Michael Parkinson meet Billy Connolly

Oh, that is so sad.

The first time that Billy Connolly came to my notice was on Parkinson almost 50 years ago I think.

I still laugh out loud at the joke he told on there. Impossibly un pc now but still really funny.

Parkinson is an a**e, anything to get back in the news. Connolly should be remembered as the hilarious comedian he was, not as a Parkinson's victim. My sympathy is with his wife and family who would probably prefer to be allowed to cope in peace and quiet and not have the press pack trying to grab a photo or a story.

I don’t take newspapers so which one is running this ?
I think Billy Connolly is a very funny man and this is sad I wish the blooming press would leave people alone

Maybe he did recognise him but couldn't be arsed! I never really like MP much, something a bit creepy about him. It will be a sad day when we lose Billy Connolly, definitely one of life's characters.

In fairness to Parky, Connelly went public sbout his illness five years ago because he wanted the illness spoken about. Parky went recently to New York to present Connelly with an award and told of his sadness at his friend’s decline in health to James Martin.

TerriBull the artical says that they spent time together, they are good friends. Billy knew Parky was a friend but didn't really know who he was.
I don't think Parky would have done this without Pamela's agreement.

*article

Parky was probably saying it as it is! How was he making a big thing of it? From what I understand he is very close to Billy Connolly or was over the years and probably is sad for him. You know what newspapers are like? Always mountains etc..... (not seen any article btw). Unless the family is angry I don't see why anyone else should be.

What Bluegal said ^^

When Connolly first spoke about his Parkinsons it was to inform people and ensure they were tested if they were worried. His diagnosis was after a doctor who specialised in it had seen Billy walking in a hotel and noticed things which concerned him and asked him to get tested. He wanted others to know that better treatment was available if you were diagnosed early. I'm not sure that necessarily fits with the disclosure by Parky. I think the family would keep people informed and provide the info they wanted to the press.

I admire Billy as a comedian and a person with Parkinson's disease
He is Clyde Built and will take Parkinson's comment with a large pinch of Glaswegian salt.

trisher but how do YOU know the family didn't ask him to? Not saying they did or didn't but non of us know do we?

The family have now stated that MP is talking rubbish and Connolly is fine. A production company working with him has said the same. Hmm-curiouser and curiouser.

I read that news item today too and my feelings were exactly the same as yours Floradora9.

Yes, Billy Connolly had been open about having Parkinsons but I think it was quite wrong for Michael Parkinson to discuss BC's current mental state. It is a private matter and in my view MP did not respect BC's privacy.

If someone spoke in that way to all and sundry about a person close to me I would feel very let down. Would anyone appreciate such comments if they were about a child or partner who was gravely ill?

Best stand up I ever saw many years ago, I laughed until I couldn't breathe and my belly hurt, totally un pc but brilliant, don't think MP meant any harm, a few honest words taken to the extreme as usual

Maybe Parky doesn't remember things properly!

We saw BC when he was part of the Humblebums, a folk duo. They were playing Hitchin Folk Club and Billy was booed by the earnest folk singing audience for telling too many jokes! DH had a chat with him in the Gents and found him very nice and ordinary. As I suppose he then was.
Horrible disease PD! Shame on Parkinson for his comments.

Short extract from the Daily Mail this morning .

“Sir Billy Connolly's wife Pamela brands Sir Michael Parkinson a 'daft old fart' and says her husband is 'doing great'... after broadcaster claimed comic didn't recognise his close friends”

daft old fart!

www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6080409/Sir-Billy-Connollys-wife-Pamela-brands-Sir-Michael-Parkinson-daft-old-fart.html

Wasn’t sure if we were still allowed links ?

I always thought Billy Connolly was great. I used to have his album "Get Right Intae Him". It was the funniest thing I ever heard. probs half of the jokes wouldn't be allowed now, but then no-one cared. I used to have his single as well "Wellies" and he did a parody of "DIVORCE" as well. I got one of his recent DVD's and a C.D of him as well and I don't think he has lost it at all. he is still just as funny. It might be harder for him to think of the jokes, but comedy has always been a serious business. If and when he eventually goes, I shall miss him

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Please Grans do not heed this woman and her quackery, PD needs the correct drugs.

Well MP is getting older too. I'm sure he didn't mean to offend. He and Billy are great friends.