookshop delivery boy, then a bakers
van boy, then to enrol as an apprentice welder on the Clyde. Then he joins
the Territorial Army. |
1957
to
1965 |
 |
Billy's Folk Singing
Years
Billy learns the banjo and plays the Scotia Bar, where he gets involved
in the folk scene. He gets into various bands, culminating in the Humblebums,
and gets married to Iris. |
1965
to
1971 |
 |
Billy's Welly Boot
Years
Billy takes his comedy show on tour, to great success. This secures
him a recording contract, and his first tour to America. He appears on
Parkinson, and becomes a household name. |
1971
to
1975 |
 |
Billy's Touring Years
Billy tours relentlessly, and appears in his first acting roles. Illness
hits him after a depression caused by alcohol and grief over Matt McGinn's
death. Billy writes some plays. |
1975
to
1978 |
 |
Billy's Windsor
Years
Billy gets divorced and quits Glasgow after press houndings, moving
to London with Pamela. Billy is seen with the young Royals, and starts
to make it big in America. |
1978
to
1988 |
 |
Billy's American Years
Billy is offered the lead role of Head of the Class. Pamela wins her
green card in the immigration lottery, and the Connollys move to LA, where
he stars in his own sitcom, Billy. |
1988
to
1994 |
 |
Billy's Explorer
Years
Billy is back to Scotland to produce his World Tour, followed by a
trip to the Arctic, and then another World Tour of Australia. Billy's talents
as a television presenter are proved. |
1994
to
1996 |
 |
Billy's Acting Years
Billy proves at last that he is an accomplished character actor, with
his roles in Deacon Brodie and Mrs Brown. With more projects in the pipeline,
Billy continues to surprise us. |
1996
to
now |
|
